Everything Bagels are a delicious way to make breakfast feel a little more special. With a chewy center, a golden crust, and a generous topping of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt, these bagels are full of savory flavor in every bite. They’re perfect with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite sandwich fillings.
Making Everything Bagels at home is a fun and satisfying baking project, and the results are worth the effort. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, and save a few for easy meals throughout the week. They’re a homemade favorite the whole family can enjoy.

Table of Contents
Everything Bagels Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 g) bread flour
- 1½ cups (360 ml) warm water
- 2¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons (10 g) salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
For Boiling:
- 2 quarts (1.9 liters) water
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
For the Everything Bagel Topping:
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
How to Make Everything Bagels
1. Prepare the Dough
Mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy, then add the bread flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead and Let Rise
Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then make a hole in the center and gently stretch it into a bagel shape. Cover and rest for 10–15 minutes.

4. Boil the Bagels
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil, adding a little honey if desired. Boil the bagels for 30–60 seconds per side, then remove and drain.
5. Add the Topping and Bake
Brush the bagels with egg white if desired, then sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Chewy and Golden: These bagels have a chewy center and a beautifully golden crust.
- Packed with Flavor: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion add a delicious savory taste.
- Homemade Goodness: Freshly baked bagels taste wonderful straight from your own oven.
- Perfect for Breakfast: Enjoy them with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spread.
Tips and Shortcuts
- Use Bread Flour: Bread flour helps create that classic chewy bagel texture, but all-purpose flour can work if needed.
- Use Warm, Not Hot, Water: The water should feel comfortably warm to the touch. Water that is too hot can damage the yeast.
- Knead Until Smooth: Knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic for bagels with a satisfying chew.
What to Serve with Everything Bagels
Everything bagels are perfect for a quick breakfast or weekend brunch. Spread them with cream cheese, add avocado or smoked salmon, and serve with fresh fruit and a glass of orange juice for an easy, satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour ?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour. However, bread flour usually produces a chewier texture because it contains more protein.
Why do I need to boil bagels before baking ?
Boiling helps create the classic bagel crust. It gives the outside a slightly firm texture while keeping the inside chewy.
How do I get the perfect chewy texture ?
Use bread flour, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, allow it to rise properly, and boil the shaped bagels before baking.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage
Store cooled Everything Bagels in an airtight bag at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Toast before serving.
Freezer Storage
Freeze cooled bagels in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Slice before freezing for easy toasting straight from frozen.
Everything Bagels
Course: Breakfast, BreadCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Intermediate8
servings25
minutes25
minutes300
kcal1
hour50
minutesThese homemade Everything Bagels have a chewy center, a golden crust, and a savory topping of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. Enjoy them fresh for breakfast or use them for sandwiches.
Ingredients
4 cups (500 g) bread flour
1½ cups (360 ml) warm water
2¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
1 tablespoon (12 g) sugar
2 teaspoons (10 g) salt
2 quarts (1.9 liters) water
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 tablespoon dried minced onion
1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 egg white (optional)
Directions
- Activate the Yeast: Mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar in a large bowl. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- Make the Dough: Add the bread flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms, then knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a ball, make a hole in the center, and gently stretch it into a bagel. Cover and rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Boil the Bagels: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring the water to a gentle boil, adding honey or brown sugar if desired. Boil each bagel for 30–60 seconds per side, then drain.
- Add the Topping: Mix the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and coarse salt. Brush the bagels with egg white if desired, then sprinkle with the seasoning.
- Bake: Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Bread flour gives the bagels their classic chewy texture.
- The egg white is optional but helps the seasoning stick.
- Avoid adding too much extra flour, as it can make the bagels dense.
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