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Crispy Homemade Everything Bagels Recipe with Savory Toppings Made Easy

crispy homemade everything bagels - featured image

This recipe delivers crispy homemade everything bagels with a chewy interior and savory toppings, perfect for brunch or any occasion. The secret boiling step locks in moisture and creates the signature bagel texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480 g) bread flour
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp (9 g) salt
  • 2 tbsp (42 g) honey (added to boiling water)
  • Everything Bagel Topping (about 3 tbsp total):
  • – 1 tbsp poppy seeds
  • – 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • – 1 tbsp dried minced garlic
  • – 1 tbsp dried minced onion
  • – ½ tsp coarse salt
  • Egg Wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 tbsp water
  • Optional toppings: chili flakes, caraway seeds, shredded sharp cheddar or asiago cheese, herbs like rosemary or thyme

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: Combine warm water and sugar in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in active dry yeast and stir gently. Let sit until foamy, about 5–10 minutes.
  2. Mix the dough: Add bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Add more flour if too sticky.
  3. Knead the dough: Knead by hand or with a mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky.
  4. First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  5. Shape the bagels: Punch down dough, divide into 8 equal pieces (~4 oz / 110 g each). Roll each into a ball, poke a hole through center, stretch to about 2 inches (5 cm) wide. Rest on floured surface for 10 minutes.
  6. Boil the bagels: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring large pot of water to boil, stir in honey. Boil 2–3 bagels at a time for 2 minutes per side. Remove with slotted spoon and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  7. Apply toppings and egg wash: Brush each bagel with egg wash, then sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or desired toppings.
  8. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy, rotating halfway through. Bagels should sound hollow when tapped underneath.
  9. Cool and enjoy: Transfer to cooling rack and cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not skip the boiling step to ensure chewy texture. Use lukewarm water (110°F) to activate yeast properly. Knead dough well for gluten development. Egg wash adds a glossy finish. Adjust boiling time for desired chewiness. For dairy-free egg wash, use aquafaba and water. Store bagels in paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze sliced for longer storage. Toast to refresh.

Nutrition

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