11 New York-Style Bagel Recipes to Try
There’s something undeniably magical about a New York-style bagel—the dense, chewy interior, the glossy crust from that signature malt boil, and the way it stands up to piles of cream cheese or lox. My love affair with these beauties started during my childhood summers visiting my grandparents in Brooklyn. We’d pile into their old Chevy and head to the corner deli on Ocean Parkway, where the air was thick with the scent of boiling dough and fresh sesame seeds. Biting into that warm, hand-rolled bagel slathered with butter was pure joy, a far cry from the soft, pillowy imposters I’d find back home.
Fast forward to last year, when I decided to recreate that magic in my own kitchen during a rainy stretch of lockdown experiments. After countless batches tweaking malt syrup ratios and boil times, I finally nailed the authentic chew. It wasn’t just nostalgia; it was therapeutic, turning my tiny apartment into a mini bagel shop. These days, with everyone craving comfort food that travels well, homemade NY-style bagels are a game-changer—perfect for meal prep, brunches, or late-night snacks.
Whether you’re a purist or love bold twists, these recipes capture that iconic NY essence while letting you play with flavors. Get ready to boil, bake, and devour!
Classic Plain New York Bagels
New York-style bagels start with a simple, high-hydration dough for that signature chew. Ingredients (makes 8 bagels): 4 cups bread flour, 1.5 cups warm water, 2 tbsp malt syrup (or honey), 2 tsp instant yeast, 2 tsp salt, 1/4 cup baking soda for boiling. Mix dough ingredients until smooth, knead 10 minutes, let rise 1 hour. Divide into 8 balls, poke holes, boil 1 minute per side in baking soda water, then bake at 450°F for 20-25 minutes. Plain bagels are versatile, offering a neutral canvas for toppings, and provide sustained energy from complex carbs without excess sugar.
These beauties shine with just a schmear of cream cheese, evoking deli nostalgia while being naturally vegan and customizable for gluten-free adaptations.
Everything Bagel Supreme
Elevate the classic with a crunchy seed mix. Ingredients (topping for 8 bagels): Base dough as above, plus 2 tbsp each sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced onion, garlic flakes, coarse salt. Prepare base dough, boil and bake halfway, then generously sprinkle everything mix before final bake. The combo of textures and savory umami boosts flavor without calories, packing antioxidants from seeds and garlic for immune support.
Ideal for avocado toast or turkey sandwiches, this version delivers bold taste in every chew.
Toasted Sesame Crunch Bagels
Sesame seeds toasted for nutty depth. Ingredients: Base dough, 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds. After boiling, press seeds into wet tops, bake until golden. Simple sesame adds calcium and healthy fats, promoting bone health and satiety for a filling breakfast.
Pair with smoked salmon for an authentic NY vibe—the crunch contrasts the chew perfectly.
Poppy Seed Perfection Bagels
Iconic blue-black seeds for subtle earthiness. Ingredients: Base dough, 3 tbsp poppy seeds. Dip boiled bagels in seeds post-boil, bake to set. Poppy seeds offer magnesium for stress relief and a delicate crunch that enhances any spread.
A staple for purists, they’re low-glycemic for steady energy.
Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bagels
Sweet, fruity twist on tradition. Ingredients: Base dough with 1/2 cup raisins and 2 tsp cinnamon mixed in, plus extra cinnamon sugar topping. Knead in add-ins, proceed as usual. Raisins provide fiber and iron, balancing sweetness for a guilt-free treat that curbs cravings.
Heavenly with peanut butter or as French toast bagels.
Garlic Lover’s Delight Bagels
Bold, aromatic garlic infusion. Ingredients: Base dough, 2 tbsp garlic powder in dough + 1 tbsp minced dried garlic for topping. Boil, top heavily, bake. Garlic’s allicin supports heart health and adds savory punch without overpowering.
Perfect for hearty sandwiches or garlic butter dips.
Caramelized Onion Bliss Bagels
Sweet-savory onion depth. Ingredients: Base dough, 1/4 cup dehydrated onions rehydrated + caramelized fresh onions for topping. Mix in dough, top post-boil. Onions deliver prebiotics for gut health and a rich, addictive flavor.
Sublime with cream cheese and lox.
Asiago Herb Fusion Bagels
Cheesy, herby indulgence. Ingredients: Base dough, 1/2 cup grated Asiago, 1 tbsp dried herbs (dill, rosemary). Sprinkle cheese and herbs before baking. Protein-rich cheese adds calcium, while herbs bring antioxidants for a gourmet upgrade.
Try with egg and bacon for brunch bliss.
Wild Blueberry Burst Bagels
Juicy, antioxidant-packed berries. Ingredients: Base dough with 3/4 cup dried wild blueberries folded in. No extra topping needed—berries plump during proofing. Blueberries fight inflammation and add natural sweetness for a healthier sweet bagel.
Delicious plain or with almond butter.
Pumpernickel Powerhouse Bagels
Rye-infused dark beauty. Ingredients: 2 cups bread flour + 2 cups pumpernickel/rye flour, base rest, caraway seeds optional. Boil and bake for hearty color. Rye boosts fiber for digestion and a robust, malty taste true to NY delis.
Pairs with pastrami like a dream.
Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar Kick Bagels
Heat meets melt. Ingredients: Base dough, 1/2 cup diced pickled jalapeños + 1/2 cup shredded cheddar mixed in and topped. Bake until cheese bubbles. Capsaicin aids metabolism, cheddar provides protein for a spicy, satisfying kick.
Ultimate for chili cheese lovers or breakfast burritos.
These 11 New York-style bagel recipes bring the Big Apple’s best right to your kitchen—chewy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Grab your boiling pot, experiment with toppings, and treat yourself (and friends) to fresh-baked bliss. Which one will you try first? Share your twists in the comments!
