Everything Bagels (Chewy, Golden, and Topped with Crunchy Magic)

Everything bagels are the king of bagels. Chewy inside. Golden crust outside. Loaded with that crunchy, savory, garlicky-oniony seed mix. No bakery trip required. Your kitchen can do this.

Ingredients

Makes 8 bagels.

For the Dough:

  • 4 cups (500g) bread flour (or all-purpose)
  • 2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
  • 1½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar or barley malt syrup
  • 1¼ cups (300ml) warm water (110°F / 45°C)

For the Boil:

  • 8 cups water
  • 2 tbsp sugar or honey

For the Topping:

  • ¼ cup everything bagel seasoning (store-bought or homemade: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, flaky salt)
  • 1 egg white + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make Dough

  1. Whisk flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Add warm water. Mix into a shaggy dough.
  2. Knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  3. Cover and rise 1-2 hours until doubled.

Step 2: Shape

  1. Punch down dough. Divide into 8 pieces (about 100g each).
  2. Roll each into a ball. Poke a hole through the center with your thumb. Gently stretch into a 2-inch hole.

Step 3: Second Rise

  1. Place bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and rest 20-30 minutes (slightly puffy but not doubled).

Step 4: Boil

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring water and sugar to a gentle boil.
  2. Boil bagels 1 minute per side (45 seconds for softer, 90 seconds for chewier). Remove with a slotted spoon.

Step 5: Top & Bake

  1. Place boiled bagels on a parchment-lined or cornmeal-dusted baking sheet.
  2. Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle generously with everything seasoning.
  3. Bake 18-22 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Cool on a wire rack. Slice, toast, schmear with cream cheese. Perfection.

Summary

Prep Time: 20 min + rises | Cook Time: 20 min | Total: 40 min + rises

Yield: 8 bagels | Difficulty: Medium

Storage Notes

Counter (cut bagels): 2 days. Freezer: 3 months. Slice before freezing. Toast frozen bagels directly — no thawing needed. Never refrigerate (stales faster).

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