New York-Style Bagels: From Scratch

Learn how to make bagels like a New Yorker! My easy homemade bagel recipe delivers chewy, delicious results every time. Skip the store-bought ones & try this! ... Baking & Desserts Science
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a proper bagel? Not that fluffy nonsense you get in supermarkets. Ever wondered how to make bagels that are chewy, dense, and taste like they came straight from a New York deli? Let's do this!
Quick Hook
Remember that friends episode where joey loves pizza? that’s how i feel about bagels. we're diving deep into how to make bagels , unlocking the secrets of that perfect chew.
Get ready for seriously tasty bagels!
Brief Overview
The bagel, with its jewish heritage, is an iconic bread. the original bagel homemade from eastern europe evolved into the new york style bagels recipe we love.
Making them isn't too hard! the method is about timing and attention to detail. this recipe is of medium difficulty, takes around 3 hours, and makes 6 amazing bagels.
Main Benefits
This best bagels recipe delivers a satisfyingly chewy bagel that's far healthier than store-bought versions. plus, the smell of baking bagels is amazing.
Perfect for weekend brunch! what makes this recipe special? it's the texture. that perfect balance between chewy inside and crusty outside.
And honestly, making bagels homemade is just damn satisfying.
Okay, so before we get started on how to make bagels at home , i want to say, relax! this is not a race.
Let's gather your ingredients. i tried a short cut once, and ended up with a flat, sad excuse for a bagel.
Don't be me. this time we want a fresh bagel recipe and we will not stop until we get there!
New York-Style Bagels: From Scratch Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment to Nail How to Make Bagels
So, you wanna learn how to make bagels ? awesome! it's easier than you think, honestly. i remember the first time i tried, i was terrified .
But trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll be churning out fresh bagel recipe like a pro.
Here's what you'll need. this is gonna be the best bagels recipe , and easy.
Main Ingredients for the Chewy Bagel Recipe
Okay, let's break it down. Here's what you need to nail those New York style bagels recipe , from scratch! This will turn into the perfect Bagels Homemade .
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour: 4 cups (500g) , plus extra for dusting. Use bread flour if you want even more chew.
- Active dry yeast: 2 1/4 teaspoons (7g) . Make sure it's not expired!
- Warm water: 1 1/2 cups (360ml) , between 105- 115° F (40- 46° C) . Too hot and you'll kill the yeast, too cold and it won't activate.
- Malt syrup or brown sugar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Malt syrup gives that authentic bagel flavour, but brown sugar works fine.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (6g) .
For the Boiling Water:
- Water: 8 cups (1.9L) .
- Baking soda: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . This is what gives bagels their signature chew.
- Malt syrup or honey: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
Quality Indicators:
For flour, go for a good all-purpose or bread flour. the better the flour, the better the homemade bagel recipe easy .
As for the yeast, if it doesn't foam up when you proof it, ditch it. dead yeast equals sad bagels.
Honestly, it took me 3 times to achieve a bagel homemade .
Seasoning Notes for the Ideal Bagel Recipe From Scratch
Salt is crucial for flavour. And, don't skimp on the baking soda in the boiling water. I once did and the bagels were just...sad.
Also, a good tip is that You can use different spices that appeals to you. It's your kitchen, use your imagination.
Equipment Needed to Make Bagels at Home
- Stand mixer with dough hook attachment (optional, but recommended). It makes life easier!
- Large mixing bowl. For those doing it old-school.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper. Trust me, you don't want bagels sticking.
- Large pot. Big enough to boil bagels comfortably.
- Slotted spoon or spider. For rescuing those boiled beauties.
- Wire rack.
That's it! Nothing too fancy. Now get ready to create a chewy bagel recipe that rivals your favorite deli. Have fun!
Alright, let's get cracking! time to ditch the shop-bought bagels and learn how to make bagels the real mccoy at home.
None of that airy, tasteless rubbish. we're talking chewy bagel recipe , slightly sweet, delightfully dense, new york style bagels recipe .
Think "when harry met sally," but instead of that certain scene in katz's deli, it's you, proudly displaying your homemade bagels .
This recipe will guide you through the whole process, from the initial dough to the crucial boil, making sure bagel perfection.
Honestly, i've tried so many bagel recipe from scratch , this one is the winner. now, where's my apron?

New York-Style Bagels: From Dough to Deliciousness
Craving a fresh bagel recipe ? this recipe takes you through making authentic new york-style bagels. from the simple dough to boiling and baking, you'll be enjoying bagels homemade and chewy.
We want a crispy crust in no time. it's a classic breakfast, perfect for topping with cream cheese or smoked salmon.
The best bagels recipe starts right here.
Prep Steps
Let's get prepped. This is the essential mise en place to follow.
Essential Ingredients Organized
Make sure you have all of your ingredients out and measured. seriously, it saves so much time. get those little bowls lined up like you're on a cooking show.
We're talking 4 cups of flour, yeast, water, malt syrup, and salt.
Time-Saving Dough Prep
My biggest tip? Use a stand mixer. Saves your arms, honestly! But, if you're feeling strong, knead away! Just be sure to get that dough really smooth.
Step-by-Step: Making Bagel Magic
Alright, here’s the lowdown on how to make bagels at home .
