10 Chewy Bagel Recipes to Bake Fresh

Nothing beats the satisfying chew of a fresh-baked bagel, straight from your own oven. I still remember my childhood mornings in Brooklyn, where my dad would take me to the corner deli for a dozen bagels—warm, dense, and perfectly chewy, slathered with cream cheese. That ritual sparked my lifelong love for these humble delights, and now, as a home baker, I’ve spent countless weekends experimenting in my kitchen to recreate that authentic texture without the store-bought chewiness that often falls flat.

Lately, I’ve been on a bagel-baking binge, tweaking high-gluten flour ratios, perfecting the boil-and-bake method, and infusing flavors that make each bite an adventure. In today’s fast-paced world, baking bagels at home isn’t just nostalgic—it’s a therapeutic escape and a way to control ingredients for fresher, healthier results. Whether you’re a bagel newbie or a seasoned baker, these 10 recipes will have you churning out chewy masterpieces that rival any New York spot.

Classic New York-Style Bagels

For the purist, these bagels deliver that iconic dense, chewy crumb using bread flour, malt syrup for authentic flavor, and a vital wheat gluten boost. Ingredients (makes 8): 4 cups bread flour, 1.5 cups warm water, 2 tbsp malt syrup, 2 tsp instant yeast, 2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp baking soda for boiling. Mix dough, knead 10 minutes until smooth, let rise 1 hour. Divide into 8 balls, poke holes, boil 1 minute per side in soda water, bake at 450°F for 20 minutes.
The chew comes from the high hydration and boil, locking in a shiny crust while keeping the interior springy—perfect for any topping, with fewer preservatives than store-bought.

Sesame Seed Chewy Bagels

Elevate the classic with nutty sesame seeds for crunch contrasting the soft chew. Ingredients (makes 8): Same base as classic + 1/2 cup sesame seeds. Prepare dough as above, after boiling roll in seeds, bake as directed.
These offer heart-healthy fats from sesame, a satisfying texture duo, and endless versatility for sandwiches—bake fresh for that unbeatable chew without additives.

Everything Bagel Supreme

Bursting with garlic, onion, poppy, sesame, and salt for bold flavor in every chewy bite. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic base + everything bagel seasoning (1/4 cup dried minced onion/garlic, 2 tbsp each poppy/sesame seeds, 1 tbsp coarse salt). Boil, then dip in seasoning mix before baking.
Packed with savory umami, they’re a meal prep dream—chewy enough to hold heavy fillings, boosting flavor without extra calories.

Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bagels

Sweet, spiced chewiness with plump raisins for breakfast bliss. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic base + 1 cup raisins (soaked), 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar. Knead raisins and cinnamon into dough, proceed as usual.
A cozy treat with fiber from raisins aiding digestion, the chew pairs perfectly with coffee—homemade means no artificial sweetness.

Garlic Lover’s Chewy Bagels

Intense roasted garlic infuses deep flavor into the chewy dough. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic base + 1 head roasted garlic (mashed). Mix into dough, top with extra minced garlic post-boil.
Antioxidant-rich garlic supports immunity; the chew makes them ideal for schmearing with herb butter, fresher than bagged versions.

Onion Poppy Chewy Bagels

Caramelized onion bits and poppy seeds for a sweet-savory chew. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic base + 1/2 cup dried onions (rehydrated), 1/4 cup poppy seeds. Fold onions into dough, roll in poppy post-boil.
Onions add prebiotics for gut health; this combo delivers craveable texture and taste, perfect for lox and cream cheese.

Asiago Cheese Melt Bagels

Creamy, sharp Asiago baked in for cheesy chew without sogginess. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic base + 1 cup shredded Asiago. Mix half into dough, sprinkle rest post-boil.
Protein-packed cheese enhances satiety; the boil seals in meltiness for a gourmet chew that’s restaurant-worthy at home.

Blueberry Burst Chewy Bagels

Fresh or dried blueberries stud the dough for fruity chew. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic base + 1 cup dried blueberries. Knead gently into dough to avoid bursting, bake as usual.
Antioxidants from blueberries fight inflammation; naturally sweet chew makes them a healthier muffin alternative.

Chocolate Chip Dream Bagels

Indulgent dark chocolate chips in a chewy bagel base for dessert-like satisfaction. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic base (reduce malt to 1 tbsp) + 1 cup dark chocolate chips. Fold chips in, bake lower at 425°F for 18 minutes.
Dark chocolate provides flavonoids for heart health; portion-controlled chew curbs sweet cravings guilt-free.

Jalapeño Cheddar Fire Bagels

Spicy jalapeños and cheddar for a kicked-up, melty chew. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic base + 1/2 cup diced jalapeños, 3/4 cup cheddar shreds. Incorporate into dough, top with cheese post-boil.
Capsaicin boosts metabolism; bold flavors in a chewy package make these a spicy breakfast game-changer.

There you have it—10 ways to master the art of chewy bagels at home. Grab your apron, fire up the oven, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to bakery-fresh goodness. Which one will you bake first? Share your results in the comments—I can’t wait to hear!