baking

Everything Bagels: Homemade, Chewy and Topped with Everything

Pam 2026
Everything Bagels: Homemade, Chewy and Topped with Everything

Ingredients

For the Bagel Dough (makes 8 bagels):

  • 4 cups (500g) bread flour (high-gluten flour preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon barley malt syrup (or honey or brown sugar)
  • 1 ½ cups (360ml) warm water (about 110°F / 45°C)
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast

For the Everything Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
  • 1 tablespoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon)

For the Boiling Water Bath:

  • 8 cups (2 liters) water
  • 2 tablespoons barley malt syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon baking soda

For Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

There’s nothing quite like a fresh, homemade bagel—chewy on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and topped with that iconic everything seasoning. Making bagels at home is a labor of love, but the result is infinitely better than anything from the store.

This recipe delivers authentic New York-style bagels with that perfect chewy texture, achieved through a secret ingredient: barley malt syrup and a boiling water bath before baking. Top them with the classic everything blend and you have the ultimate breakfast treat.

Instructions

1

Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour and salt. In a measuring cup, dissolve the barley malt syrup in the warm water, then stir in the yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Add the yeast mixture to the flour and mix on low speed until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on medium-low for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, stiff, and elastic. It should be firm and not too sticky.

2

First Rise

Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise at room temperature until doubled in size, about 1-2 hours.

3

Shape the Bagels

Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a clean work surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces (about 110g each). Shape each piece into a smooth ball.

To shape the bagels, poke a hole through the center of each ball with your thumb, then gently stretch to create a 2-3 inch hole. Place on a lightly floured baking sheet, cover, and let rest for 15 minutes.

4

Prepare the Everything Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine all seasoning ingredients. Mix well.

5

Prepare the Water Bath

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a pizza stone or baking steel on the middle rack if you have one. Bring the water, barley malt syrup, and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.

6

Boil the Bagels

Working in batches of 2-3, carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water. Boil for 30-60 seconds per side, flipping with a slotted spoon. The longer they boil, the chewier the bagel. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain slightly.

7

Add Toppings

While still wet from the boil, dip the top of each bagel into the everything seasoning, pressing gently to adhere. Alternatively, sprinkle the seasoning on top.

8

Bake

Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet (or directly on the preheated stone). Bake for 20-25 minutes, until deep golden brown and crisp. Let cool on a wire rack.

9

Serve

Slice, toast if desired, and serve with cream cheese, lox, or your favorite toppings.

Pro-Tips for Everything Bagel Perfection

  • Use Bread Flour: It has higher protein content, which creates that essential chewy texture.
  • Barley Malt Syrup: It’s traditional and adds authentic flavor—find it online or at specialty stores.
  • Don’t Skip the Boil: This step is what makes a bagel a bagel. It sets the crust and creates that dense, chewy interior.
  • Make Your Own Seasoning: Pre-mixed everything bagel seasoning is convenient, but homemade is fresher and more flavorful.
  • Preheat Your Baking Surface: A pizza stone or steel gives the best crust.
  • Let Them Cool: Bagels continue to set as they cool. Don’t slice too soon.
  • Freezer Friendly: These bagels freeze beautifully. Slice before freezing for easy toasting.
  • Variations: Try sesame, poppy, or plain—or experiment with your own seasoning blends.

These Everything Bagels are homemade, chewy, and absolutely delicious.

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