Homemade New York Style Bagel Recipe

If you’ve ever visited New York City, there’s a good chance you’ve stood in line at a corner bakery, holding a warm paper bag filled with fresh bagels. These are not just any bagels. New York style bagels are known for their glossy, golden crust, signature chew, and perfect density. Unlike soft rolls or store-bought imitations, real New York bagels are boiled before baking, which gives them that authentic texture and rich flavor.

Today, I’m walking you through a step-by-step homemade New York style bagel recipe that brings the magic of a Brooklyn deli right to your kitchen. You don’t need a wood-fired oven or any fancy ingredients. What you do need is a bit of patience, the right technique, and a willingness to fall in love with your own baking.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Taste and Texture
• Dietary Information
• Ingredients and Substitutions
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Expert Tips for Perfect Bagels
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage and Reheating
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Try These Other Delicious Recipes
• Final Thoughts
• New York Style Bagel Recipe

This recipe has been perfected over time and shared with many readers just like you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home baker, you’ll find this recipe satisfying, reliable, and absolutely delicious.

this recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy for Beginners

This bagel recipe breaks down each step clearly so that anyone can follow it, even if this is your first time working with yeast dough. No bakery experience required.

Authentic Flavor and Texture

Boiling the bagels before baking gives them their characteristic chewy interior and shiny crust. You'll bite into a crispy outside and sink your teeth into a dense, perfectly textured middle.

Budget-Friendly and Customizable

Instead of spending several dollars per bagel at a café, make a whole batch at home for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can customize your toppings and size just the way you like them.

Meal-Prep Friendly

Bagels freeze well and reheat beautifully in the toaster. Make a large batch over the weekend and enjoy homemade bagels all week.

Taste and Texture

These bagels are everything a true New York style bagel should be. They’re slightly crisp on the outside, thanks to the boil-and-bake method, and chewy and substantial on the inside. The crumb is tight, not fluffy, and holds up well to a smear of cream cheese, a fried egg, or your favorite sandwich fillings.

When toasted, they develop a lightly crunchy bite that contrasts beautifully with their dense interior. Whether topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning, these bagels are deeply satisfying from the first bite to the last.

Dietary Information

• Vegetarian
• Dairy-free if you skip the egg wash
• Vegan-friendly with minor modifications
• High-protein option available using bread flour
• No milk, butter, or refined additives needed

Ingredients and Substitutions

What You’ll Need

• 1⅓ cups room temperature water (320 grams)
• 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast (7 grams or 1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (12 grams)
• 3½ cups bread flour (520 grams)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (10 grams)

Boiling Water Bath

• 4 to 6 cups water
• 2 tablespoons barley malt syrup, honey, or brown sugar (optional)

Toppings

• 1 beaten egg (optional)
• 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
• 3 tablespoons poppy seeds

Ingredient Tips

Bread Flour
Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, giving your bagels the strength and chewiness they're known for. If all you have is all-purpose, it will still work, but expect a slightly softer result.

Barley Malt Syrup
This ingredient is used in traditional recipes to give the bagels a slightly sweet, malty flavor and golden finish. If you can’t find it, honey or brown sugar are great substitutes. You can also skip it entirely without ruining the recipe.

Instant Yeast
Instant yeast is fast-acting and doesn’t require blooming, making it ideal for busy bakers. If you're using active dry yeast, just remember to dissolve it in water with the sugar first.

Toppings
Mix and match your toppings or leave a few plain. Sesame, poppy seeds, and everything seasoning are the classics, but feel free to get creative with dried onion flakes, sea salt, or shredded cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl), stir together the water, instant yeast, and sugar. Add the bread flour and salt. Mix on medium-low speed with a dough hook for 8 to 10 minutes until a smooth, elastic dough forms.

If mixing by hand, combine ingredients and knead on a lightly floured surface until the dough becomes supple and springs back when pressed.

Step 2: First Rise

Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let rise in a warm area for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Divide the Dough

Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces for larger bagels or 9 for smaller ones. Roll each piece into a ball and let them rest for 10 minutes on the counter.

Step 4: Shape the Bagels

Using your finger, poke a hole through the center of each dough ball and gently stretch it into a ring. Rotate the dough as you stretch to ensure an even shape.

Step 5: Boil the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle with a bit of your chosen toppings to create a base crust.

Bring a wide pot of water to a boil. Add barley malt syrup, honey, or brown sugar if using. Boil bagels in batches, about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to remove and transfer to the baking sheet.

Step 6: Add Toppings

While the bagels are still wet from boiling, brush with egg wash and sprinkle generously with toppings.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown and shiny. Let cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bagels

Knead Thoroughly

Whether by hand or mixer, make sure you knead the dough enough to develop the gluten. This is what gives bagels their signature chew.

Keep the Bagels Uniform

Use a kitchen scale to divide the dough evenly. Consistent size helps with even baking and better presentation.

Don’t Skip the Boil

Boiling is essential. It sets the crust before baking, leading to that classic texture you’re after.

Cold-Proof for Extra Flavor

For deeper flavor and better structure, refrigerate the dough overnight before shaping and baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not kneading long enough
• Letting the dough overproof and collapse
• Using too little flour or overly wet dough
• Skipping the boiling step or under-boiling
• Overcrowding the pot when boiling

Serving Suggestions

Delicious Pairings

• Cream cheese and smoked salmon with capers
• Fried eggs and avocado slices
• Peanut butter and banana
• Labneh with a drizzle of olive oil

How to Serve

Serve on a wooden board for brunch, alongside sliced vegetables, spreads, and toppings. Toast before serving for that extra crunch.

Beverage Ideas

• Hot coffee or espresso
• Chai or spiced black tea
• Fresh orange juice or cold brew

Storage and Reheating

How to Store

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
• Freezer: Slice in half and freeze for up to 2 months.

Best Reheating Methods

• Toaster: The quickest and crispiest option
• Oven: Reheat wrapped in foil at 350°F for 10 minutes
• Microwave: Not recommended, as it softens the crust

Frequently Asked Questions

Variations and Customizations

Make It Vegan

Simply skip the egg wash. Use maple syrup or agave in the boiling water for shine.

Flavor Twists

• Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough
• Mix in shredded cheddar and jalapeño slices
• Sprinkle garlic and parmesan before baking

Holiday Ideas

• Pumpkin spice bagels for fall
• Red and green everything seasoning for winter holidays
• Fresh herb and lemon zest bagels for spring

Try These Other Delicious Recipes

If you enjoyed making these classic bagels, you’ll love these creative takes:

• Greek Yogurt Bagels – A High Protein Twist on a Classic Favorite
• Miraculous Homemade Bagel Recipe – Fluffy, Chewy, and Flavorful
• Pancake Donuts – A Fun and Sweet Breakfast Idea

For more inspiration and behind-the-scenes looks at recipe testing and baking tips, follow us on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/bakewithlina/.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bagels filling your kitchen. Once you try this homemade New York style bagel recipe, it’s hard to go back to store-bought. The process may take a little time, but the result is so worth it. Plus, with all the topping and flavor options, you can truly make them your own.

If you make this recipe, let me know how it went in the comments. Share your creations and tag us on social media. Happy baking!

Print