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easy bagel recipe

New York-Style Plain Bagels

Homemade New York-style plain bagels featuring a chewy crust and perfectly textured interior, perfect for slicing and toasting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 bagels
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American, Bakery
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bagel Dough
  • 4 cups 4 cups (500g) bread flour, plus more for dusting Bread flour is ideal for chewiness.
  • 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C) Water temperature is crucial for activating yeast.
  • 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons instant yeast Instant yeast helps with quicker rising.
  • 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided Sweetener aids yeast activation.
  • 2 teaspoons 2 teaspoons fine sea salt Enhances flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for greasing For greasing the bowl.
  • 8 cups 8 cups water (for boiling) Essential for boiling the bagels.
  • 0.25 cups ¼ cup (60ml) honey or barley malt syrup (for boiling) Barley malt syrup is traditional.
Optional Toppings
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried onion flakes Add as desired for flavor.

Method
 

Make the Dough
  1. In a stand mixer bowl, add warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
  2. Add bread flour and salt. Mix on low to form a shaggy dough, then knead on medium for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise
  1. Grease a large bowl with vegetable oil, form the dough into a ball, coat in oil, and cover with a damp towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 60-90 minutes until doubled.
Shape the Bagels
  1. Punch down risen dough, turn onto a floured surface, and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and press your thumb to form a ring. Stretch the hole to about 1.5 inches.
  2. Place bagels on a parchment-lined sheet.
Second Rise
  1. Cover bagels loosely with a damp towel and let rest for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and boil water with honey.
Boil the Bagels
  1. Lower 2-3 bagels at a time into boiling water. Boil for 1 minute per side, then remove and place back on the sheet.
  2. Sprinkle toppings while still wet.
Bake
  1. Transfer bagels to oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Bagels can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight bag or frozen for up to 3 months. Toast directly from frozen.