Can You Make Bagels Out Of Pizza Dough

You can make bagels out of pizza dough, and the results are surprisingly close to the real thing.
 
If you’ve ever stared at a ball of pizza dough and wondered if you could twist it into a breakfast favorite, the answer is a resounding yes.
 
Making bagels from pizza dough is a clever shortcut that skips the lengthy proofing times and complex ingredients traditional bagels require.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why you can make bagels out of pizza dough, the best methods to get that chewy texture, and what to expect flavor-wise.
 
Let’s dive into the world of dough transformation and see just how good these bagels can be.
 

Why You Can Make Bagels Out Of Pizza Dough

The core reason you can make bagels out of pizza dough comes down to the base ingredient: wheat flour and yeast.
 
Traditional bagel dough and pizza dough share the same fundamental building blocks of flour, water, yeast, and salt.
 
The main difference lies in the hydration level and how the dough is handled, but both types develop gluten that gives a satisfying chew.
 
So when you make bagels from pizza dough, you’re essentially reshaping a very similar dough into a different form.
 
Here’s why this swap works so well in practice.
 

1. Both Doughs Rely on Gluten Development

Gluten is the protein network that gives bread its structure, and both pizza dough and bagel dough depend on it heavily.
 
When you knead pizza dough, the gluten strands align and create that elastic, stretchy texture.
 
That same elasticity is exactly what you need to shape a bagel ring without it tearing.
 
Because you can make bagels out of pizza dough, you get that characteristic chewiness without having to knead a separate batch from scratch.
 
The gluten is already there, just waiting to be formed into rings.
 

2. Pizza Dough Has the Right Hydration for Boiling

Traditional bagel dough is drier than pizza dough, but that’s not a dealbreaker.
 
Pizza dough typically has a hydration of 60–65%, which is slightly higher than bagel dough’s 55–60%.
 
This extra moisture actually helps when you boil the rings, as it creates a softer interior while still allowing a crisp crust.
 
You can make bagels from pizza dough just fine as long as you shape them tightly and don’t skip the boiling step.
 
The slight softness might even appeal to folks who find traditional bagels too dense.
 

3. Yeast Activity Gives You That Rise

Both pizza dough and bagel dough use yeast to produce carbon dioxide, which makes the dough puff up.
 
When you make bagels with pizza dough, the yeast is still active and ready to give you a nice rise during the final proof.
 
The key is to let the shaped rings rest for about 20–30 minutes before boiling.
 
This short rest allows the gluten to relax and the yeast to do its job, so you end up with bagels that are airy on the inside.
 

How To Make Bagels From Pizza Dough Step By Step

Now that you know you can make bagels out of pizza dough, let’s walk through the simple process.
 
The steps are straightforward, and you likely already have everything you need at home.
 
Here’s how to turn that pizza crust into a breakfast star.
 

1. Shape the Dough Into Rings

Start by letting your pizza dough come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
 
Divide it into equal portions, usually six to eight pieces depending on how big you want your bagels.
 
Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then poke your thumb through the center to create a hole.
 
Gently stretch the hole to about two inches wide, and remember that it will shrink slightly during proofing.
 
Place the shaped rings on a floured surface and cover them with a damp cloth.
 
Let them rest for 20 minutes as this allows the dough to relax before boiling.
 

2. Boil the Bagels Briefly

Boiling is the step that truly sets bagels apart and gives them that signature shiny crust.
 
Fill a large pot with water, add a tablespoon of honey or malt syrup, and bring it to a rolling boil.
 
Drop your dough rings in one or two at a time, making sure they have room to float.
 
Boil each side for about 30 to 60 seconds, and the longer you boil, the chewier the crust will be.
 
Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
 
This boiling step is why you can make bagels out of pizza dough and still get an authentic texture.
 

3. Bake at High Heat for a Golden Finish

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while the water is boiling.
 
After boiling, brush each bagel with an egg wash if you want extra shine and a golden top.
 
Sprinkle on your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
 
Bake the bagels for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they turn deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
 
Let them cool on a wire rack for just a few minutes before slicing, as the inside will continue to set.
 

Tips For The Best Pizza Dough Bagels

While you can make bagels out of pizza dough easily, a few tweaks will elevate them from good to amazing.
 
These small adjustments help mimic the dense, chewy texture of artisan bagels.
 
Try these pro tips the next time you’re in the kitchen.
 

1. Use a High-Protein Pizza Dough

If you have a choice, go for a pizza dough made with bread flour rather than all-purpose flour.
 
Bread flour has more protein, which means more gluten and a chewier final bagel.
 
Many store-bought pizza doughs use high-protein flour, so check the label if you’re buying it pre-made.
 
You can also make bagels out of pizza dough you’ve prepared at home and simply swap in bread flour.
 
This one change makes a noticeable difference in the final bite.
 

2. Cold Proof Overnight for More Flavor

Traditional bagels are often cold-proofed in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours to develop a tangy flavor.
 
You can do the same with pizza dough after shaping the rings.
 
Just place the shaped bagels on a tray, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
 
The next day, bring them to room temperature for 30 minutes before boiling.
 
This slow fermentation adds a subtle sourdough-like note that makes these bagels taste more authentic.
 

3. Don’t Skip the Sweetener in the Water

Adding honey, barley malt syrup, or even sugar to the boiling water does more than add flavor.
 
The sugar in the water helps the crust caramelize in the oven, giving you a beautiful mahogany color.
 
It also helps the crust stay slightly crispy while the inside remains chewy.
 
So while you can make bagels out of pizza dough without this step, including it takes them to the next level.
 

So, Can You Make Bagels Out Of Pizza Dough?

You can make bagels out of pizza dough, and it’s a fantastic kitchen hack for busy mornings.
 
The dough’s gluten structure, yeast activity, and hydration all work in your favor to create a chewy, satisfying bagel.
 
With just a bit of shaping, a quick boil, and a hot oven, you’ll have fresh bagels in under an hour.
 
They won’t be exactly like a New York deli bagel, but they’ll be close enough to satisfy any craving.
 
So next time you have leftover pizza dough, don’t make a flat crust, make bagels from pizza dough instead.
 
You’ll impress your family, save a trip to the bakery, and enjoy a warm, freshly baked treat that’s all your own.
 
Happy baking, and enjoy every chewy, golden bite.