Making your own New York bagels at home is simple and fun! These bagels are chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
They are fun to shape and boil before baking, just like the pros do! I love to serve them warm with cream cheese or my favorite jam. Trust me, once you try these, store-bought won’t cut it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: Bread flour is best for bagels as it has a higher protein content, which gives them that nice chew. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture might be a bit softer.
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast works great because it doesn’t need to be activated. If you only have active dry yeast, you can use it—just dissolve it in warm water first.
Honey: Honey helps to give a nice flavor to the bagels and assists in browning. If you prefer, you can substitute with sugar or agave syrup.
Toppings: Everything bagel seasoning is delicious, but feel free to use your favorites! You can swap it for cheese, or just go plain for a classic. Also, if you don’t have sesame or poppy seeds, you can use crushed nuts or even everything spice mixes.
How Do I Shape My Bagels Perfectly?
Shaping your bagels can seem tricky, but it’s pretty simple! Here’s how to do it right:
- After your dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the middle with your finger.
- Gently stretch the hole to about 2 to 3 inches. Make sure it’s large enough because it will shrink when boiled.
- Rest the shaped bagels for about 10 minutes to firm up before boiling.
Don’t worry if your first few bagels aren’t perfect—they’ll still taste amazing! With practice, you’ll get the hang of it.
Easy Homemade New York Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)
Toppings (optional):
- Everything bagel seasoning (mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt)
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Dried minced onion or garlic
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 hours in total. You will need around 15-20 minutes for preparation, 1 hour for the dough to rise, and 20-25 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to let the bagels cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Dough:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix it together until the dough starts to come together into a ball.
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed, but try not to overdo it.
4. Let It Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or some plastic wrap. Find a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, and then poke a hole through the center with your finger. Gently stretch the hole to create a ring that’s about 2-3 inches in diameter.
6. Rest the Bagels:
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined tray. Cover them lightly with a towel and let them rest for about 10 minutes.
7. Preheat the Oven:
While the bagels are resting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Also, bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the honey.
8. Boil the Bagels:
Carefully drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water. Boil them for 1 minute on each side. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting the excess water drip off.
9. Prepare for Baking:
Place the boiled bagels directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
10. Add Toppings:
If you’d like, sprinkle your favorite toppings over the wet bagels so they stick nicely. Everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds are all great choices!
11. Bake the Bagels:
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once they are baked to perfection, remove the bagels from the oven. Let them cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Enjoy them warm with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spread!
Now you have delicious, homemade New York bagels ready to enjoy! Happy baking!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that using all-purpose flour will result in a slightly softer texture for the bagels. If you want that classic chewy texture, stick with bread flour when possible!
What If I Don’t Have Honey for Boiling?
No worries! You can substitute honey with regular sugar or agave syrup. The addition helps with browning but isn’t strictly necessary, so feel free to skip it if you don’t have any on hand.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, just toast them directly from the freezer!
Can I Add Other Flavors or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs, cheese, or spices into the dough for extra flavor. You can also top them with your favorite seasonings before baking!
