Key Takeaways
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Bagels
The Secret to Perfectly Chewy Bagels
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Bagels
How to Shape and Boil Your Bagels
Creative Toppings and Variations
Serving Suggestions for Every Meal
Storing and Freezing Your Bagels
Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

Homemade bagels are easier to make than you think! This simple recipe gives you chewy, golden-brown bagels that are perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. By following a few key steps, like boiling the dough before baking, you can achieve the classic texture and flavor of traditional bagels. Whether you top them with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or go for an everything bagel mix, these bagels will be your new favorite homemade treat.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Bagels

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh, homemade bagels straight from the oven. This recipe from Betty Cooks makes it easy to create the perfect bagels right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these chewy, golden bagels will impress your family and friends.

The Secret to Perfectly Chewy Bagels

The key to achieving that classic bagel texture is boiling the dough before baking. This crucial step helps develop the chewy crust and dense interior that bagel lovers crave. For an extra glossy finish, a quick egg wash before baking creates a golden-brown exterior that’s simply irresistible.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Bagels

To make the best homemade bagels, you’ll need a few pantry staples: bread flour for a chewier texture, active dry yeast to help the dough rise, and honey or sugar to add a hint of sweetness. These simple ingredients come together to form a dough that’s easy to work with and bakes into the perfect bagel.

How to Shape and Boil Your Bagels

Shaping bagels may seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! Simply roll each dough portion into a ball and poke a hole in the center, stretching it slightly to form the classic bagel shape. Boiling the bagels for 30 seconds on each side ensures the perfect chewiness and gives them their signature texture.

Creative Toppings and Variations

One of the best parts of making homemade bagels is getting creative with toppings! Classic options include sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or the ever-popular everything bagel seasoning. For a sweet twist, try adding cinnamon and raisins to the dough or brushing the tops with a honey glaze before baking.

Serving Suggestions for Every Meal

These homemade bagels aren’t just for breakfast! Enjoy them toasted with cream cheese, use them for sandwiches, or even turn them into bagel pizzas for a fun and easy meal. Whether served with scrambled eggs or as a side to soup, bagels are a versatile addition to any table.

Storing and Freezing Your Bagels

To keep your homemade bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag and reheat when ready to enjoy. Simply pop a frozen bagel in the toaster or oven for a fresh-baked taste anytime.

Notes & Tips

For best results, let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. If your kitchen is cool, place the dough near a slightly warmed oven to speed up the process. Additionally, experiment with different toppings and mix-ins to customize your bagels to your taste!