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If you’ve ever tasted a freshly baked bagel, you know there’s nothing quite like it. These homemade sesame bagels are golden brown, chewy, and topped with nutty sesame seeds, making them a delightful breakfast or brunch option. Whether you enjoy them plain or loaded with your favorite toppings, these bagels are not only satisfying but also surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast routine. Here’s why these homemade sesame bagels will win you over:
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.
- Freshly baked and customizable to your taste.
- Great for meal prep; freeze for later use.
- A fun and rewarding baking project for all skill levels.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)
How to Make Homemade Sesame Bagels
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
- Stir until a dough begins to form, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center to form the bagel shape.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding honey to the water. Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side, then remove and let them drain on a towel.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on both sides of each boiled bagel and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Results
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For the best bagels, consider these helpful tips:
- Make sure your water is warm but not hot; too high a temperature can kill the yeast.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten, which gives bagels their chewy texture.
- Experiment with different toppings like poppy seeds, garlic, or everything bagel seasoning.
- Let your bagels cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape.
Easy Variations
- For a sweeter bagel, add cinnamon and raisins to the dough.
- Mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
- Top with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for an extra flavor boost.
What to Serve With It
These homemade sesame bagels are versatile and pair beautifully with:
- Cream cheese and smoked salmon
- Avocado and poached eggs
- Your favorite nut butter and sliced banana
- Fresh fruit preserves or jams
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bagels in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast or warm them in the oven until heated through.
Recipe Card
Homemade Sesame Bagels
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 8 bagels
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ cup sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)
- In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture.
- Stir until a dough begins to form, then knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center to form the bagel shape.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding honey to the water. Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side, then remove and let them drain on a towel.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on both sides of each boiled bagel and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Notes: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
