Easy Bagel Recipe with Crunchy Topping Like Panera

Hey there! I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorite bagel recipe with you today. These homemade Bagel Recipe with Crunchy Topping Like Panera bring all the magic of Panera’s famous treat right into your kitchen – with that same irresistible sweet, crunchy topping that makes the original so special.

This Bagel Recipe with Crunchy Topping Like Panera is my favorite way to bring that cozy bakery feeling right into my own kitchen. The combination of a soft, chewy bagel with that buttery, cinnamon-sugar crust is pure comfort – or switch it up with our Greek Yogurt Blueberry Bagel for a fruity twist..

Food memories have a way of sticking with us, don’t they? I still remember my first Panera cinnamon crunch bagel during a chilly morning coffee run with my grandma. That perfect balance of chewy bagel and sweet, crackling cinnamon sugar topping was pure comfort. While developing this recipe in my Benefitiany kitchen, I was determined to recreate that same joy at home. After many test batches (my husband didn’t complain about the “research” process!), I’ve finally perfected a version that captures that bakery-fresh experience without having to leave your house. The overnight refrigerator rise is my special trick here – it develops that authentic bagel flavor and perfect texture, just like in our Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Bagels. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Crunch Bagel Recipe

There is something so satisfying about recreating a bakery favorite at home, and this Bagel Recipe with Crunchy Topping Like Panera is truly special. The first time I served these, my sister-in-law couldn’t believe they weren’t from the famous bakery!

• Better than store-bought texture: The overnight refrigerator rise creates that perfect chewy interior that’s impossible to find in quick recipes.
• That signature cinnamon crunch: The sweet, buttery topping forms a crackling crust that’s absolutely addictive – just like Panera’s!
• Make-ahead friendly: Most of the work happens the night before, so morning prep is minimal.
• Cost-effective treat: Making a dozen at home costs less than buying four from the bakery – just like with our easy and budget-friendly 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels.
• Customizable sweetness: You can adjust the cinnamon-sugar ratio to match your perfect level of sweetness.

Ingredient Note List

Bread flour: I always use bread flour for my bagels because its higher protein content creates that perfect chewy texture that makes a true bagel so satisfying.

Active dry yeast: This is the magic that makes our bagels rise beautifully, giving them that fluffy interior beneath the chewy crust.

Brown sugar: I add this to both the dough and topping because it brings a deeper, more complex sweetness than granulated sugar alone.

Kosher salt: Don’t skip this! Salt enhances all the flavors in the bagel dough and creates the perfect balance with the sweet topping.

Baking soda: Adding this to the boiling water creates that signature shiny, chewy bagel exterior that we all love.

Turbinado sugar: I love using this coarse sugar in the topping because it adds a wonderful crunch and doesn’t completely dissolve during baking.

Ground cinnamon: The star flavor in our crunchy topping, warming and aromatic – I always use fresh cinnamon for the most vibrant flavor.

Vanilla extract: Just a touch in the topping mixture adds depth and warmth that complements the cinnamon perfectly.

Unsalted butter: The melted butter in the topping helps create that incredible caramelized crunch that makes these bagels so special.

How to Make Panera-Style Cinnamon Crunch Bagels

Step 1. I always start by activating the yeast in warm water – a step that’s just as essential in our Keto High Protein Bagels for a low-carb alternative.

Step 2. My grandmother taught me to take my time when forming the dough, gradually adding the flour, salt, and brown sugar until a shaggy dough forms before kneading.

Step 3. I’ve found that kneading for the full 8-10 minutes is absolutely worth it – this develops the gluten that gives bagels their signature chewy texture.

Step 4. For the overnight rise, I place my dough in a bowl that’s at least twice its size and cover it tightly – this slow, cold fermentation is my secret to incredible flavor.

Step 5. When shaping the bagels, I gently roll each piece into a ball before poking my thumb through the center – I’ve learned that stretching too roughly can tear the dough.

Step 6. The boiling step is where I’m extra attentive – just 30-45 seconds per side creates that perfect chewy exterior without making the bagels tough.

Step 7. For the crunchy topping, I mix all ingredients until they form a thick, crumbly mixture – it should hold together when pressed between your fingers.

Step 8. Before adding the topping, I make sure to brush the bagels generously with egg wash – this helps the cinnamon crunch mixture stick beautifully.

Step 9. I’ve learned to gently press the topping into each bagel to ensure it adheres during baking – this prevents it from falling off when you take that first delicious bite.

Step 10. In my kitchen, I always rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning – perfectly golden bagels every time!

How to Store & Reheat

Properly storing your homemade bagel recipe with crunchy topping like Panera is the secret to enjoying them for days. Here’s how I do it in my kitchen to keep them tasting fresh and delicious.

• At Room Temperature: I always store these bagels in a paper bag on the counter for up to 2 days. The paper allows them to breathe, which is key for keeping that cinnamon topping perfectly crunchy. A plastic bag will trap moisture and make the topping soft.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, these freeze beautifully! I wrap each cooled bagel individually in plastic wrap and then pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They stay fresh for up to 3 months, making them perfect for a quick breakfast treat.
• How to Reheat: To get that just-baked warmth and crunch, I recommend toasting the bagel straight from the freezer. Just heat it until it’s warmed through and the top is crisp again.

What to Serve with Your Homemade Crunch Bagels

Whipped Cream Cheese: In my kitchen, I love to serve these bagels with a simple whipped cream cheese – or even sandwich them with our tangy Greek Yogurt Bagels (No Boiling) for added protein.

Fresh Fruit Platter: The bright, natural sweetness of berries, sliced peaches, or crisp apple slices provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet bagels.

Breakfast Casserole:When hosting brunch, I serve these bagels alongside a savory egg and cheese casserole or include a tray of Quick Protein Bagels to offer variety.

Crispy Bacon: The salty, smoky flavor of bacon always shines – and so do savory bite-sized options like my High Protein Bagel Bites.

Hot Coffee or Tea: A steaming mug of coffee or chai tea enhances the cinnamon flavor perfectly – and I often enjoy mine with a slightly sweet option like our 2-Ingredient Protein Bagels.

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