Easy New York Style Bagel

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There is something undeniably satisfying about biting into a fresh, chewy New York style bagel. It has a glossy crust, a slightly crisp bite, and a soft but dense interior that makes it the ultimate breakfast bread. Whether you slather it with cream cheese, pile on smoked salmon, or enjoy it plain right out of the oven, a great bagel can make your morning feel like magic.

This easy New York style bagel recipe lets you bring that iconic bakery flavor home. With just a few pantry staples, a little patience, and some love, you’ll soon be baking bagels that rival your favorite bagel shop’s. Once you master the boil-and-bake technique, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

Why You’ll Love This Easy New York Style Bagel Recipe

These bagels are the real deal. They’re boiled to lock in that signature chew and baked until golden brown, making them incredibly satisfying. What makes this recipe even better is how simple and adaptable it is. You can make plain, sesame, poppy seed, everything, or cinnamon raisin with the same base dough. And they freeze beautifully, so you can keep a stash ready for quick breakfasts.

What Kind of Flour Makes the Best Bagels?

High-protein flour, like bread flour, is the secret to chewy New York bagels. The higher gluten content helps create the dense, satisfying texture that bagel lovers crave. While you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch, the results won’t be quite the same. If you want that true deli-style bite, stick with bread flour.

Ingredients for the Easy New York Style Bagel

New York style bagels are made with very few ingredients, and that simplicity is key to their charm. Each component plays a specific role in creating the chewy texture and golden crust.

• Bread Flour
• Warm Water
• Instant Yeast
• Sugar
• Salt
• Barley Malt Syrup or Honey (for boiling)
• Toppings of Choice (such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning)

How To Make the Easy New York Style Bagel

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Combine bread flour, warm water, instant yeast, sugar, and salt in a stand mixer or mixing bowl. Knead until the dough is smooth, elastic, and stiff.

Step 2: First Rise

Cover the dough and let it rise at room temperature for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until nearly doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels

Punch down the dough, divide it into 8 pieces, and roll each into a ball. Poke a hole in the center of each ball and gently stretch it into a ring. Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 4: Chill and Rest

Cover the tray and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours. This helps develop flavor and strengthens the dough structure.

Step 5: Boil the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Bring water to a boil in a wide pot and add barley malt syrup or honey. Boil each bagel for 30 to 60 seconds per side, then transfer back to the baking sheet.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Bake

Sprinkle with toppings immediately after boiling. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty. Let cool slightly before enjoying.

Serving and Storing Your Homemade Bagels

These bagels are best enjoyed warm out of the oven, but they also store well. Once cooled, keep them in a paper bag for a day or two at room temperature. For longer storage, slice and freeze them. Just pop one in the toaster straight from the freezer for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

This recipe makes 8 hearty bagels, perfect for feeding a hungry brunch crowd or prepping breakfast for the week.

What to Serve With Easy New York Style Bagels?

Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon

You can’t beat the classic lox combo. Add capers, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon.

Avocado and Egg

Top a toasted bagel with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a poached egg.

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese

Create your own deli sandwich at home with crispy bacon, a fried egg, and melted cheese.

Hummus and Cucumber

For a plant-based twist, spread on some hummus and layer with fresh cucumber and herbs.

Nut Butter and Banana

For a sweet bite, try almond or peanut butter with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey.

Tuna Salad or Chicken Salad

Turn your bagel into a filling lunch with your favorite creamy salad mix.

Butter and Jam

Simple but so comforting—especially when the bagel is still warm.

Want More Bread and Breakfast Ideas?

If these easy New York style bagels hit the spot, check out these other bready delights:

• Try our Fluffy Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread for a high-protein, low-carb bite.
• These Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts are dangerously easy to make.
• The Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole makes weekend mornings feel extra special.
• For a savory option, don’t miss the Copycat Starbucks Spinach Egg White Feta Wraps.
• And if you’re looking for something hearty, the Easy Chicken Fried Rice is a great anytime meal.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can always make fresh bagels when the craving hits.

Let me know in the comments if you topped your bagels with sesame, poppy, or everything seasoning—or if you got creative with something totally new!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting breakfasts and snacks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and get inspired to elevate your mornings.

Conclusion

Homemade New York style bagels are so much easier than they seem, and they truly elevate breakfast at home. With a satisfying chew and endless topping combinations, these bagels will become a regular feature in your kitchen. Once you experience the joy of pulling a tray of freshly baked bagels from the oven, there’s no turning back.

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