2026 Is the Year You Make Homemade Bagels

Discover the ultimate homemade bagels recipe for 2026. Easy steps, perfect texture, and bakery-quality results. Start baking today!

Have you ever dreamed of making homemade bagels that rival your favorite bakery? 2026 is the year to turn that dream into reality. With this easy homemade bagels recipe, you’ll create soft, chewy, and delicious bagels right in your kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this guide will walk you through every step to achieve the best bagels at home.

Bagels are a beloved breakfast staple, and making them from scratch is easier than you think. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly baked bagels, warm and ready to be topped with your favorite spreads. This recipe is designed to be simple yet rewarding, ensuring perfect results every time.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making homemade bagels, from selecting the right ingredients to mastering the baking process. Let’s dive in and start your journey to becoming a bagel-baking pro!

Why Make Homemade Bagels in 2026?

There’s something special about homemade bagels. They’re fresher, tastier, and more satisfying than store-bought versions. Plus, baking your own bagels allows you to customize flavors and textures to your liking. Whether you prefer classic plain bagels or creative variations like cinnamon raisin or everything bagels, this recipe has you covered.

The Joy of Fresh Bagels Baking

Baking bagels at home is not just about the end product; it’s about the experience. The process of kneading the dough, shaping the bagels, and watching them rise is incredibly rewarding. And when you finally pull a batch of golden-brown bagels out of the oven, the sense of accomplishment is unmatched.

Ingredients for Homemade Bagels Recipe

To make the best bagels at home, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 egg white (for egg wash)
• Toppings of your choice (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.)

How to Make Homemade Bagels – Step by Step

Follow these steps to create the perfect homemade bagels:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This step ensures that your yeast is active and ready to help your dough rise.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Step 4: Shape the Bagels

Once the dough has risen, divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch it into a bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop each bagel into the boiling water and let them cook for about 1 minute on each side. This step gives bagels their signature chewy texture.

Step 6: Bake the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Brush the boiled bagels with an egg wash and sprinkle with your favorite toppings. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bagels are golden brown.

Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Bagels

Here are some tips to ensure your homemade bagels turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Bread Flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which helps create the chewy texture that bagels are known for.
• Don’t Skip the Boiling Step: Boiling the bagels before baking is essential for achieving their unique texture and shine.
• Let the Dough Rise Properly: Allowing the dough to rise fully ensures that your bagels are light and airy.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade bagels are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite jam. You can also use them to make delicious sandwiches or breakfast bagels with eggs and bacon.

Storage Instructions

Store your homemade bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bagels for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast them or warm them in the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings. Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough for a sweet twist, or sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top for a savory option. You can also substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier version.

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 cup of raisins to the dough for a delicious cinnamon raisin bagel. These are perfect for a sweet breakfast treat.

Everything Bagels

Sprinkle a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt on top of the bagels before baking for a classic everything bagel flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Homemade bagels can be a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. By controlling the ingredients, you can reduce preservatives and additives. Plus, using whole grain flour adds fiber and nutrients to your diet.

Common Questions About Homemade Bagels

Here are some frequently asked questions about making homemade bagels:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your water and other ingredients are at room temperature for optimal yeast activation and dough consistency.
• Knead the Dough Thoroughly: Proper kneading develops the gluten, which is essential for the chewy texture of bagels.
• Boil Bagels for the Right Time: Boiling bagels for 1 minute on each side ensures they develop the right texture without becoming too dense.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to try different toppings like cheese, herbs, or even sweet options like chocolate chips.
• Use a Kitchen Scale: Weighing your ingredients ensures accuracy and consistency in your baking.
• Let Bagels Cool Before Slicing: Allowing bagels to cool slightly before slicing helps them retain their texture and flavor.
• Store Properly: Keep bagels in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Freeze for Later: Bagels freeze well, so make a big batch and store extras in the freezer for quick breakfasts.