The Best Homemade Bagels From Scratch

Name: The Best Homemade Bagels From Scratch
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 2 h 3 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1 Tablespoon sugar; 1 1/3 cups Warm water; 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 4 cups all-purpose flour; Toppings

Andrea October 31, 2025

Servings: 12 Total Time: 2 hrs 3 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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In my quest to eliminate processed foods, I have experimented with making some of my favorite baked goods myself and this recipe for homemade bagels is so much better than any brand that I have found in the store. With only a few simple steps and ingredients, these bagels will impress your family and friends and provide the perfect snack or breakfast. Keep a batch in the freezer to pull out last minute as part of a healthy and quick breakfast.

How to Make Bagels

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine sugar and yeast. Add warm water and whisk together. Let sit 5 min, until foamy.

Step 2: Add melted butter, salt and flour and knead until smooth and tough, approximately 7 minutes.

Step 3: Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil on top of the ball of dough, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 4: After the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times.

Step 5: Divide dough into 12 equal portions. A bench scraper works great for this but can also be done by hand. Form into balls and press a hole through each ball with your thumb, shaping each into a bagel shape. Repeat with all 12.

Step 6: Place bagels on a floured board or cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.

Step 7: While you wait on your dough, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Step 8: Once your bagels have rested, drop 2-3 at a time into boiling water. After one minute, flip bagels with a slotted spoon and boil for another minute. Remove to a parchment paper or silicone mat lined baking sheet.

Step 9: Sprinkle your bagels with your preferred toppings. I love to do half topped with cinnamon sugar or chocolate chips, and half topped with cheese and herbs.

Step 10: Bake 6 bagels on each sheet for 18 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and cool on a wire rack.

Storage

These bagels stay fresh in an air-tight container at room temperature for 2-3 days and frozen for up to 3 months.

Print Recipe

The Best Homemade Bagels From Scratch

Author: Andrea Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast, Snacks Recipe Keys: E Easy F From Scratch

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 18 mins Rest Time 90 mins Total Time 2 hrs 3 mins

Cooking Temp: 425 F Servings: 12

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Homemade bagels are easy and delicious and freeze well, making them perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

3 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 ¹⁄₃ cups Warm water (about 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons salt
4 cups all-purpose flour
Toppings

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine sugar and yeast. Add warm water and whisk together. Let sit 5 min, until foamy.
Add melted butter, salt and flour and knead until smooth and tough, approximately 7 minutes.
Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil on top of the ball of dough, turning once to coat. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
After the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times.
Divide dough into 12 equal portions. A bench scraper works great for this but can also be done by hand. Form into balls and press a hole through each ball with your thumb, shaping each into a bagel shape. Repeat with all 12.
Place bagels on a floured board or cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.
While you wait on your dough, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Once your bagels have rested, drop 2-3 at a time into boiling water. After one minute, flip bagels with a slotted spoon and boil for another minute. Remove to a parchment paper or silicone mat lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle your bagels with your preferred toppings. I love to do half topped with cinnamon sugar or chocolate chips, and half topped with cheese and herbs.
Bake 6 bagels on each sheet for 18 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and cool on a wire rack.