11 Homemade Bagel Recipes for Breakfast

Nothing beats the chewy, golden perfection of a freshly boiled and baked bagel straight from your own kitchen. I still remember Sunday mornings in my Brooklyn childhood home, where the air filled with the yeasty aroma of my dad’s homemade bagels boiling on the stove. We’d slather them with cream cheese and lox, turning breakfast into a family ritual that felt like a hug from New York City itself.

Lately, I’ve been on a bagel-making binge in my tiny apartment kitchen, experimenting with flavors during lazy weekend brunches. After a few flops—like bagels that spread too flat—I nailed the technique: a quick boil in honey water for that signature shine and chew. In today’s fast-paced world, homemade bagels are a game-changer; they’re customizable, preservative-free, and way cheaper than the bakery down the street.

Whether you’re a bagel purist or love bold twists, these recipes will elevate your breakfast game with wholesome ingredients and minimal fuss.

Classic Plain Bagels

For the timeless bagel lover, these plain beauties are your canvas for any topping. Ingredients (makes 8): 4 cups bread flour, 1.5 cups warm water, 2 tbsp sugar, 2 tsp active dry yeast, 2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp baking soda (for boiling), honey for water. Mix yeast, sugar, and water; let bloom 5 minutes. Add flour and salt; knead 10 minutes into a smooth dough. Let rise 1 hour. Divide into 8 balls, poke holes, rest 15 minutes. Boil 1 minute per side in water with 1 tbsp honey and soda. Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes.
These bagels offer a chewy texture and neutral flavor, perfect for breakfast sandwiches; they’re lower in additives than store-bought, promoting better digestion and satisfaction.

Everything Bagels

Loaded with seeds and spices, these are breakfast’s flavor bomb. Ingredients (makes 8): Basic plain dough (above), plus topping mix: 2 tbsp each sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, coarse salt. Prepare dough as classic. After boiling, roll wet tops in everything mix. Bake as directed.
The crunchy topping adds omega-3s from seeds and bold taste without extra calories; ideal for avocado toast or egg combos, boosting your morning energy.

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Sweet and nostalgic, like cinnamon toast in bagel form. Ingredients (makes 8): Basic dough, plus 1 cup raisins (soaked), 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar. Knead raisins and cinnamon into dough post-rise. Proceed with boiling and baking.
Raisins provide fiber and antioxidants for gut health; this treat satisfies sweet cravings healthily, pairing perfectly with nut butter for sustained breakfast fuel.

Blueberry Bagels

Bursting with juicy berries for a fruity twist. Ingredients (makes 8): Basic dough, 1 cup dried blueberries, 1 tsp lemon zest. Fold berries and zest into dough. Boil and bake as usual.
Blueberries deliver vitamins C and K for immunity; these naturally sweet bagels make yogurt parfaits or PB&J breakfasts more exciting and nutritious.

Sesame Seed Bagels

Nutty and simple, with an irresistible crunch. Ingredients (makes 8): Basic dough, 1/4 cup sesame seeds. After boiling, dip tops in seeds. Bake.
Sesame seeds offer healthy fats and calcium for bone health; great for smoked salmon breakfasts, adding texture without overpowering flavors.

Poppy Seed Bagels

Classic with a subtle, addictive crunch. Ingredients (makes 8): Basic dough, 1/4 cup poppy seeds. Roll boiled bagels in seeds before baking.
Poppies provide manganese for metabolism; these pair with fruit cream cheese for a low-sugar breakfast that keeps you full till lunch.

Garlic Parmesan Bagels

Savory and cheesy for an Italian-inspired brunch. Ingredients (makes 8): Basic dough, 2 tbsp garlic powder, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Mix into dough or top post-boil. Bake.
Garlic boosts immunity with allicin; cheese adds protein—these make epic breakfast pizzas or veggie scrambles more flavorful and filling.

Onion Bagels

Bold, caramelized flavor without the tears. Ingredients (makes 8): Basic dough, 1/2 cup dried minced onion (rehydrated). Knead in or top after boiling.
Onions support heart health with quercetin; perfect for egg and sausage breakfasts, delivering savory satisfaction on busy mornings.

Whole Wheat Honey Bagels

Hearty and naturally sweet for health nuts. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups bread flour + 2 cups whole wheat, basic wet ingredients, 2 tbsp honey. Knead, boil in honey water, bake.
Whole wheat fiber aids digestion and blood sugar control; honey’s antioxidants make this a wholesome breakfast base for nut butters.

Pumpkin Spice Bagels

Fall flavors year-round for cozy mornings. Ingredients (makes 8): Basic dough minus 1/2 cup water, add 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Boil and bake.
Pumpkin packs beta-carotene for eye health; spices like cinnamon regulate blood sugar—top with maple cream cheese for seasonal bliss.

Chocolate Chip Bagels

Indulgent yet breakfast-appropriate treat. Ingredients (makes 8): Basic dough, 1 cup mini chocolate chips. Fold in gently. Boil and bake.
Dark chips provide flavonoids for heart health in moderation; enjoy with banana slices for a dessert-like breakfast that’s surprisingly balanced.

These 11 homemade bagel recipes prove you don’t need a fancy shop for breakfast perfection—grab your apron, boil up a batch, and start your day with that satisfying chew. Experiment with toppings and share your twists in the comments; your kitchen adventures await!