Homemade bagels are a bit more hands-on than muffins—but still totally doable, and the texture you get is worth it: chewy inside, slightly crisp outside.
🥯 Classic Homemade Bagels
🛒 Ingredients:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
For boiling:
- 1–2 tbsp sugar (or honey) in water
Optional toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Nigella (kalonji)
- Poppy seeds
- Everything seasoning
🔪 Steps:
1. Make the dough
Mix flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and knead into a smooth dough (8–10 minutes).
2. First rise
Cover and let it rest for 1 hour until slightly puffy.
3. Shape
Divide into 6–8 pieces. Roll into balls, then poke a hole in the center and stretch into a ring.
4. Second rest
Let shaped bagels rest for 10–15 minutes.
5. Boil (key step!)
Boil bagels in water with sugar/honey for about 30–60 seconds per side.
(This is what gives bagels their chewy crust.)
6. Bake
Place on a tray, add toppings, and bake at 200°C for 20–25 minutes until golden.
💡 Tips:
- Don’t skip boiling—that’s what makes them bagels, not just bread
- For a sweeter version, add raisins or blueberries 🫐
- For extra shine, brush with egg wash before baking
🍽️ Serve with:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Eggs or chicken fillings