12 Easy Homemade Bagels Recipes

There’s something magical about the chewy, golden crust of a fresh bagel—it’s comfort food that transports me back to my childhood Sundays in New York City. My dad would take me to the corner deli at dawn, where the air was thick with the scent of boiling dough and sesame seeds toasting. We’d devour them slathered in cream cheese, feeling like we’d unlocked the city’s best-kept secret. Those memories fueled my passion for recreating that authenticity at home.

Fast forward to last year, when I dove headfirst into kitchen experiments during a rainy lockdown stretch. I must have boiled and baked dozens of batches, tweaking flours, toppings, and boiling times until I nailed that perfect chew without a fancy proofing setup. Homemade bagels aren’t just nostalgic; they’re empowering—fresher than store-bought, endlessly customizable, and way cheaper. In a world of processed snacks, they’re a wholesome win.

Today, I’m sharing my top 12 easy recipes that anyone can whip up in under 3 hours. No stand mixer required, just basic pantry staples and a pot of boiling water for that signature bagel bite.

Classic Plain Bagels

For the purist, these plain bagels are your everyday hero—versatile for any topping from lox to avocado. 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). Mix dough ingredients into a shaggy ball, knead 8-10 minutes until smooth, let rise 1 hour. Shape into 8 balls, poke holes, boil 1 minute per side in soda water, bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Benefits: Simple, no-frills nutrition with high protein from bread flour; customizable and preservative-free for guilt-free snacking.

Everything Bagels

Bursting with savory crunch, these crowd-pleasers mimic deli classics. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough as above, plus everything topping (2 tbsp each sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic flakes, salt). Prepare dough as classic, top generously before boiling. Boil and bake same way. Benefits: Omega-rich seeds boost heart health; bold flavors satisfy without extra spreads, perfect for meal prep.

Sesame Seed Bagels

Nutty and toasty, sesame adds elegance without complexity. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough, 1/4 cup sesame seeds. After rising, roll balls in seeds, boil, and bake. Benefits: Sesame provides calcium and healthy fats for bone support; subtle sweetness pairs with nut butters for sustained energy.

Poppy Seed Bagels

Tiny pops of flavor make these addictive and retro-cool. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough, 1/4 cup poppy seeds. Dip risen dough balls in seeds before boiling and baking. Benefits: Poppy seeds offer morphine-like pain relief in trace amounts plus fiber for digestion; great for breakfast on-the-go.

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Swirled with warmth, these are breakfast dessert disguised as bread. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough + 1/2 cup raisins (soaked), 2 tsp cinnamon. Knead in add-ins, proceed as classic. Benefits: Antioxidants from raisins and cinnamon aid blood sugar control; comforting treat that’s still whole-grain wholesome.

Blueberry Bagels

Summer in every bite, with juicy bursts of fruit. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough + 1 cup dried blueberries. Fold in during kneading, boil carefully to avoid color bleed, bake. Benefits: Blueberries pack vitamin C and fiber for immunity; naturally sweet, low-sugar alternative to pastries.

Chocolate Chip Bagels

Indulgent yet breakfast-appropriate for chocolate lovers. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough + 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips. Mix in post-knead, chill 30 min to firm, then boil and bake. Benefits: Dark chips provide antioxidants; portion-controlled indulgence beats donuts for fewer calories.

Garlic Parmesan Bagels

Savory umami bomb for pizza night vibes. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough + 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 2 tsp garlic powder. Sprinkle on pre-boil, bake extra 5 min for crisp. Benefits: Garlic boosts immunity, parmesan adds protein; keto-friendly carb swap with bold taste.

Onion Bagels

Hearty and aromatic, like a deli hug. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough + 1/4 cup dried minced onion (rehydrated). Mix into dough or top heavily. Benefits: Onions provide quercetin for anti-inflammation; filling fiber keeps you satisfied longer.

Asiago Cheese Bagels

Gooey, nutty cheese pulls make these irresistible. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough + 1/2 cup shredded asiago. Press into tops pre-boil, bake until bubbly. Benefits: Aged cheese delivers probiotics and calcium; luxurious upgrade without excess fat.

Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels

Spicy kick for heat seekers. Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough + 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños. Incorporate and top. Benefits: Peppers rev metabolism with capsaicin; cheddar’s protein balances the spice for a energizing bite.

Rainbow Bagels

Funfetti-style for kids (or your inner child). Ingredients (makes 8): Base dough divided into 6 colors with natural food dyes (beet, spinach, turmeric powders). Swirl portions, shape, boil, bake. Benefits: Playful veggie dyes sneak in nutrients; Instagram-worthy joy boosts mood.

Whether you’re channeling NYC nostalgia or just craving that perfect chew, these 12 recipes prove homemade bagels are easier than you think. Grab your flour and start boiling—your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you! Which one will you try first? Share your pics in the comments.