Homemade Budget Bagels (Print Version)

Soft, chewy bagels made from simple pantry ingredients, ideal for breakfast, lunch, or sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 4 cups bread flour, plus extra for dusting
02 - 2¼ teaspoons instant dry yeast
03 - 1½ teaspoons fine sea salt
04 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
05 - 1¼ cups warm water (approx. 105°F)

→ Poaching Water

06 - 8 cups water
07 - 1 tablespoon baking soda
08 - 1 tablespoon sugar

→ Toppings (optional)

09 - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
10 - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
11 - 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
12 - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash; optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water and stir until a dough forms.
02 - Knead dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
03 - Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
04 - Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then poke a hole through the center and stretch to form bagel shapes.
05 - Arrange shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let rest for 15 minutes.
06 - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
07 - Bring 8 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, then add baking soda and sugar.
08 - Gently place 2 to 3 bagels at a time into simmering water. Boil each side for 45 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.
09 - Brush bagels with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with chosen toppings, or brush with water for a vegan option.
10 - Bake bagels for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before serving.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients
  • Chewy texture and golden crust rivals bakery bagels
02 -
  • Bagels freeze well if sliced before freezing for convenient toasting
  • For vegan bagels, brush with water instead of egg wash
03 -
  • For best texture, knead until dough feels elastic and springs back
  • Try mixing cinnamon and raisins into the dough for a sweet twist
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