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Homemade sesame bagels are the breakfast treat that elevate your morning routine. With their golden-brown crust and nutty sesame seed topping, these bagels offer a satisfying chew and a comforting flavor that makes any breakfast feel special. Plus, making bagels at home allows you to customize them to your liking, ensuring a fresh, warm delight every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade sesame bagel recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as the bagels bake to perfection. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling fresh bagels out of the oven!
- Freshness: Enjoy bagels straight from the oven.
- Customization: Adjust toppings to suit your taste.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples.
- Fun to Make: A great weekend project for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup sesame seeds (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)
How to Make Sesame Bagels
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the center, stretching it to form a bagel shape.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the honey. Drop in bagels, 2-3 at a time, and boil for about 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the tops generously with sesame seeds, pressing slightly to adhere.
- Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which gives bagels their chewy texture.
- Boiling the bagels is essential—it helps create that classic crust.
- Experiment with different toppings like poppy seeds or everything seasoning for variety.
Easy Variations
- Everything Bagels: Add a mixture of poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt on top before baking.
- Herb-Infused: Incorporate dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for extra flavor.
- Sweet Cinnamon Raisin: Mix in cinnamon and raisins, and top with a cinnamon-sugar blend before baking.
What to Serve With It
- Cream cheese (plain or flavored)
- Sliced avocado with salt and pepper
- Smoked salmon with capers
- Fresh fruit or a fruit compote
- A hot cup of coffee or tea
Storage and Reheating
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Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or oven until warmed through.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield/Servings: 8 bagels
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ cup sesame seeds (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
- Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the center, stretching it to form a bagel shape.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the honey. Drop in bagels, 2-3 at a time, and boil for about 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle the tops generously with sesame seeds, pressing slightly to adhere.
- Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes: Ensure your yeast is fresh for optimal rising. Knead the dough thoroughly for the best texture.




















