Golden, chewy bagels with a glossy crust and that signature bagel seasoning crunch—this homemade bagel recipe is the only one you’ll ever need! We’re using active dry yeast and warm water to speed up the dough rise, a honey-infused boiling water bath for next-level flavor and texture, and skipping the egg wash because, let’s be real, there's everything good about eating a fresh bagel with your favorite toppings.

With just a few basic ingredients, you'll be enjoying these babies in a couple of hours without the need of overnight fermenting.

This is bagel bread recipe perfection, Hunger Hugs style!

Equipment You’ll Need

Before we dive into baking the best chewy bagels, let’s get our gear ready:

✔ Bowl of a stand mixer (or mixing bowl) – Kneading by hand works, but a dough hook makes life easier.

✔ Large bowl – For letting the dough rise properly.

✔ Plastic wrap or clean kitchen towel – To cover the dough while it rests.

✔ Parchment paper or Silpat – Prevents sticking and ensures a golden bottom.

✔ Large pot – Because every great bagel gets a boiling water bath.

✔ Slotted spoon or spider strainer – For removing bagels from the water bath.

✔ Wire cooling rack – So your bagels don’t get soggy.

✔ Baking sheet – To hold your bagels while they bake.

✔ One chop stick – To help add the seasoning o the boiled bagel (watch the video to see how I use this high-tech piece of equipment)

Ingredients

For the Dough

7g (2 and 3/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
360ml (1 and 1/2 cups) warm water (100-110°F / 38-43°C)
520g (4 cups) bread flour, plus extra if the dough is too sticky
12g (1 tablespoon) granulated sugar or barley malt syrup
10g (2 teaspoons) salt
Nonstick spray or 10ml (2 teaspoons) olive oil (to grease the large bowl)

For the Water Bath (The Secret to Chewy Bagels!)

2 liters boiling water
60ml (1/4 cup) honey (adds subtle sweetness + shine!)
15g (1 tablespoon) salt

For the Everything Bagel Seasoning

20g (2 tablespoons) white sesame seeds
20g (2 tablespoons) black sesame seeds
10g (1 tablespoon) poppy seeds
10g (1 tablespoon) dried minced garlic
10g (1 tablespoon) dried minced onion
5g (1 teaspoon) coarse sea salt

Instructions

1. Make the Dough

This is where your bagel magic starts!

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let sit for 1-2 minutes until the yeast dissolves and activates.
Add bread flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on low speed with the dough hook until a rough dough forms (about 2 minutes).
If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add 10-20g of flour (1-2 tablespoons) at a time until it becomes firm, smooth, and only slightly tacky.
Knead on medium speed for 6-8 minutes (or by hand for 10 minutes) until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Covering the bagel bread dough and letting it rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes. My room temperature is around 22-24°C

2. First Dough Rise (Let the yeast do its thing!)

Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Place the dough inside and turn it so it’s coated.
Cover with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Bagel Bread Dough has risen to double in size

3. Shape the Bagel Dough (Here comes the fun part!)

Punch the dough down to release air bubbles.
Divide into 8 equal pieces (~100g each).
Roll each piece into a dough ball, then press your index finger through the center to create a hole.
Stretch the hole gently to about 1.5-2 inches in diameter.
Place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let the bagels rest for 20-30 minutes while you prep the water bath.

These bagels have just been boiled and seasoning added to one side

4. Boil the Bagels (The Secret to the Best Crust!)

Boiling creates the perfect chewy crust and that signature bagel shine!

Preheat oven to 425°F / 218°C.
In a large pot, bring 2 liters of water to a rolling boil. Stir in honey and salt.
Drop bagels in 2-4 at a time, making sure they float freely.
Boil for 1 minute per side, then remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.

5. To Egg Wash or Not to Egg Wash? (Your Call!)

✔ Skipping the egg wash? Move on to the seasoning step—the honey in the water bath gives these bagels plenty of shine.

✔ Want an extra-glossy crust? Whisk 1 egg white + 1 tablespoon water, then brush it on immediately after boiling, before adding seasoning.

6. Top the Bagels (Seed Tray Method = Even Coating!)

Mix the everything bagel seasoning in a shallow tray.
While the bagels are still damp, press the tops into the seasoning mix.
For a fully coated bagel, press both the top and bottom into the seasoning before placing back on the baking sheet. (Watch my video to see how I add the seasoning using a chop stick)

Bagels resting on a metal wire rack after baking

7. Bake Until Golden & Chewy!

Bake at 425°F / 218°C for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
Bagels are done when they’re deep golden brown.
Let cool for 20 minutes on the baking sheet, then using oven mitts transfer to a wire cooling rack.

How to Store Your Bagels (If You Have Any Left!)

Your homemade bagels are best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to keep them at their best:

✔ Room Temperature (1-2 Days): Store in a paper bag or loosely covered container to maintain chewiness.
✔ Fridge (Up to 1 Week): Place in an airtight bag or container to prevent drying out.
✔ Freezer (Up to 3 Months): Slice before freezing, then toast straight from frozen.

🔥 Pro Tip: If your bagels start to feel stale, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh them!

What to Put Inside Your Bagel?

Bagels are the ultimate carb canvas, so load them up!

🔥 Classic Savory Combos:
✔ Cream cheese + smoked salmon lox + capers + raw diced onions
✔ Avocado + tomato + red onion + sprouts
✔ Hummus + cucumber + olives + feta cheese
✔ Egg, cheese, and crispy bacon or sausage
✔ Cream cheese + sun-dried tomatoes

🍯 Sweet Bagel Pairings:
✔ Honey + ricotta cheese + toasted almonds
✔ Peanut butter + banana slices + cinnamon
✔ Nutella + strawberries

🔥 Final Thoughts: Make These & Level Up Your Bagel Game!

These homemade bagels are chewy, golden, and way better than store-bought. Whether you load them up or eat them plain, you made these yourself! Hunger Hugs-approved. 🥯🔥

Tag @HungerHugs if you make these bagels! I want to see your creations! #HungerHugsBagels

"Better-Than-Bakery" Homemade Bagel Bread Recipe

Equipment You’ll Need