Enjoying a warm, fresh bagel at home is easier than you think. In this step-by-step guide, we'll show you how to make delicious homemade sesame bagels from scratch. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is a must-try. The result? Fresh, chewy bagels topped with crunchy sesame seeds - perfect for smearing with your favorite spread or turning into a hearty breakfast sandwich. Let's get started!
Ingredients
To create these sesame bagels, you'll need the following ingredients:
For the yeast mixture
½ cup warm water
1 Tablespoon (7 g) instant fast-rise yeast
1 teaspoon honey
For the dough
3 ¼ cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, or bread flour for a heartier bagel
1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup (180 ml) lukewarm water
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons honey
Raw sesame seeds (as needed, for topping)
For the boiling water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon honey
Preparing the Bagel Dough
Make your yeast mixture by combining ½ cup of warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of honey in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for 10–15 minutes until it becomes frothy. In your Vitamix Food Processor Attachment work bowl, place the flour and add 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt. Pulse the mixture 3–4 times to ensure it's well combined. Now, pour the yeast mixture into the work bowl, start the machine, and process for 15 seconds.
Combine the ¾ cup of lukewarm water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 tablespoons honey. Remove the Small Food Pusher from the Small Food Chute, and, with the machine running, pour the mixture through the opening. Process for an additional 25–30 seconds or until the dough forms around the blade.
Next, remove the dough from the bowl and knead it by hand for 1–2 minutes. Place the dough in a warm bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Let it rest and rise for about 20–30 minutes – while it’s resting, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
Shaping the Bagels
Now, it's time to shape your bagels. Portion the risen dough into 6-8 pieces, depending on your desired bagel size. Take each piece and roll it between your hands to form an 8-inch (20 cm) rope. Once you have the rope, join the ends together and pinch them to create the classic ring-shaped bagel. Feel free to experiment with different sizes and shapes for unique variations, and for a deeper dive into bagel shaping, check out this guide from King Arthur Flour.
Boiling and Toppings
To achieve that perfect bagel texture, fill a medium-size pot with water, place it over medium-high heat, and let it come to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of honey, which will help with browning the bagels while baking, as well as help the sesame seed to stick to the dough.
Carefully place 2-3 bagels into the boiling water, adjusting the quantity based on your pot size. Let them cook for 35-45 seconds, then gently flip them with a slotted spoon and cook for an additional 10 seconds.
Remove the boiled bagels from the pot with the spoon and place them on a clean kitchen towel. For that classic sesame bagel look and taste, dip the tops of each bagel into raw sesame seeds or any other seasoning you prefer.
Baking the Bagels
Now it's time to bake your bagels to golden perfection. Place the bagels on a parchment-lined sheet tray, making sure they have enough space between them. If you have a baking stone, place it in the oven while preheating, then bake directly on the stone for a crunchier bagel.
Bake them for 20-30 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are thoroughly cooked through.
Enjoy Your Homemade Bagels!
Your homemade sesame bagels are ready to be enjoyed! Allow them to cool slightly before slicing and serving. These bagels are a fantastic canvas for your favorite spreads and toppings, from classic cream cheese to smoked salmon and beyond. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.