11 Easy Homemade Bagels Recipes
I still remember the aroma of fresh bagels wafting through my grandmother’s tiny Brooklyn kitchen every Sunday morning. She’d boil them just right for that chewy texture, slathering them with cream cheese and lox—pure magic that made weekend brunches unforgettable. Those childhood memories sparked my lifelong love for bagels, but it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I dove into homemade versions. Lockdown kitchen experiments turned my counter into a bagel factory, teaching me how simple it is to nail that authentic chew without leaving home.
Today, with busy schedules and endless grocery lines, making bagels at home feels like a small rebellion—fresh, customizable, and way cheaper than store-bought. Whether you’re craving classic plain or something wild like chocolate chip, these recipes prove you don’t need a bakery degree. Boiling dough might sound intimidating, but trust me: with basic pantry staples and 30 minutes of active time, you’ll be hooked.
Classic New York-Style Bagels
These bagels capture the iconic dense, chewy bite with a shiny crust, perfect for any topping. Ingredients (makes 8): 4 cups bread flour, 1 tbsp instant yeast, 1 tbsp sugar, 1.5 tsp salt, 1.5 cups warm water, 1 tbsp baking soda for boiling.
Start by mixing dry ingredients, add water to form dough, knead 10 minutes until smooth. Let rise 1 hour, then shape into 8 balls, poke holes, and boil 1 minute per side in baking soda water. Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes. They’re versatile, preservative-free, and satisfy that authentic NYC craving without the drive.
Everything Bagels
Loaded with seeds and spices for bold flavor in every bite. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough as above, plus everything bagel seasoning (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, salt).
Follow classic steps, but before baking, dip wet boiled bagels in seasoning mix. Bake as directed. The crunchy topping adds texture and nutrition from seeds, making them a hearty, savory breakfast boost.
Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Sweet, swirly comfort with chewy raisins—ideal for French toast bagels. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough, 1 cup raisins (soaked), 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar.
Knead raisins and cinnamon into dough during mixing. Proceed with boiling and baking, sprinkling extra cinnamon sugar post-boil. Packed with fiber from raisins, they’re a guilt-free sweet treat for morning energy.
Sesame Bagels
Nutty sesame seeds give a toasty crunch and subtle earthiness. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough, 1/2 cup sesame seeds.
Boil as usual, then roll tops in sesame seeds before baking. Simple sesame adds healthy fats and antioxidants, elevating plain bagels to gourmet status effortlessly.
Poppy Seed Bagels
Classic crunch with tiny pops of flavor, a deli favorite. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough, 1/2 cup poppy seeds.
After boiling, generously coat with poppy seeds and bake. Poppy seeds provide calcium and a fun texture, perfect for cream cheese lovers seeking variety.
Garlic Bagels
Bold, aromatic garlic punch for savory sandwich bases. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough, 1/4 cup dried minced garlic.
Mix half the garlic into dough, use the rest as a post-boil topping. Bake to perfection. Garlic boosts immunity and flavor, turning basic bagels into pizza or sub stars.
Onion Bagels
Sweet-savory onion flakes for that irresistible deli aroma. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough, 1/4 cup dried minced onion.
Incorporate onions into dough and topping. Boiling softens them for balanced taste. Onions add prebiotics for gut health, making these a smart, flavorful choice.
Blueberry Bagels
Juicy berries burst with sweetness in a hearty bagel. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough, 1 cup dried blueberries.
Fold berries into dough gently to avoid bruising. Boil and bake. Antioxidants from blueberries make them a vibrant, healthier dessert bagel option.
Chocolate Chip Bagels
Indulgent chips for cookie-meets-bagel decadence. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough, 1 cup mini chocolate chips.
Mix chips in during kneading, add more post-boil if desired. Bake until chips melt slightly. A fun treat with portion-controlled indulgence, great for kids or midnight snacks.
Whole Wheat Bagels
Nutty, fiber-rich version for wholesome eating. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups bread flour + 2 cups whole wheat flour, rest as base.
Use the hybrid flour mix for lighter texture, proceed with steps. Higher fiber aids digestion and fullness, proving healthy bagels taste amazing.
Asiago Cheese Bagels
Gooey, cheesy crust with sharp Italian flair. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough, 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese.
Knead in half the cheese, top boiled bagels with the rest. Bake until bubbly. Protein-packed cheese makes them satisfying and elevates avocado toast.
There you have it—11 foolproof bagel recipes to master at home! Whether you’re channeling nostalgia or experimenting with flavors, grab your boiling pot and get chewy. Your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you—try one this weekend and tag me in your creations!
