Homemade Bagels From Scratch Soft, Chewy & Freezer Friendly
There’s something so satisfying about pulling a tray of freshly baked bagels from the oven. The golden tops, the chewy texture, and that comforting homemade smell filling the kitchen that makes it feels like a little slow-living win every single time.
Making your own bagels at home might sound intimidating at first and was that person that thought I couldn’t make them, but trust me once you try them, you’ll realise they’re actually surprisingly simple. And the best part? They freeze beautifully, making them perfect for busy mornings, homeschool lunches, or slow weekend breakfasts at home.
Lately I’ve really been leaning into making more things from scratch where I can. Not because everything has to be perfect, but because there’s something grounding about creating food with your own hands. Also it saves us spending more than we need to. Homemade bagels are one of those things that feel a little special without needing fancy ingredients.
This would also make a great learning activity to teach your kids especially if you homeschool your kids.
Why Make Your Own Bagels?
- Budget friendly
- Freezer friendly
- No unnecessary additives
- Easy to customise
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great for beginner bakers
Once you get the hang of the dough, you can experiment with all sorts of flavours and toppings too.
Homemade Bagel Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups plain flour
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1¼ cups warm water
For boiling
- Large pot of water
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
Optional toppings
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Cheese
- Sea salt
Method
1. Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for around 5 minutes until slightly frothy.
Add the flour and salt, then mix until a dough forms.
Knead for around 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You can do this by hand or with a stand mixer.
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover, and leave somewhere warm for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Shape the Bagels
Once risen, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into a ball, then poke your thumb through the middle and gently stretch into a bagel shape.
Place onto a lined baking tray and let rest for another 15–20 minutes.
3. Boil the Bagels
This is the step that gives bagels their signature chewy texture.
Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and add the honey or brown sugar.
Boil each bagel for about 30–45 seconds per side.
Remove with a slotted spoon or tongs and place back onto the tray.
Add your toppings while still slightly wet.
4. Bake
Bake at 220°C (430°F) for around 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let cool slightly before slicing.
If you can resist eating one warm with butter immediately, you’re stronger than me and my family.
Freezing Homemade Bagels
One of the reasons I love making homemade bagels is how well they store in the freezer.
How to Freeze Them
- Allow bagels to cool completely
- Slice them in half before freezing
- Place into a freezer-safe bag or container
- Freeze for up to 3 months
Pre-slicing makes mornings so much easier because you can pop them straight into the toaster from frozen.
How to Reheat
You can:
- Toast directly from frozen
- Warm in the oven for a few minutes
- Leave out to thaw naturally
They’re perfect topped with:
- Cream cheese
- Homemade jam
- Eggs and bacon
- Avocado with Vegemite is my favourite
- Honey
- Peanut butter
A Simple Homemade Staple
There’s something really comforting about having homemade food tucked away in the freezer ready for busy days especially if you have kids that struggle to decide what to have. A basket of homemade bagels on the bench somehow makes home feel even homier.
Slowly learning how to make more things from scratch has become one of my favourite parts of this homesteading journey. Not for perfection just for the joy of creating, learning, and building a simpler life one recipe at a time.
If you give these homemade bagels a try, I’d absolutely love to see them. Feel free to tag @eveindee on your socials so I can cheer you on and share your creations.