Easy Homemade Bagels: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the chewy texture and golden crust of a freshly baked bagel. While store-bought bagels are convenient, making your own at home is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. With this easy homemade bagels recipe, you can enjoy freshly baked bagels with minimal effort. Whether you love a plain bagel, flavored bagels, or something more unique, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

If you’ve been searching for a bagel recipe easy enough for beginners, you’re in the right place! This recipe uses simple ingredients and requires no special equipment—just a little patience and a love for homemade bread. Plus, if you own a bread machine, we’ve got an alternative method under bread machine recipes to make the process even simpler.

Let’s get started on making delicious homemade bagels!

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Bagels

Basic Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Optional Toppings:

• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Coarse salt
• Cinnamon sugar

Water Bath (For Chewy Texture):

• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Bagels

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add the flour and salt, then mix until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 5 minutes.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Shape the Bagels

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the center.
3. Stretch the hole slightly to shape it into a classic plain bagel shape.
4. Place the shaped bagels on a lightly floured surface, cover, and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Boil the Bagels

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add honey or sugar along with baking soda. This step helps achieve that classic bagel crust.
2. Gently drop 2-3 bagels at a time into the boiling water. Boil for 30 seconds on each side.
3. Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake the Bagels

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. If using toppings, brush the bagels with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
4. Let the bagels cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Bread Machine Method

For those who prefer using a bread machine recipe, here’s an alternative method:

1. Add the water, sugar, salt, flour, and yeast to the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Select the “dough” cycle and let the machine mix and knead the dough.
3. Once the cycle is complete, remove the dough, shape the bagels, and follow the boiling and baking steps above.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Bagels

1. Classic Cream Cheese Bagel

Spread your favorite cream cheese flavor over a toasted plain bagel for a classic breakfast option.

2. Bagel Sandwich

Use your bagel as the base for a delicious sandwich with eggs, bacon, and cheese.

3. Bagel Pizza

Slice a bagel in half, add marinara sauce, cheese, and toppings, then toast for a quick and tasty bagel pizza.

4. Sweet Cinnamon Bagel

Spread butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar over a toasted bagel for a sweet treat.

5. Bagel and Hummus

For a healthier option, spread hummus on your bagel and top with sliced cucumbers or tomatoes.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Bagels

To keep your homemade bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, here’s how to freeze them:

1. Slice the bagels in half.
2. Wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
3. When ready to eat, toast them straight from the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast.

Fun Fact: Bagels vs. Pita Pockets

Bagels and pita pockets are both popular bread options, but they have some key differences. While bagels are boiled before baking to give them a dense and chewy texture, pita pockets are baked at high temperatures, causing them to puff up and create a pocket inside. Both are delicious and versatile, but if you’re looking for a hearty and chewy bread option, bagels are the way to go!

Conclusion

Making easy homemade bagels at home is simpler than you might think! Whether you follow the traditional method or use a bread machine recipe, you’ll end up with fresh, delicious bagels that can be customized with your favorite toppings and flavors. Try this bagel recipe today and enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread!

Enjoy your homemade bagels with cream cheese, butter, or as part of a sandwich. Whatever way you like them, there’s nothing better than a warm, freshly baked bagel straight from your oven. Happy baking!