Homemade Bagels: Easy to Make and Perfect for Every Occasion
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of fresh bagels baking in the oven. Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying midday snack, or a delicious base for a sandwich, homemade bagels are one of those timeless treats that can be easily mastered at home. Even better, they freeze beautifully, meaning you can always have a stash ready for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
From sweet to savory and everything in between, once you try making bagels at home, you’ll never look back.
Why Make Homemade Bagels?
First and foremost, homemade bagels are incredibly easy to make. You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced baking skills—just a few simple ingredients, some patience, and a willingness to experiment. Unlike many store-bought bagels that are loaded with preservatives and unnecessary additives, making them at home gives you complete control over what goes into each bite.
Moreover, baking bagels at home means you can enjoy fresh, warm bagels anytime, straight from your own oven. No more settling for dry or rubbery supermarket bagels when you can have chewy, golden perfection made with love in your own kitchen.
Another major perk? Homemade bagels are cost-effective. For the price of one or two bakery bagels, you can whip up an entire batch to enjoy all week—or freeze for later. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, homemade bagels are a thoughtful, economical option.
The Simple, Wholesome Ingredients
So here are the ingredients in these homemade bagels. They’re basic, easy to find ingredients. Even more, they’re better for you than most commercial alternatives.
1. Yeast
Yeast is the heart of any good bagel. It’s responsible for the dough’s rise, creating that perfect chew and airiness that defines a great bagel. In addition to its functional role, yeast contains B vitamins, protein, and antioxidants, which support energy production and overall cellular health.
2. Sugar (or Maple Sugar)
Sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the flavor. Maple sugar, in particular, is a natural alternative with trace minerals like zinc and manganese, offering a healthier twist than refined white sugar. Plus, it adds a rich, earthy depth to your bagels. Never heard of maple sugar? It’s simply a dry concentrated maple syrup and it is so worth having in the kitchen! I grabbed a jar last time I was in Quebec, but it can also be found on Amazon.
3. Salt
Not only does salt enhance the flavor, but it also regulates the yeast’s activity and strengthens the dough. In moderation, salt is essential for electrolyte balance and nerve function, making it a small but mighty ingredient.
4. Warm Water
Water is what brings the dough together and activates the yeast. Using the right temperature (around 110°F) ensures a proper rise. Hydration is essential in all aspects of health, and while bagels aren’t a primary source of water, it’s good to know you’re working with clean, minimal ingredients. Additionally, water is used to boil the bagels before baking. This process gives the bagels the classic chewy outer texture.
5. Organic Bread Flour
The backbone of your bagels, organic bread flour is high in protein, which leads to better gluten development. This helps with the bagel’s signature chewiness. Organic flour is grown without synthetic pesticides, therefore, making it a cleaner, healthier choice for you and the environment.
6. Egg Wash
Brushing your bagels with egg wash before baking gives them that gorgeous golden-brown sheen. Eggs are a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins like B12 and choline. Plus, it’s an easy step that adds an impressive appearance and helps the toppings stick to the bagel.
The Health Benefits of Making Bagels at Home
One of the biggest reasons to make your own bagels is the health advantage. Store-bought bagels often contain preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, and hidden trans fats. When you bake at home, you get to skip the junk and focus on quality.
Here are just a few health benefits of homemade bagels:
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Lower in sodium compared to processed versions
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Fewer artificial ingredients and preservatives
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Customizable nutrition—add seeds for omega-3s, whole grains or fruit for fiber, and spices for antioxidants
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Portion control—make minis or control the size for better calorie awareness
In addition, the act of baking itself is a mindful, stress-reducing activity. It connects you to your food and helps foster healthier eating habits overall.
Fully Customizable for Any Taste
One of the best parts of homemade bagels, of course, is how adaptable they are. Whether you prefer something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, you can easily mix in your favorite ingredients or top them however you like.
