Another Homemade Bagel

There’s something wildly satisfying about making a bagel from scratch. Maybe it’s the way the dough feels in your hands, or the smell that fills the kitchen when they come out of the oven all golden and warm. Or maybe it’s just knowing you made that, with a little flour, water, time, and love.

These are the bagels I make on slow mornings—when I want something cozy, a little impressive, and a whole lot better than anything in a plastic sleeve from the store.

If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag @anothersouthernhousehold on Instagram and hashtag it #anothersouthernhousehold

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 tsp instant yeast

• 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 100–110°F)

• 3 ½ cups bread flour

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 ½ tsp salt

For boiling:

• Large pot of water

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, but adds a beautiful golden crust)

For topping (optional):

• Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, flaky salt, cinnamon sugar, etc.

Why I Love These

There’s a kind of pride that comes with homemade bread—but these? These are something special. Soft inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and perfect for a breakfast sandwich, cream cheese moment, or just torn apart and eaten warm in your kitchen.

Also? They freeze like a dream. Just slice before freezing, and you’re a toaster minute away from joy any day of the week.

Instructions

1. Mix the dough:
In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. Add in flour and salt, then mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead by hand (or with a dough hook) for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. Let it rise:
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 60–90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

3. Shape the bagels:
Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole through the center and gently stretch into a ring shape. Cover and let rest for 10–15 minutes while you bring your water to a boil.

4. Boil the bagels:
Once water is boiling, add a splash of honey or brown sugar (optional). Boil bagels 1–2 minutes per side. The longer they boil, the chewier the crust.

5. Add toppings:
Remove bagels from water, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and sprinkle with toppings while they’re still wet.

6. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and perfect.