Crispy, golden, and topped with rich, melted cheddar, these homemade Montreal-style bagels bring a delicious twist to a classic favorite. With their signature dense and slightly sweet texture, these bagels are perfect for breakfast, snacking, or pairing with your favorite spreads.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Montreal-style texture – Chewy on the inside, crisp on the outside.
Cheesy goodness – A generous topping of sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor.
Homemade freshness – No preservatives, just pure, fresh ingredients.
Easy to make – Simple steps with rewarding results.
Versatile – Enjoy them plain, with butter, or as a sandwich base.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Dough:

4 cups bread flour
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons honey
¾ cup warm water
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Boiling:

10 cups water
¼ cup honey

For Topping:

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, egg, and vegetable oil, then knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, roll each into a rope, and connect the ends to form bagels.
In a large pot, bring water and honey to a gentle boil. Drop bagels in, 2-3 at a time, boiling for 45 seconds per side.
Remove bagels from the water, drain, and place on the baking sheet.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over each bagel.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and crispy.
Let cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8 bagels
Calories: 280 kcal per bagel

Variations

Cheese Variety – Try using smoked gouda, gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Everything Bagel Twist – Sprinkle an everything bagel seasoning mix along with the cheese for extra crunch.
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheddar topping.
Whole Wheat Option – Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
Garlic Herb Infusion – Mix garlic powder and dried herbs into the dough for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm bagels in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or toast them for a crispier texture.

FAQs

How are Montreal-style bagels different from New York-style bagels?

Montreal-style bagels are smaller, denser, slightly sweeter, and always boiled in honey water before baking, giving them a unique texture and flavor.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour provides better structure and chewiness, making the bagels more authentic in texture.

Why do I need to boil the bagels before baking?

Boiling the bagels helps set the crust and gives them their signature chewiness. The honey in the water adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning.

Can I make these bagels without cheese?

Absolutely! You can bake them plain or top them with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt instead.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and boiling.

What can I serve with these cheesy bagels?

They pair well with butter, cream cheese, smoked salmon, or even scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.

How do I get a crispier cheese topping?

For extra crispiness, broil the bagels for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Can I make mini bagels instead of regular-sized ones?

Yes! Simply divide the dough into 12 smaller portions and reduce the boiling and baking time slightly.

What if my dough isn’t rising?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and that your warm water is between 100-110°F (37-43°C) to activate the yeast properly.

Can I add toppings other than cheese?

Definitely! Try adding caramelized onions, garlic butter, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before baking.

Conclusion

These homemade Cheddar Montreal Bagels offer a delightful combination of crispiness, chewiness, and cheesy goodness. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spreads, they are a fantastic addition to your homemade baking repertoire. Try them today and bring a little taste of Montreal to your kitchen!

Cheddar Montreal Bagels

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 8 bagels 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, golden Montreal-style bagels with a rich, melted cheddar topping—perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add flour, salt, egg, and vegetable oil. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth.
Cover and let the dough rise for 1 hour, until doubled in size.
Shape the Bagels: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and connect the ends to form a bagel shape.
Boil the Bagels: In a large pot, bring water and honey to a gentle boil. Drop bagels in, 2-3 at a time, boiling for 45 seconds per side.
Remove bagels from the water, drain, and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over each bagel.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and crispy.

Let cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

For extra flavor, try using smoked cheddar or a blend of cheeses.
Montreal-style bagels are denser and slightly sweeter than New York bagels, thanks to the honey in the dough and boiling water.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Bread, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American