Easy Bagel Recipe – 18 in Just 60 Minutes

This easy bagel recipe creates 18 perfectly chewy, golden bagels in under 60 minutes using ingredients you already have at home. I’ve been making these weekend after weekend, and they never fail to fill my kitchen with that incredible bakery aroma that makes everyone come running.

The smell of fresh bagels baking always takes me back to my grandmother’s Saturday morning kitchen – flour dusting her counter, that warm yeasty aroma filling the house. When I moved out on my own, no bagel shop could match those weekend memories at Grandma’s table. That’s when I knew I had to master her technique and create this easy bagel recipe that brings the same joy to my kitchen. After months of testing, I’ve captured everything I loved about those childhood bagels – the perfect chewy texture, golden crust, and the way homemade bread brings people together. The best part? You don’t need fancy equipment, just a little patience and willingness to get your hands floury. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Bagel Recipe

I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, drawing from my grandmother’s traditional methods and modern home baking techniques. What makes these bagels special is how they capture that authentic New York-style chew while being completely achievable in any home kitchen.

• Quick and convenient – Ready in under 60 minutes from start to finish
• No special equipment needed – Just basic kitchen tools you already have
• Makes 18 bagels – Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
• Completely customizable – Add your favorite toppings and flavors
• Consistently reliable results – Tested multiple times to ensure success
• Authentic bakery texture – The boiling technique creates that perfect chewy crust—just like in our Sourdough Discard Bagels for a tangy twist

Ingredient Note List

Bread Flour: I always recommend using bread flour when possible because its higher protein content creates the perfect chewy texture that makes bagels so satisfying.

Brown Sugar: This adds a subtle sweetness to the dough and helps feed the yeast for better rise and flavor development.

Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil keeps the bagels tender on the inside while still maintaining that classic dense texture.

Instant Yeast: In my kitchen, I prefer instant yeast because it works faster and doesn’t need to be dissolved first, making this easy bagel recipe even more straightforward.

Warm Water: Make sure your water is between 110°F-115°F – too hot will kill the yeast, too cool won’t activate it properly.

Salt: Salt strengthens the gluten structure and enhances all the flavors in the dough.

Honey: The honey in the boiling water creates that beautiful golden color and adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.

Egg Wash: This simple mixture gives the bagels that glossy, professional bakery appearance.

How to Cook Easy Bagel Recipe

Step 1. I usually start by heating my water to exactly 110°F-115°F using a kitchen thermometer – this temperature range ensures the yeast activates properly without dying.

Step 2. In my stand mixer bowl, I combine the flour and yeast first, giving it a quick 5-second mix to distribute everything evenly before adding liquids.

Step 3. My grandmother always taught me to add wet ingredients gradually while mixing, so I pour the warm water mixture into the flour slowly until just moistened.

Step 4. I’ve found that adding salt after the initial mixing prevents it from interfering with the yeast, so I sprinkle it in while mixing on low speed.

Step 5. For the kneading, I increase to medium-high speed and let the dough hook do the work for exactly 6 minutes – this develops the gluten for that perfect chewy texture.

Step 6. To test if the dough is ready, I gently poke it with my finger – it should bounce back immediately, showing the gluten is properly developed.

Step 7. I always form the dough into a tight ball and place it in an oiled bowl, covering it with a damp towel for the 30-60 minute rise.

Step 8. When dividing the dough, I use a kitchen scale to ensure all 18 pieces are equal – this gives you perfectly uniform bagels every time.

Step 9. My husband prefers when I make the holes about 2 inches wide because they stay the right size after boiling and baking.

Step 10. While the shaped bagels rest, I bring the water to a rolling boil with salt and honey – this creates the signature bagel crust.

Step 11. I’ve learned that exactly 30 seconds per side in the boiling water gives the perfect balance of chewiness without making them tough.

Step 12. For the final bake, I always preheat to 425°F and bake for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover bagels in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature, where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup that can make them soggy.

For longer storage, For longer storage, I recommend slicing the bagels in half and freezing them—just like we suggest in our guide on Air Fryer Bagels for quick weekday toasting in freezer bags for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to toast individual halves straight from the freezer whenever you want one.

For best results, I like to reheat whole bagels in a 350°F oven for 5-8 minutes, or toast frozen halves directly in the toaster. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds, though the oven method keeps the crust crispier.

What to Serve with Easy Bagel Recipe

Cream Cheese and Lox: The classic combo of rich cream cheese, salty lox, and fresh dill shines even more when paired with our Whipped Cream Cheese spread.

Avocado Toast Style: Mashed avocado with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes transforms your bagel into a modern favorite—try it on a Greek Yogurt Bagel for extra protein.

Breakfast Sandwich: We love turning these into breakfast sandwiches with bacon and eggs, especially using our High-Protein Bagel Recipe.

Peanut Butter and Banana: For a sweet and protein-packed option, try this combo on our Chocolate Chip Bagels.

Everything Bagel with Butter: A warm everything bagel topped with butter is hard to beat—especially if it’s one of our Stuffed Everything Bagel Bites.

Hummus and Vegetables: For a Mediterranean vibe, pair your bagels with hummus and veggies—or even better, serve them alongside Vegan Lox Bagels.

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