- Wake Up the Yeast: Combine 1 1/2 cups of warm water ( 105- 115° F ) with 2 1/4 teaspoons of yeast and malt syrup. Wait 5- 10 minutes until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast is dead. Get new yeast.
- Make the Dough: Mix 4 cups of flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture. Knead for 8- 10 minutes in a mixer (or 10- 12 minutes by hand) until smooth.
- First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl. Cover and let rise for 1-1. 5 hours . It should double in size.
- Shape It Up: Divide the dough into 6 pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole and stretch it into a bagel shape.
- Proofing Power: Place the bagels on a baking sheet with parchment. Cover and let proof for 15- 20 minutes .
- Boil Time: Boil water with baking soda and malt syrup. Gently drop bagels in, 2-3 at a time. Boil for 1 minute per side.
- Toppings and Bake: Place boiled bagels back on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash (optional) and sprinkle toppings.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake at 425° F for 20- 25 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tips for Killer Bagels
Here are a few tricks that will help you nail that bagel homemade .
Don’t Skip the Boil!
This is crucial. I can't stress this enough; the boiling step gives bagels that chewy texture.
Avoid Common Dough Blunders
Make sure your yeast is alive! And don’t rush the kneading. A smooth, elastic dough is key. I didn't use the mixer once and the dough was like a rock. Never again!
Now you are able to do a bagels recipe easy and can serve a bagel homemade for your family or friends.
Recipe Notes: Making Bagels Your Own
So, you're ready to learn how to make bagels ? Fantastic! This isn't just about following instructions, it's about making your fresh bagel recipe . Let's chat about personalising your bagel experience.
Serving Like a Pro:
Let's talk presentation, yeah? plating matters. for that cafe vibe, slice your bagel homemade and arrange the halves so the filling is visible.
Sprinkle a little extra topping – everything bagel seasoning is always a winner!
Think beyond cream cheese! a chewy bagel recipe like this deserves some proper sides. how about some crispy bacon or a fruit salad? as for drinks, a classic orange juice or even a cheeky mimosa pairs perfectly.
Why not?
Keep Those Bagels Fresh!
Honestly, fresh is best. But life happens, right? If you're not scoffing them all down immediately, let's talk storage.
For refrigeration, wrap those Best Bagels Recipe individually in cling film or beeswax wraps for up to three days.
Freezing is totally doable! wrap each bagel tightly and chuck them in the freezer for up to a month. thaw them at room temperature and then toast.
They'll taste nearly bagels homemade as good as new! to reheat, a quick toast is ideal. keeps them crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Bagels Recipe Easy Variations to Try
Want to shake things up? I get it! For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind the texture might be a little different.
Feel like experimenting? Try different toppings! Sun-dried tomatoes or rosemary would be amazing in a Bagel Homemade ! What about cinnamon and raisin to make a Homemade bagel recipe easy version?
Nutrition: The Good Stuff
Okay, let’s break it down. these bagels give you energy. we have carbs for fuel. they have a little bit of protein too.
The new york style bagels recipe might be higher in calories, so it's all about balance, eh? you know?
The fiber from the flour is good for you. And hey, making them yourself means you know exactly what’s going in them! That’s a win in my book!
Making bagel recipe from scratch is an adventure, yeah? don't be scared to experiment and make the homemade bagel recipe easy truly yours .
Enjoy the process and the deliciousness that follows! you will learn exactly how to make bagels at home while having fun.
Have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My dough isn't rising. What gives?
Ah, the dreaded dough dilemma! First, double-check that your yeast wasn't past its "use by" date – nobody likes a dead yeast! Also, ensure the water you used to activate the yeast wasn't too hot; anything over 115°F (46°C) can kill it. Lastly, make sure the room you're proofing the dough in is warm enough; a cold kitchen will slow things down significantly. Sometimes you have to be patient, it's like waiting for the kettle to boil!
Why do I need to boil the bagels before baking them? Sounds a bit odd, doesn't it?
Boiling is absolutely crucial for that classic bagel texture! It gelatinizes the starches on the surface of the dough, creating that signature chewy interior and shiny crust. Think of it like parboiling potatoes before roasting them; that little pre-cook makes all the difference. Don't skip it – it's what separates a bagel from just another round loaf of bread.
How to make bagels that have that perfect chewy texture?
The key to a chewy bagel lies in a few things. Firstly, use a high-gluten flour or all-purpose flour and knead the dough well to develop the gluten structure. Secondly, don't skip the boiling step – it's essential for that chewy texture. Also, consider using malt syrup in both the dough and the boiling water for an extra boost of chewiness and a subtly sweet flavor. You got to get the perfect bagel, innit.
Can I freeze my homemade bagels, and if so, what's the best way to do it?
Absolutely! Bagels freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely after baking. Then, slice them if you prefer, wrap them individually in cling film, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them at room temperature or in the microwave, then toast them for a fresh-baked taste. They're practically immortal in the freezer!
What are some fun topping variations I can use besides the classic everything bagel?
The possibilities are endless, mate! Try sesame seeds (black or white), poppy seeds, dried minced onion, garlic flakes, or even a sprinkle of coarse sea salt. For a sweeter touch, consider cinnamon sugar or a mixture of brown sugar and oats. Get creative and have a go at a few, see what tickles your fancy!