Bagel recipe lovers, you’re about to discover how easy and rewarding it is to make your own bagels at home. If you’ve ever wondered how to make bagels that are soft inside and perfectly chewy outside, you’re in the right place.
I still remember my first try at homemade bagels. The smell alone made it worth it. Fresh, warm, and slightly crisp on the outside—it’s something store-bought can’t match.
In this guide, I’ll show you 15 of the best bagel recipes you can make at home. From classic to healthy and high-protein options, each one is simple and beginner-friendly.
Let’s get baking.
1. Classic Homemade Bagel Recipe
This traditional bagel recipe gives you that authentic chewy texture with a golden crust. It’s the foundation of all great bagels.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
How to Make It:
Start by activating your yeast. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. This step is key to a good rise.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Slowly pour in the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. It should feel slightly firm but not dry.
Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour. Once doubled, divide it into equal pieces and shape into balls. Poke a hole in the center of each to form the classic bagel shape.
Boil each bagel for 1 minute per side, then place on a baking tray. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown.
The result is a perfectly chewy, bakery-style homemade bagel recipe you’ll want to make again.
2. Greek Yogurt Bagel Recipe (Easy & Quick)
This bagel recipe easy version uses yogurt for a soft, fluffy texture with less effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make It:
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with self-rising flour and salt. Stir until a sticky dough forms. Transfer it to a floured surface and knead lightly for 3–5 minutes.
Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into a rope and join the ends to form a bagel shape.
Place the bagels on a lined baking tray. You can brush them with egg wash for a golden finish. Add your favorite toppings for bagels, like sesame seeds or everything seasoning.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
These bagels are soft, slightly tangy, and super quick to make. Perfect if you’re short on time but still want a homemade bagels recipe quality.
3. Sourdough Bagel Recipe
This sourdough bagel recipe has a deep flavor and chewy texture thanks to natural fermentation.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tsp salt
How to Make It:
Mix sourdough starter, water, and flour until a dough forms. Add salt and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be firm and elastic.
Cover and let it ferment overnight (8–12 hours). This slow process gives bagels their signature flavor.
Shape into bagels and let rest for 30 minutes. Boil each bagel for 1 minute per side, then place on a baking tray.
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
The flavor is slightly tangy, rich, and deeply satisfying. This is one of the best bagel recipe options for serious bread lovers.
4. Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe
This high-protein bagel recipe is soft, filling, and great for a healthy breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make It:
Blend cottage cheese until smooth. Mix with flour, baking powder, and salt to form a dough. Knead lightly until combined.
Divide into equal portions and shape into bagels. Place on a baking tray and brush with egg wash if desired.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–22 minutes until lightly golden.
These bagels are soft and slightly creamy inside. They’re more filling than traditional bagels and perfect if you want a protein bagel recipe without sacrificing taste.
5. Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Recipe
This cinnamon raisin bagel recipe is sweet, warm, and perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tsp yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup raisins
How to Make It:
Activate yeast with warm water and sugar. Let it sit until foamy. Mix flour, cinnamon, and raisins in a bowl. Add the yeast mixture and knead it into a smooth dough.
Let the dough rise for 1 hour. Shape into bagels and let rest for 15 minutes.
Boil each bagel briefly, then bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
The result is soft, chewy bagels with sweet raisins and warm cinnamon flavor. They smell amazing and taste even better.
This is one of the most comforting bagels recipe options you can make at home.
6. Blueberry Bagel Recipe
This blueberry bagel recipe is soft, slightly sweet, and bursting with juicy berries. It’s perfect for breakfast or a light snack.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ cup fresh or dried blueberries
How to Make It:
Start by activating your yeast. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast, then let it sit until foamy. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Slowly add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Gently fold in the blueberries. Be careful not to crush them too much, especially if you’re using fresh ones.
Let the dough rise for about 1 hour until doubled in size. Divide into equal pieces and shape into bagels by forming a hole in the center.
Boil each bagel for about 1 minute per side. This step gives that classic chewy texture. Then bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
The result is a soft, chewy bagel with sweet bursts of blueberry in every bite.
7. Whole Wheat Healthy Bagel Recipe
This healthy bagel recipe is made with whole wheat flour, giving it a nutty flavor and more nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup bread flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tsp yeast
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
How to Make It:
Mix warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it activate until bubbly. Combine both flours and salt in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture and mix into a dough.
Knead for about 10 minutes until firm and smooth. Whole wheat dough feels slightly denser, but that’s normal. Let it rise for about 1 hour.
Shape into bagels and let rest for 15 minutes. Boil briefly, then transfer to a baking tray.
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes.
These homemade bagels are slightly denser but very satisfying. They’re perfect if you’re wondering if bagels are healthy and want a better option.
8. Gluten-Free Bagel Recipe
This gluten-free bagel recipe is soft, chewy, and perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups gluten-free flour blend
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make It:
In a bowl, mix gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Add Greek yogurt and mix until a dough forms. The texture may feel slightly sticky—that’s normal for gluten-free dough.
Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Divide into portions and shape into bagels.
Place on a lined baking tray. You can brush with egg wash and add seeds as homemade bagel toppings.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
These bagels are soft inside with a slightly crisp exterior. They’re a great option for anyone looking for bagel recipes without gluten.
9. Keto Low-Carb Bagel Recipe
This keto bagel recipe is perfect if you want a low-carb alternative.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
How to Make It:
Start by melting the mozzarella and cream cheese together in the microwave until smooth. Stir well to combine.
Add almond flour, egg, and baking powder. Mix until a dough forms. It will be slightly sticky but workable.
Divide into portions and shape into bagels. Place on a lined baking tray.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–18 minutes until golden.
These low-carb bagel recipe options are soft, cheesy, and very filling. They don’t taste exactly like traditional bagels, but they’re a great healthy swap.
10. Egg Bagel Recipe
This egg bagel recipe is rich, slightly fluffy, and has a beautiful golden color.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups bread flour
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup warm water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp yeast
- 1 tsp salt
How to Make It:
Activate yeast with warm water and sugar. In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Add eggs and yeast mixture, then mix into a dough.
Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Let the dough rise for 1 hour.
Divide into pieces and shape into bagels. Let rest briefly, then boil each for about 1 minute per side.
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes until golden brown.
These bagels are softer and richer than classic ones. They’re perfect for a bagel sandwich recipe or even a bagel and egg recipe for breakfast.
11. Pizza Bagel Recipe
This fun bagel pizza recipe is cheesy, savory, and perfect for a quick snack or lunch. It’s like your favorite pizza on a chewy bagel base.
Ingredients:
- 2 plain bagels (halved)
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp pepperoni slices (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bagel halves on a baking tray, cut side up. Spread about 1–2 tablespoons of pizza sauce on each half. Make sure to cover evenly so every bite has flavor.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce. Add pepperoni or your favorite toppings. Finish with a pinch of oregano for extra flavor.
Bake for about 10–12 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble. The edges of the bagel will turn slightly crisp while the inside stays soft.
The result is a quick, cheesy, and satisfying snack. This is one of the easiest bagel recipes you can make when you’re short on time.
12. Smoked Salmon Bagel Recipe (Lox Style)
This classic lox bagel recipe is fresh, savory, and slightly creamy. Perfect for a balanced breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 2 bagels (sliced)
- 4 tbsp cream cheese
- 100g smoked salmon
- 1 tbsp capers
- 4 slices red onion
- Fresh dill
How to Make It:
Toast your bagels lightly until the edges are crisp. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese on each half.
Layer smoked salmon evenly on top. Add a few slices of red onion and sprinkle capers for a salty bite. Finish with fresh dill for a burst of freshness.
The combination of creamy cheese, salty salmon, and fresh herbs creates a perfect balance. The bagel stays chewy while the toppings add layers of flavor.
This is one of the most popular bagel sandwich recipes and works great for brunch or a light meal.
13. Bagel and Egg Breakfast Recipe
This hearty bagel and egg recipe is filling, warm, and perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
- 2 bagels
- 2 eggs
- 2 slices of cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper
How to Make It:
Start by slicing and lightly toasting your bagels. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook to your preference—fried or scrambled, both work well.
Season with salt and pepper. Place a slice of cheese on top of the hot eggs so it melts slightly.
Assemble your sandwich by placing the egg and cheese between the bagel halves. Press gently so everything holds together.
The result is warm, cheesy, and satisfying. The crispy edges of the bagel pair perfectly with the soft egg.
It’s a simple yet delicious breakfast bagel recipe you’ll want to make often.
14. Bagel Chips Recipe
This crispy bagel chips recipe is perfect for snacking or dipping.
Ingredients:
- 3 bagels (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice bagels into thin rounds. The thinner you slice, the crispier they’ll become.
Place slices in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic powder and salt, then toss to coat evenly.
Spread them in a single layer on a baking tray. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Let them cool slightly—they’ll crisp up even more as they sit.
These crunchy chips are perfect with dips or as a light snack. It’s a great way to use leftover bagels recipe creations.
15. Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe
This soft and filling cottage cheese bagel recipe is a great high-protein option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make It:
Blend cottage cheese until smooth. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the blended cottage cheese and mix into a dough.
Knead lightly until combined. Divide into equal portions and shape into bagels.
Place on a baking tray and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–22 minutes until lightly golden.
These bagels are soft, slightly dense, and very satisfying. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a high-protein bagel recipe that still tastes good.
You can enjoy them plain or add your favorite homemade bagel toppings.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make bagels at home with 15 simple and delicious recipes. From classic to high-protein and sweet options, there’s something for everyone—even if you’re a fan of toaster strudel and looking to branch out into homemade baking.
I love how customizable homemade bagels are. You can add your favorite flavors, toppings, or fillings to make them your own.
Try one recipe first, then explore more. Once you start baking your own bagel recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
