Homemade Bagels with Sourdough Starter or Instant Yeast
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Homemade Bagels, The Simple Way
Bagels are one of those recipes that feel harder than they actually are. The dough is simple, the ingredients are basic, and the only extra step is boiling them before baking.
That quick boil is what gives bagels their chewy texture and shiny golden crust. After that, they go straight into the oven until puffed, browned, and ready for cream cheese, breakfast sandwiches, or whatever bagel situation your heart needs.
This recipe uses active sourdough starter, but I also included an instant yeast option if you want to make them without waiting overnight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bagels are chewy, simple, and made with pantry ingredients. They do not need any fancy equipment, and the dough is stiff enough to shape easily.
They are perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, freezing, or making a batch at the beginning of the week.
Ingredients
Sourdough Bagels
100g active sourdough starter
255g water
40g honey
10g sea salt
500g bread flour
For Boiling
Large pot of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 spoonful of honey
Pinch of salt
Instant Yeast Option
If you do not have sourdough starter, use this version instead.
Instant Yeast Bagels
500g bread flour
280g warm water
40g honey
10g sea salt
7g instant yeast
For the instant yeast version, mix the dough the same way. Let it rise for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until puffy and almost doubled. Then shape, rest, boil, and bake like the sourdough version.
How to Make Homemade Bagels
1. Mix the dough
In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, water, honey, and salt.
Add the bread flour and mix with your hands or a stand mixer until you have a stiff dough. Knead for about 6 to 7 minutes.
The dough should feel firm, not super soft or sticky.
2. Let the dough rest
Cover the bowl and let the dough rest at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours.
For the instant yeast version, let the dough rise for 1 to 1 ½ hours instead.
3. Shape the bagels
Divide the dough into 8 to 10 equal pieces.
Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center. Gently stretch the hole into a bagel shape.
Place the shaped bagels on parchment paper, cover with a towel, and let them rest for 30 to 60 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Boil the bagels
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add baking soda, honey, and a pinch of salt.
Boil each bagel for about 2 minutes on each side.
Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon or mesh strainer and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake
Bake the bagels at 425°F for 25 to 28 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let them cool slightly before slicing.
Tips and Notes
For a chewier bagel, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour.
The dough should be stiff. If it feels a little tough to knead, that is normal for bagel dough.
For toppings, add everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, or flaky salt after boiling and before baking.
If your kitchen is cold, the sourdough version may need closer to 12 hours. If your kitchen is warm, check it earlier.
How to Store Bagels
Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
You can also slice and freeze them. Toast straight from frozen when ready to eat.
What to Serve with Homemade Bagels
These are good with cream cheese, butter, jam, eggs, bacon, avocado, smoked salmon, or as a breakfast sandwich.
My favorite way is toasted with cream cheese, or turned into a breakfast sandwich when I want something cozy but filling.
FAQ
Can I make these without sourdough starter?
Yes. Use the instant yeast version with 500g bread flour, 280g warm water, 40g honey, 10g salt, and 7g instant yeast.
Do I have to boil bagels?
Yes, boiling is what gives bagels their chewy texture and crust. It is worth the extra step.
Can I use all-purpose flour?
You can, but bread flour gives the best chewy bagel texture.
Can I freeze homemade bagels?
Yes. Slice them first, freeze them in a bag, and toast when ready.
Final Thoughts
Homemade bagels are one of those recipes that feel so rewarding once you realize how simple they are. Mix the dough, let it rest, shape, boil, bake, and suddenly you have golden chewy bagels sitting on your counter.
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