Homemade Everything Bagels

The satisfying aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through your kitchen is a reward in itself, but biting into one? Pure bliss. These golden, chewy Homemade Everything Bagels are crusted with a bold mix of garlic, onion, sesame, poppy seeds, and sea salt, bringing authentic deli flavor right to your table.

Whether toasted with cream cheese or turned into a gourmet breakfast sandwich, these bagels are versatile and incredibly rewarding to make from scratch. The process is therapeutic, the ingredients are simple, and the result? A bakery-worthy treat that outshines store-bought every time.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast

• 4 cups bread flour

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For boiling:

• 2 quarts water

• 1 tablespoon honey

Everything bagel seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

• 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon dried minced onion

• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and instant yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

2. Add flour, sugar, salt, and oil. Stir until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

3. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

4. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a smooth ball.

5. Poke a hole through the center of each ball and gently stretch into a bagel shape.

6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring 2 quarts of water and honey to a boil in a large pot.

7. Boil bagels 2 at a time, for 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. Combine all seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle generously over the boiled bagels.

9. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 22 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (includes rising)

Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 8 bagels

The Art and Joy of Homemade Everything Bagels

There’s something undeniably magical about a freshly baked bagel, especially when it’s coated in a savory blend of sesame, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic, and sea salt. Known as everything bagels, these iconic delights are not only beloved for their bold flavor and satisfying chew, but also for their versatility. Whether paired with cream cheese, layered with smoked salmon, or turned into a breakfast sandwich, they’re the ultimate comfort food.

And while the thought of making bagels at home might seem intimidating at first, this recipe breaks it down into a surprisingly simple process. All you need are a few basic pantry staples, a bit of time, and a love for baking. Once you realize how approachable homemade bagels are, you’ll never look at the store-bought ones the same way again.

Why Everything Bagels Are So Popular

The “everything” bagel earns its name for a reason, it offers a little bit of everything in each bite. The flavor explosion of roasted garlic, nutty sesame seeds, earthy poppy seeds, pungent onion flakes, and a hint of salt transforms a plain bagel into something extraordinary. It’s this carefully balanced topping that gives the bagel its distinctive aroma and satisfying crunch.

Beyond the flavor, there’s the texture: crisp on the outside, tender and chewy on the inside. That combination is what makes bagels so satisfying, and it’s what most commercial versions fail to replicate.

Bagels have their roots in Eastern European Jewish communities, where they were hand-shaped and boiled before baking to achieve that signature crust. Today, New York bagels are considered the gold standard but baking them at home lets you capture the same authenticity, plus the joy of pulling a tray of golden bagels from your own oven.

Healthier and Fresher at Home

One major advantage of baking your own bagels is control over ingredients. Commercial bagels often contain preservatives, conditioners, and added sugars. When you make them at home, you can opt for organic flour, adjust the salt or sugar to your taste, and ensure a fresher, cleaner product.

Additionally, homemade bagels can be part of a balanced diet. Each bagel in this recipe contains around 270 kcal and offers a moderate amount of protein and fiber, especially if you use whole grain flour or incorporate seeds like flax or chia into the dough. You can even customize your recipe to suit dietary needs, go vegan by using plant-based toppings and spreads or go gluten-free with the right flour substitute (though gluten-free bagels have different structural requirements).

The Secret to Chewy, Crusty Bagels

The iconic bagel texture, crisp crust, dense chew, comes from one essential step: boiling. Unlike regular bread, bagels are boiled before they’re baked. This gelatinizes the starches on the surface, setting the crust and preventing the bagels from rising too much in the oven. The result is that tight, chewy crumb and glossy finish.

To take it up a notch, this recipe adds a tablespoon of honey to the boiling water. Why? It subtly sweetens the crust and contributes to that classic golden hue you see in bakery bagels. This touch of sweetness doesn’t overpower the savory topping; rather, it complements it.

Perfecting the Everything Topping

The best part about everything bagels is, of course, the “everything” topping. While you can buy it pre-mixed in stores, blending it yourself means better flavor and freshness. Here’s a breakdown of what each component brings:

• Sesame seeds: Add nuttiness and crunch.

• Poppy seeds: Provide an earthy flavor and pleasant texture.

• Dried minced garlic: Roasts beautifully in the oven for a deep, savory note.

• Dried minced onion: Caramelizes slightly, adding sweetness and bite.

• Sea salt: Rounds out all the flavors and enhances the others.

You can toast your seeds in a dry pan before applying them for even more depth. Be sure to apply the topping right after boiling and before baking so that the steam helps the seeds stick naturally.

Customizing Your Bagels

Once you’ve mastered this basic everything bagel recipe, the possibilities open wide for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to take your bagels to the next level:

• Stuffed Bagels: Add cream cheese, cheddar, or even jalapeños inside the dough before shaping.

• Sweet and Savory Fusion: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup after baking for a sweet contrast.

• Topping Variations: Mix in flax seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, caraway seeds, or dried herbs for a unique twist.

• Whole Wheat Version: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutty flavor.

• Mini Bagels: Shape smaller portions for snack-size or kid-friendly versions.

Baking is a creative process, use this recipe as your base and let your imagination lead the way.

Serving Suggestions That Shine

Everything bagels are endlessly versatile. Here are a few of the best ways to enjoy them:

1. Classic Combo: Toasted and slathered with whipped cream cheese. Add capers and smoked salmon for a traditional NYC-style breakfast.

2. Avocado Smash: Mash avocado with lime juice, salt, and chili flakes for a trendy, nourishing option.

3. Egg Sandwich: Add scrambled eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon or sautéed spinach between a halved bagel.

4. Bagel Pizza: Split, toast, and top with marinara and mozzarella, broil for a quick pizza fix.

5. Bagel Croutons: Cube and toast day-old bagels for crunchy salad toppers or soup garnish.

These bagels also freeze beautifully. Simply slice them in half and freeze individually wrapped. Toast straight from the freezer for a quick weekday breakfast.

Elevating Your Brunch Game

Hosting a brunch? These bagels will make you the star of the table. Serve them on a large wooden board with:

• Various cream cheeses (herbed, strawberry, scallion)

• Fresh sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions

• Capers, lox, and hard-boiled eggs

• Butter, honey, and jam options

Pair with fresh-squeezed orange juice, mimosas, or cold brew coffee for a stunning spread that’s Instagram-worthy and undeniably delicious.

Conclusion

Homemade Everything Bagels are more than just breakfast, they’re a baking adventure, a culinary tradition, and a comfort food staple rolled into one. They bring a sense of accomplishment and reward that store-bought bagels simply can’t match. With simple ingredients and a few core techniques, you can transform your kitchen into a mini-bakery and treat yourself to hot, fresh bagels whenever you please.

So, the next time you crave that perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and chewy, skip the deli line. Make it yourself and savor every bite.