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New York style bagels are the kind of breakfast bread that makes getting out of bed worth it. With a dense and chewy interior, golden exterior, and that signature flavor only a boiling step can bring, these bagels are the real deal. And the best part? You can make them right at home without any fancy equipment or ingredients.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about making your own bagels. The process is rhythmic and satisfying, from kneading the dough to shaping each ring by hand. Whether you love your bagels plain, sesame-crusted, or everything seasoned, this recipe gives you a base to get creative while still staying true to the iconic New York style.

Why You’ll Love This Easy New York Style Bagel

These bagels check all the boxes. They’re chewy with a slight crisp on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, and they make your kitchen smell like a real bakery. You don’t need a professional oven or specialty ingredients. If you have flour, yeast, water, and a little patience, you’re already halfway there.

The flexibility of toppings and mix-ins makes this a bagel for everyone. You can serve them sweet with jam, savory with smoked salmon, or just warm with a slab of butter. This is a recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat.

What Kind of Flour Should I Use for Bagels?

Bread flour is the secret to authentic bagel texture. Its high protein content creates the gluten development that leads to that classic chew. While you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, the results won’t be quite as chewy. If you want your bagels to rival those from a New York bakery, spring for bread flour.

Ingredients for the Easy New York Style Bagel

When it comes to homemade bagels, simplicity rules. These pantry staples are transformed into something truly special through careful steps and a bit of time.

Bread Flour gives your bagels that signature chewy texture thanks to its higher protein content.

Warm Water activates the yeast and helps bring the dough together. Temperature matters here, so aim for around 110°F.

Instant Yeast gives your bagels rise and structure. Fast-acting and reliable, it takes the guesswork out of proofing.

Granulated Sugar adds just a touch of sweetness to the dough, balancing out the salt and enhancing the flavor.

Salt brings out the best in all the other ingredients and adds that savory bite bagels are known for.

Barley Malt Syrup (or substitute with honey or brown sugar) is what gives that signature flavor and golden crust during the boil.

Toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning let you personalize each bagel to your liking.

How To Make the Easy New York Style Bagel

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit until foamy, then stir in the flour and salt. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes by hand or 6 minutes in a stand mixer with a dough hook.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Transfer the dough to a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, which usually takes about 1 hour.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels

Punch down the dough and divide it into equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole through the center and stretch to form a ring. Let them rest while you prepare the water bath.

Step 4: Boil the Bagels

Bring a pot of water to a simmer and add barley malt syrup or its substitute. Boil each bagel for 1 minute per side. This step sets the crust and gives bagels their unique texture.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place boiled bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Add your favorite toppings, then bake until golden brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.

How to Serve and Store Your Bagels

These bagels are best served fresh and warm, straight from the oven with cream cheese or butter. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as sandwich bread. This recipe yields 8 hearty bagels, enough for a small crowd or to enjoy throughout the week.

To store, let the bagels cool completely, then keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them sliced, and just pop in the toaster when you’re ready to eat.

What to Serve With Bagels?

Cream Cheese and Lox

A classic New York pairing, rich cream cheese and silky smoked salmon make for a luxurious bite.

Scrambled Eggs and Avocado

Slice a warm bagel in half and pile on soft scrambled eggs and creamy avocado for a protein-packed start.

Nut Butter and Banana

For a sweet twist, try your bagel with almond butter and banana slices sprinkled with cinnamon.

Bacon, Egg & Cheese

Build a breakfast sandwich by layering crispy bacon, a fried egg, and melted cheese inside a toasted bagel.

Tomato and Basil

Fresh tomato slices, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh basil give a light, Mediterranean vibe.

Chicken Salad

Use your bagel as a base for a generous scoop of homemade chicken salad for a satisfying lunch.

Tuna Melt

Add tuna salad and cheese to the bagel and broil it until bubbly for a crispy, gooey meal.

Strawberry Jam and Ricotta

A slightly sweet, creamy combo that works perfectly on a toasted plain or sesame bagel.

Want More Bread Ideas?

If this bagel recipe stole your heart, you might fall for these other cozy homemade breads:

• Easy Homemade Naan Bread for soft and pillowy bites.
• Frozen Banana Yogurt Pops for a light, refreshing treat with a breakfast twist.
• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake if you’re craving something indulgent and sticky-sweet.
• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta as a comforting dinner to serve alongside your bagels.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can find it again anytime.

And when you make these bagels, drop a comment below! Did you go for sweet toppings or savory? Maybe a combo of both? Let’s swap ideas and celebrate the beauty of homemade bread.

Explore more fresh-from-the-oven favorites and other kitchen inspiration on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of making your own Easy New York Style Bagels. With a golden crust, chewy interior, and endless topping possibilities, they’re the perfect way to bring bakery-quality goodness into your kitchen. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, this recipe will guide you to bagel bliss every single time.

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