Homemade Everything Bagels

Some days feel like a marathon you didn’t sign up for, and somehow dinner still has to happen. The other evening, I was juggling kiddo chaos while trying to whip up a quick meal. I wanted that warm, fresh-bakery aroma in our kitchen, so I experimented with this homemade Everything Bagels recipe. It turned out to be a lifesaver for busy nights, and the whole family loved it.

I’m Courtney, your friendly kitchen experimenter, and I’m excited to share this simple bagel recipe that’s packed with flavor. With a mix of classic everything bagel toppings, these bagels are perfect for everything—whether you’re spreading cream cheese, building a hearty sandwich, or enjoying them toasted for breakfast.

This recipe also opens the door to endless bagel variations, letting you play with flavors, toppings, and fillings to make breakfast, lunch, or even dinner something special.

What Are Everything Bagels?

Everything bagels are a classic favorite known for their chewy texture and flavorful topping mix. These homemade bagels are sprinkled generously with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic, and coarse salt. They’re versatile enough to enjoy on their own, toasted with cream cheese, or used as the base for your favorite bagel sandwiches. Boiling before baking gives them that signature chewy crust that makes bagels irresistible.

Ingrédients

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 cuillère à soupe de sucre
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F / 43°C)
• ¼ cup barley malt syrup or honey (optional, for shine)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• ¼ cup poppy seeds
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Grand bol à mélanger
• Tasses et cuillères à mesurer
• Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Grand pot
• Cuillère creuse
• Feuille de cuisson
• Papier sulfurisé
• Grille de refroidissement

How to Make Everything Bagels

Étape 1

Combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast in a large bowl.

Étape 2

Add warm water and vegetable oil, stirring until a rough dough forms.

Étape 3

Knead the dough on a floured surface or with a stand mixer for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot until doubled, about 1 hour.

Step 5

Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.

Step 6

Poke a hole through the center of each ball and gently stretch it to form a 2–3 inch diameter bagel.

Step 7

Mix sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and sea salt in a shallow dish to make the everything topping.

Step 8

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add optional barley malt syrup or honey.

Step 9

Boil bagels, 2–3 at a time, for about 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon.

Step 10

Dip each boiled bagel into the everything topping, ensuring it sticks well, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 11

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 12

Bake bagels for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 13

Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Helpful Tips

• Bread flour gives the best chewy texture
• Boiling is essential for the classic bagel crust
• Letting the dough rise fully improves flavor and texture
• Customize toppings with your favorite seeds, herbs, or spices
• Coat bagels immediately after boiling for the best everything-crust adhesion

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover bagels in a paper bag or loosely wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze them in a resealable bag for up to a month. Toast or warm before serving to refresh the texture.

What to Serve With

Everything bagels are delicious with cream cheese and smoked salmon guacamole, or as the base for sandwiches with turkey and avocado, egg and bacon, or chicken salad. Sweet options like peanut butter and honey are also delightful. They work equally well for a quick savory dinner topped with fresh veggies or leftovers.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe without barley malt syrup?

Yes, you can substitute honey or skip it entirely. It mainly adds shine and a touch of sweetness.

How do I know when bagels are done?

They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I freeze these bagels?

Absolutely! Slice them first for easy thawing and toasting.

What are popular bagel toppings?

Traditional everything bagels use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt, but you can experiment with herbs or other seeds.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes, use a plant-based syrup like maple instead of barley malt and ensure toppings are vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

These homemade everything bagels are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy fresh-baked bagels at home. They’re versatile for breakfast, lunch, or a quick dinner and perfect for pairing with all your favorite toppings and fillings. Once you try them, homemade bagels may become your new go-to for busy nights or weekend brunches.