How do I make homemade bagels?

Image showing the final output answering the question: How do I make homemade bagels.

Join the bagel revolution with our guide to making your own delicious homemade bagels. Fresh, warm, and oh so satisfying!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I make homemade bagels. Items include:  Bread flour  Instant yeast  Salt  Granulated sugar  Warm water  Vegetable oil
  • Bread flour 3 1/2 cups
  • Instant yeast 2 teaspoons
  • Salt 2 teaspoons
  • Granulated sugar 2 tablespoons
  • Warm water 1 1/4 cups
  • Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons

Take note
Hot ovens and boiling water ahead! Exercise caution and be mindful of potential burns. Keep little hands and paws away from the cooking process.

1

Prep the dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 1/2 cups of bread flour, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.

2

Add the wet ingredients

Slowly pour in 1 1/4 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. If it feels too dry, add a little more water. If it's too sticky, sprinkle in a touch more flour. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3

Let it rise

Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover it with a damp kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size. Take this time to catch up on your favorite TV show or practice your bagel dance moves.

4

Shape the bagels

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each one into a smooth ball. Use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball and gently stretch to create a bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

5

Boil and bake

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Carefully lower a few bagels into the boiling water, giving them a quick boil on each side for about 1 minute. Remove the boiled bagels with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet. Sprinkle your choice of toppings, such as sesame seeds or poppy seeds, on each bagel. Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels turn golden brown and develop a lovely crust.

6

Enjoy the fruits of your labor

Remove the golden bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. You can slice them up and serve them with cream cheese, lox, or any other delicious spread of your liking. And voila! Your homemade bagels are ready to be devoured.