Homemade Bagel Recipe – Chewy & Flavorful

This homemade bagel recipe guides you through creating chewy and perfectly browned bagels, ideal for breakfast or any meal.
A variety of flavorful bagels, some topped with sesame and poppy seeds, rest on parchment paper on a white countertop, showcasing a delightful homemade bagel recipe.
An assortment of flavorful bagels, including plain, sesame, and poppy seed varieties, are arranged on a white cloth, viewed from above.

Homemade Bagel Recipe - Chewy & Flavorful

A blonde woman in a white suit smiling at a table.Sarah Thompson
Enjoy a classic breakfast staple with a simple homemade bagel recipe. Soft and chewy, these bagels are perfect with cream cheese, butter, or any of your favorite toppings.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Meal Type Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8 bagels
Calories 249 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $3
Shopping Cost$23

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Oven

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 1 ½ cups water warm
  • 2 tablespoons honey for boiling water
  • sesame seeds (Toppings) or poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
    4 cups bread flour, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon instant yeast, 1 1/2 cups water
  • Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add honey.
    2 tablespoons honey
  • Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape.
  • Boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side, then place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Add toppings if desired, then bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
    sesame seeds

Notes

Experiment with different toppings or add-ins like raisins or blueberries.
Boiling the bagels in honey water gives them a slightly sweet crust.

Nutrition

Calories: 249kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 8gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 585mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Bagel, Breakfast, Comfort Food, Homemade, Simple Recipe

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

For someone constantly balancing multiple passions like coding, design, and physics, a hearty breakfast is essential. This homemade bagel recipe offers a perfect start to the day, combining simplicity with the satisfaction of creating something from scratch. These bagels are a go-to for those busy mornings, fueling creativity and productivity with every bite.

A plate of grilled tofu with cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and pine nuts, garnished with a mint leaf, on a bed of green lettuce.
Eat healthier with Ease

Top Rated by Home Cooks

Our Favorite Culinary Kitchen AI Tools

See why home cooks love CookbookAI! Discover how our tools are transforming kitchens with real stories and feedback from our users.

A woman in an apron smiles while using a tablet in a kitchen. Fresh vegetables, including tomatoes and lettuce, are on the counter.

Related Recipes

6 comments

  • Rachel

    Can these be made ahead and frozen?

    • A blonde woman in a white suit smiling at a table.
      Sarah Thompson

      Hi Rachel,
      Yes you can freeze them for later. After kneading, shape the dough into bagels before freezing. When you’re ready to use the dough, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before boiling and baking as usual. Don’t forget to label with the date.

  • Denise

    Hello Sarah, I made your bagels recipe today for breakfast and everybody liked. Very delicious, soft and as you say chewy. Thank you for sharing.

    • A blonde woman in a white suit smiling at a table.
      Sarah Thompson

      Hi Denise,
      Thank you! If you ever want to mix things up, try adding some toppings like sesame seeds or chopped onions before baking. They can really add a unique flavor. Happy baking!

  • Denise

    5 stars
    Hello Sarah, I made your bagels recipe and it is delicious. My son and my grandkids love it. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

    • A blonde woman in a white suit smiling at a table.
      Sarah Thompson

      Hey Denise!

      I’m so happy to hear you loved the bagels! It makes my day knowing your son and grandkids enjoyed them too. If you have any recipe requests or something you’re craving, just shout!

      Thanks a bunch for giving it a go, and send my love to the family!

      Take care!

5 from 1 vote

Leave your comment

Recipe Rating