Plain Homemade Bagels (Easy & Customizable)
These easy homemade bagels are chewy, golden, and made with a simple plain dough so you can customize them with any toppings or flavors you love. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 1 HOUR 20 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 25 MINUTES
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 BAGELS 1x
- Category: BREAD | BRUNCH
- Method: BOILED | BAKED
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bagel Dough
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4 cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
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1½ teaspoons salt
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1¼ cups warm water (105–110°F)
Boiling Bath
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8 cups water
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1 tablespoon sugar or honey
Egg Wash (Optional)
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1 egg white
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1 tablespoon water
Instructions
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In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
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Add flour and salt. Mix on low speed until a stiff dough forms, then knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
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Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
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Punch down dough and divide into 8–10 equal pieces. Roll into balls, poke a hole in the center, and gently stretch into bagel shapes.
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Place bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and rest for 15–20 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 425°F.
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Bring water and sugar (or honey) to a gentle boil. Boil bagels for 30 seconds per side, then remove with a slotted spoon.
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Whisk egg white and water together and brush over bagels if using toppings.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
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Bread flour gives the best chewy texture
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Do not skip boiling — it’s essential for classic bagels
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Keep dough plain and add toppings after boiling
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Let bagels cool before slicing for clean cuts
Find it online: https://www.firsthomelovelife.com/homemade-bagels-plain-recipe/