How To Make Bagels In A Donut Pan

You can absolutely make bagels in a donut pan, and it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh, chewy bagels at home without any complicated boiling steps.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to make bagels in a donut pan, you’re in the right place because this method skips the traditional pot-of-boiling-water routine entirely.
 
Instead of shaping and boiling dough, you simply press the bagel dough into the wells of a donut pan, and the pan does the heavy lifting for you.
 
This clever hack gives you that iconic ring shape and a wonderfully soft interior, all while saving you time and cleanup.
 
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make bagels in a donut pan, from mixing the dough to baking them to golden perfection, and we’ll share a few tips to make sure your homemade bagels turn out amazing every time.
 
Let’s dive into this fun and foolproof way to make bagels in a donut pan.
 

Why You Can Make Bagels in a Donut Pan

The whole idea behind making bagels in a donut pan is that it gives you the perfect round shape with zero fuss.
 
Traditionally, bagels are boiled before baking, which creates that signature chewy crust, but this donut pan method skips that step for a softer, breadier result.
 
You can make bagels in a donut pan because the pan holds the dough in a uniform ring, ensuring even baking and a consistent shape every single time.
 
This means you don’t need to roll or twist dough into rings by hand, which can be tricky for beginners.
 
Instead, you just spoon or pipe the dough into the pan, and the pan takes care of the rest.
 
Plus, making bagels in a donut pan is incredibly beginner-friendly, so even if you’ve never baked bread before, you can still pull off delicious homemade bagels.
 
Here’s why this method works so well and why you’ll love it:
 

1. It Saves You Time and Effort

When you make bagels in a donut pan, you skip the entire boiling step, which is the most time-consuming part of traditional bagel making.
 
Boiling water, carefully dropping in dough, and flipping each bagel takes a lot of extra minutes and attention.
 
With a donut pan, you simply prepare your dough, press it into the wells, and bake.
 
This streamlined process means you can have fresh bagels ready in under an hour from start to finish.
 
It’s perfect for busy mornings when you want a warm, bakery-style treat without the long prep.
 

2. You Get a Perfectly Even Shape

One of the biggest challenges with handmade bagels is getting them to look uniform, but a donut pan solves that problem completely.
 
Each well in the pan is the same size, so every bagel you make will have a consistent diameter and thickness.
 
This even shape also means they bake at the same rate, so you won’t end up with some bagels overcooked while others are still doughy in the middle.
 
When you make bagels in a donut pan, you can count on a professional-looking batch every time.
 

3. The Texture Is Soft and Tender

Since you’re not boiling the dough, the bagels from a donut pan come out softer and more bread-like rather than super dense and chewy.
 
This texture is actually a big hit with kids and anyone who prefers a lighter bagel.
 
If you miss that extra chew, you can still get a decent crust by brushing the tops with an egg wash before baking.
 
But overall, making bagels in a donut pan delivers a tender, fluffy interior that’s perfect for spreading with cream cheese or butter.
 

How to Make Bagels in a Donut Pan: Step-by-Step

Now that you know why this method is so great, let’s get into the actual process of how to make bagels in a donut pan.
 
The ingredients are simple and probably already in your kitchen, and the steps are straightforward.
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients and Tools

To make bagels in a donut pan, you’ll need all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, warm water, sugar, salt, and a little oil.
 
You can also add toppings like sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or shredded cheese after baking.
 
For tools, grab a large mixing bowl, a whisk, a spatula, and your trusty donut pan.
 
Make sure your donut pan is non-stick or lightly greased so the bagels release easily after baking.
 

Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough

Start by dissolving your yeast and a pinch of sugar in warm water and let it sit for about five minutes until it gets frothy.
 
Then, add your flour, salt, and a tablespoon of oil, and stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms.
 
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about eight minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
 
This kneading step is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives your bagels structure when you make bagels in a donut pan.
 
If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, and if it’s too dry, add a splash of warm water.
 

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place your kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour.
 
You’ll know it’s ready when it has doubled in size and feels puffy to the touch.
 
This rise is what makes the bagels light and airy, so don’t rush this step when you make bagels in a donut pan.
 

Step 4: Shape and Press the Dough into the Pan

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air, and then divide it into equal portions based on the number of wells in your donut pan.
 
Most standard donut pans have six wells, so you’ll likely get six bagels from a single batch.
 
Take each portion of dough and roll it into a ball, then use your thumbs to poke a hole in the center and gently stretch it into a ring shape.
 
Place each ring into a well of the donut pan and press it down lightly so it fills the space evenly.
 
This is the most hands-on part of learning how to make bagels in a donut pan, but it’s really quite simple.
 

Step 5: Second Rise and Toppings

Cover the donut pan with the towel again and let the shaped bagels rise for another 20 to 30 minutes.
 
While they rest, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
 
If you want a shiny, golden top, whisk an egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it over the bagels just before baking.
 
This is also the time to sprinkle on your favorite toppings, so feel free to get creative here.
 

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake the bagels for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until they’re deep golden brown on top.
 
The exact time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
 
Once they’re done, remove the pan from the oven and let the bagels cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
 
It’s incredibly satisfying to see how beautifully they turn out when you make bagels in a donut pan.
 

Tips for the Best Bagels from a Donut Pan

To truly perfect how to make bagels in a donut pan, here are a few extra tips that will elevate your results.
 
First, don’t overfill the wells, as the dough will expand during baking and you want to avoid overflowing.
 
Second, let the bagels cool completely before slicing, because cutting into them while they’re hot can make the inside gummy.
 
Third, feel free to use whole wheat flour or add in some cinnamon and raisins for a twist on the classic recipe.
 
Also, if you want a slightly chewier texture, you can still give the shaped dough a quick 10-second boil in water with a bit of baking soda before placing them in the donut pan.
 
This extra step is totally optional, but it gives you the best of both worlds.
 
Finally, store any leftover bagels in an airtight container for up to three days.
 

So, How to Make Bagels in a Donut Pan?

You make bagels in a donut pan by using a simple yeast dough, pressing it into the pan’s wells, and baking it until golden and fluffy.
 
This method is a fantastic shortcut for anyone who loves homemade bagels but doesn’t want to deal with boiling water or tricky shaping.
 
So, the answer to how to make bagels in a donut pan is that it’s easy, quick, and incredibly rewarding.
 
Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast or a fun baking project with the kids, this technique delivers delicious results every time.
 
We hope this guide has shown you exactly how to make bagels in a donut pan and that you feel ready to give it a try.
 
Now go preheat your oven and enjoy the wonderful aroma of fresh bagels filling your kitchen.