This warm and chewy Homemade New York-style Bagels recipe comes together in about 1 hour and is all in one pot, it’s a quick and easy meal that your family will love! You can switch up the toppings to suit your taste or even use this as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of those random bits you’ve got hanging around. Trust me, once you make these bagels, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t do it sooner!
Ingredients Breakdown
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon barley malt syrup (optional)
- Toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, etc.)
How to Make Homemade New York-style Bagels
- Proof the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms, it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the dough: Dust a floured surface with a little extra flour and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You know it’s ready when it springs back slightly when poked!
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You’ll want it nice and hot for perfect bagels.
- Shape the bagels: Once the dough is ready, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Then poke a hole through the center of each ball with your finger and shape it into a bagel shape, making sure to stretch the hole slightly bigger.
- Boil the bagels: In a large pot, bring water and barley malt syrup (if using) to a boil. Carefully drop bagels into the boiling water, cooking them for about 1-2 minutes on each side. You’ll see them puff up!
- Toppings time: Remove the bagels and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle your desired toppings on top while they’re still damp from the water.
- Bake those bagels: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown, and your kitchen will smell like pure heaven.
- Cool and enjoy: Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack before serving. You’ll want to take a moment to appreciate the golden hue and aroma!

Why I Love This Recipe
This homemade bagel recipe is my go-to! Seriously, it’s become a ritual in our house on busy weekends or chilly mornings. There’s something so comforting about fresh bagels hot from the oven; they’re like little puffs of joy. I’m a real sucker for the smell of warm bread, it takes me back to my childhood. The best part is you can customize these bagels however you like. Whether it’s the traditional sesame or a spicy jalapeño cheddar mix, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my delicious Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast, my crowd-pleasing Overnight Croissant Breakfast Casserole, or my juicy Espresso Apple Cream Cheese Danish!
Why This Recipe Works
Comfort Food
Nothing beats a freshly baked bagel slathered with cream cheese or enjoyed simply with butter. This recipe is loaded with tons of flavor and brings the taste of New York directly to your kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser
Whether you’re serving breakfast for your family or hosting a brunch, these bagels are sure to impress. I guarantee everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds)!
Customizable
You can completely switch up the flavors and toppings to fit everyone’s tastes. From classic sesame to everything bagels, the sky’s the limit!
Make-Ahead Friendly
These bagels can be made ahead and frozen for later! Just freeze them right after baking and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pop them in the oven for a quick reheat.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Serve these bagels toasted with cream cheese, piled high with turkey or ham, or even as an indulgent breakfast sandwich with eggs and cheese!
Storage
These bagels keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also leave them out at room temperature for about 2 days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, pop them in the toaster, or warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warmed through. Fresh out of the oven is always the best, but you can also slice them and freeze for later, no judgment here!
Freezer Friendly
Absolutely! After they’re fully cooled, just pop them into a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for about 3 months! When you want to enjoy them, just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friends! This Homemade New York-style Bagels recipe is everything you didn’t know you needed. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be showing off your bagel-making skills to everyone. They’re amazing for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night snack. And the best part? You made them yourself!
Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your bagel creations with me. I’d love to see what specialties you whip up! Happy baking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!

Homemade New York-style Bagels
Ingredients
Method
- Proof the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the dough: Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms—it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Knead the dough: Dust a floured surface with a little extra flour and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
- Preheat the oven: While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Shape the bagels: Once the dough is ready, punch it down, divide it into 8 equal pieces, and shape each into a bagel.
- Boil the bagels: Bring water and barley malt syrup (if using) to a boil, then carefully drop bagels into the boiling water for about 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Toppings time: Remove bagels and sprinkle desired toppings on top while still damp.
- Bake those bagels: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and enjoy: Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack before serving.