Bagel Dough Recipe

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Poet's pantry (@yovanchef)

This bagel dough recipe is a classic and straightforward way to make delicious bagels at home. The process involves mixing, proofing, shaping, boiling, and baking to achieve that perfect chewy texture and golden crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through each step to create bakery-quality bagels.

Bagel Dough Recipe recipe

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Prep Time
1hr 30min
Cook Time
22min
Total Time
1hr 52min

Ingredients

12 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bagel)
  • Flour
    Flour
    1000g
  • Sugar
    Sugar
    40g
  • Salt
    Salt
    20g
  • Yeast
    Yeast
    15g
  • Gluten
    Gluten
    5g
  • Bread Improver
    Bread Improver
    5g
  • Water (approx., add gradually as needed)
    Water (approx., add gradually as needed)
    550mL

How to make Bagel Dough Recipe

Mixing the Dough

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, salt, gluten, and bread improver. Mix all dry ingredients well.

  2. Step 2

    Add the yeast separately on top (don’t mix yeast directly with salt).

  3. Step 3

    Gradually add water and start mixing.

  4. Step 4

    Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

First Proofing

  1. Step 1

    Cover the dough with a cloth or plastic wrap.

  2. Step 2

    Let it rest for 45–60 minutes or until doubled in size.

Shaping the Bagels

  1. Step 1

    Punch out the air from the dough.

  2. Step 2

    Divide the dough into 90 g portions.

  3. Step 3

    Roll each portion into a tight ball.

  4. Step 4

    Using your finger, poke a hole in the center and stretch gently to form a ring.

Second Proofing

  1. Step 1

    Place the shaped bagels on a tray.

  2. Step 2

    Cover and rest for 20–25 minutes.

Boiling

  1. Step 1

    Bring a pot of water to a boil.

  2. Step 2

    Add 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional – for shine).

  3. Step 3

    Drop each bagel and boil for 30–40 seconds per side.

  4. Step 4

    Remove and place on a tray.

Baking

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 220°C.

  2. Step 2

    Brush the bagels with egg wash (optional).

  3. Step 3

    Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

305.0kcal (15.25%)

Protein

9.0g (18%)

Carbs

65.0g (23.64%)

Sugars

3.3g (6.66%)

Healthy Fat

0.2g

Unhealthy Fat

0.1g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the water added to the dough is at room temperature to avoid killing the yeast.

  2. For a shinier crust, add sugar to the boiling water.

  3. If you prefer a softer bagel, reduce the boiling time slightly.

  4. You can top the bagels with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or other toppings before baking.

FAQS

  1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

    Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for better results.

  2. What is the purpose of boiling the bagels?

    Boiling the bagels helps to create a chewy texture and forms a crust that gives bagels their signature taste.

  3. Can I skip the bread improver?

    Yes, you can skip the bread improver, but it helps to enhance the texture and shelf life of the bagels.

  4. How do I store leftover bagels?

    Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage.

  5. Can I make the dough in advance?

    Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

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Poet's pantry

(@yovanchef)

Welcome to my kitchen corner! I’m yovan, a passionate pastry Chef who believes that every dish tells a story. Through simple ingredients and a little creativity,

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