Sweet Add-ins:
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Cinnamon and raisin
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Blueberries or dried cranberries
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Dark chocolate chips
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Pumpkin spice with a maple glaze
Savory Add-ins:
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Everything bagel seasoning (onion, garlic, sesame, poppy)
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Jalapeño and cheddar
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Sun-dried tomato and basil
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Black olives and rosemary
Above all, don’t forget the toppings! Just before baking, brush with egg wash and sprinkle on:
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Sesame seeds
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Poppy seeds
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Flaky salt
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Crushed nuts
The options are endless, and the best part is you can make different flavors in the same batch. Just divide the dough and get creative.
Perfect for Every Meal or Occasion
Because they’re so versatile, bagels can be enjoyed in countless ways throughout the day:
For Breakfast:
Start your day with a classic: toasted bagel with cream cheese or avocado. Want something more filling? For an even more satisfying start to your day, add a fried egg, crispy bacon, and melty cheese to your bagel for a high-protein breakfast sandwich that keeps you full for hours.
As a Snack:
For a crunchy snack, slice up a bagel and toast it into bagel chips—perfect for dipping in hummus. Alternatively, spread it with almond butter and top with banana slices for an energy-boosting afternoon treat.
For Lunch or Dinner:
Instead of reaching for regular sandwich bread, try using a bagel for a heartier, more satisfying meal. Not only does it add extra texture and flavor, but it also holds up better to heavier fillings, making it a perfect choice for stacked sandwiches or warm, melty creations.
Entertaining or Gifting:
Bringing a fresh batch of homemade bagels to work, school, or a brunch party is always a hit. They’re easy to transport, can be made in advance, and show you put in the effort. Plus, everyone appreciates a fresh, delicious homemade treat.
They Freeze Perfectly!
Another massive advantage? Homemade bagels freeze incredibly well. Once they’re cooled, simply slice them in half and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
This makes them ideal for meal prep, especially if you like having quick, wholesome breakfast options on hand. Make a double batch on the weekend and enjoy fresh-tasting bagels all week long.
Why You Should Start Making Bagels Today
In a world where fast food and store-bought items dominate, there’s something truly special about returning to simple, homemade recipes. Bagels are a perfect example of how just a few quality ingredients can transform into something spectacular.
From the nutritional benefits of using wholesome ingredients to the creative freedom of customizing your flavors, homemade bagels offer something that store-bought ones simply can’t match. They’re also a beautiful way to connect with others—whether you’re baking with family, gifting to coworkers, or just enjoying a moment of calm with a warm bagel and a cup of tea.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your yeast, warm water, and organic bread flour, and start baking. Once you taste the results, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try homemade bagels sooner.
Looking For More Freezable Breakfast Ideas? Try:
Chocolate Chip Sourdough Pancakes
French Toast
Quiche Lorraine
Bagels
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
- straw, chop sticks, or stir stick
- slotted spoon
Ingredients
- 4 tsp Instant yeast
- 3 tbsp Maple sugar (regular sugar is okay)
- 3 tsp Sea salt
- 2⅔ cups Water
- 7 cups Bread flour
- 5 quarts water
- 2 tbsp Maple sugar
- 1 Egg, beaten with 1 tsp of water
Instructions
- In a large stand mixer, combine the instant yeast, sugar, sea salt, water, and bread flour.
- Using the dough hook, knead the dough for 8-10 minutes.
- Cover the bowl and allow to rise for 1 hour.
- After the dough has risen, punch down the dough and remove from the bowl. Separate the dough into 15 equal pieces and roll each into a tight ball. Place the dough balls onto a parchment lined sheet pan and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
- Add water and maple sugar to the stock pot and bring to a boil.
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- Using a chopstick, poke a hole through the center of a dough ball and spin the dough to make the hole in the center larger. Using your hands, stretch the bagels so that they keep the round shape, but the center hole is about 2 inches in diameter.
- Place the bagels (about 4 at a time) into the boiling sugar water and boil each side for 1-2 minutes. The bagels can be flipped and removed from the water using the slotted spoon.
- Remove the bagels from the water to the parchment paper lined sheet pans. Brush each bagel with egg wash and generously sprinkle with topping (ie: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppyseeds)
- Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the internal temperature is 200℉.
- Allow to cool on a cooling rack for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
