Homemade Bagels

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making homemade bagels from scratch—the smell of warm dough rising, the gentle boil that gives them that signature chew, and the golden finish straight from the oven. With just a handful of pantry staples like warm water, active dry yeast, a touch of sugar, and flour, you can create bakery-quality bagels right in your own kitchen. A little salt brings balance, while a brushed egg white gives each bagel that beautiful glossy crust, ready to hold all your favorite toppings—whether you love classic sesame seeds, everything seasoning, or something uniquely your own. Once you try these homemade bagels, you’ll never look at store-bought the same way again.

The recipe can be found here.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. Add the flour and salt, then mix until a dough forms and comes together into a ball. Knead for about 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour. Once risen, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape.

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water (about 8 cups) to a boil. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar until dissolved. Working in batches of 2–3, boil the bagels for 1 minute on each side, then remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush each bagel with the beaten egg white. If you prefer plain bagels, they can go straight into the oven, or you can sprinkle your desired toppings such as sesame seeds or everything seasoning before baking. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown.

Allow the bagels to cool slightly before slicing. Serve with cream cheese, butter and jam, or peanut butter for a fresh, homemade treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature once completely cooled.

The recipe can be found here.

Homemade bagels are one of those simple kitchen projects that feel extra rewarding from start to finish. With a handful of basic ingredients and a little time, you get fresh, chewy, golden bagels that taste far better than anything store-bought. Whether you keep them classic or load them up with your favorite toppings, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack.

Happy Cooking!