How To Make Homemade Bagels From Scratch

Making homemade bagels from scratch is easier than you think, and the payoff is a chewy, golden, bakery-quality breakfast right in your own kitchen.
 
You don’t need fancy equipment or a professional bread oven to pull off making homemade bagels from scratch.
 
All you need is a little patience, some basic pantry staples, and a willingness to get your hands floury.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through every step of making homemade bagels from scratch, from mixing the dough to that crucial boiling step that gives them their signature chew.
 
Let’s dive into the satisfying world of homemade bagels and get you baking.
 

Why Making Homemade Bagels From Scratch Is Worth It

Making homemade bagels from scratch beats anything you’ll find in the grocery store, hands down.
 
When you make homemade bagels from scratch, you control every ingredient, so no preservatives or mystery additives sneak in.
 
Fresh bagels have a crisp crust and a dense, chewy interior that store-bought versions just can’t replicate.
 
Plus, the aroma that fills your house while making homemade bagels from scratch is pure comfort.
 
Once you taste your first batch, you’ll never want to go back to the packaged stuff.
 

What You Need for Homemade Bagels From Scratch

Before you start, gather these simple ingredients for making homemade bagels from scratch.
 
You’ll need 4 cups of bread flour, which gives the bagels their structure and chew.
 
Grab 1.5 teaspoons of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1.5 tablespoons of sugar for the dough.
 
You’ll also need 1.5 cups of warm water to activate everything.
 
For boiling, have a large pot of water, 2 tablespoons of honey or barley malt syrup, and a sprinkle of baking soda ready.
 
Optional toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning are perfect for finishing your homemade bagels from scratch.
 

The Step-By-Step Process for Making Homemade Bagels From Scratch

Let’s break down the entire process of making homemade bagels from scratch into manageable steps.
 
It might look long, but each part is straightforward.
 

1. Mix and Knead the Dough for Homemade Bagels From Scratch

In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar.
 
Add the warm water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
 
Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes.
 
For making homemade bagels from scratch, you want the dough to be smooth, elastic, and slightly stiff, not sticky.
 
If it’s too dry, add a splash of water; if too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
 
The dough should bounce back when you press it gently.
 

2. Let the Dough Rise for Homemade Bagels From Scratch

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise.
 
For making homemade bagels from scratch, let it sit at room temperature for about 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
 
A slower rise in the fridge overnight is even better, as it develops more flavor in your homemade bagels from scratch.
 
Just punch it down if you go the overnight route.
 

3. Shape the Bagels for Making Homemade Bagels From Scratch

Once risen, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces for your homemade bagels from scratch.
 
Roll each piece into a tight ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger.
 
Gently stretch the hole to about 2 inches wide, as it will shrink slightly during proofing.
 
This classic ring shape is the hallmark of homemade bagels from scratch.
 
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them.
 
Let them rest and puff up for about 20–30 minutes.
 

4. Boil the Bagels to Get That Chewy Texture

This is the secret step that separates homemade bagels from scratch from regular bread.
 
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then add the honey and baking soda.
 
The honey adds a slight sweetness and aids in browning, while baking soda makes the crust shiny and chewy.
 
Drop 2 or 3 bagels into the boiling water at a time, making sure they have room to float.
 
Boil each side for about 1 minute per side for a classic chewy texture in your homemade bagels from scratch.
 
For extra chewiness, boil for 90 seconds per side.
 
Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.
 

5. Add Toppings and Bake Your Homemade Bagels From Scratch

While the bagels are still wet from boiling, sprinkle on your favorite toppings.
 
Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds will stick beautifully to homemade bagels from scratch.
 
Bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes.
 
Your homemade bagels from scratch are done when they’re deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
 
Let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
 
Patience here is key, as cutting too early can make the centers gummy.
 

Tips for Perfect Homemade Bagels From Scratch Every Time

Even beginners can nail making homemade bagels from scratch with a few pro tricks.
 
Use bread flour instead of all-purpose, as the higher protein content is vital for that chewy crumb.
 
Don’t skip the boiling step, because it sets the crust and locks in moisture.
 
If you want a softer bagel, boil for less time; if you crave extreme chew, boil longer.
 
Always preheat your oven fully before baking homemade bagels from scratch.
 

Flavor Variations for Homemade Bagels From Scratch

The base recipe for homemade bagels from scratch is endlessly customizable.
 
Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough for a sweet morning treat.
 
Mix in minced garlic and dried herbs for a savory twist on homemade bagels from scratch.
 
You can even add a handful of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough.
 
Making homemade bagels from scratch with different flavors keeps things exciting.
 
Just add your mix-ins during the kneading stage.
 

So, How to Make Homemade Bagels From Scratch?

Making homemade bagels from scratch is totally doable for any home cook, and the results are spectacular.
 
From mixing the simple dough to boiling and baking, every step is manageable.
 
In this post, we covered why making homemade bagels from scratch is worth your time, the exact ingredients you need, and a detailed step-by-step guide.
 
We also shared tips for texture and flavor variations so you can make homemade bagels from scratch exactly how you like them.
 
So roll up those sleeves and start making homemade bagels from scratch today.
 
Your breakfast game is about to level up forever.