Perfect Sesame Seed Bagels at Home | YumAndJoy

Perfect Sesame Seed Bagels at Home

These sesame seed bagels are chewy, golden, and flavorful—a perfect homemade version of the bakery classic. Made with a simple dough and topped with nutty sesame seeds, they’re great paired with cream cheese, jam, butter, or your favorite spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Chewy and Delicious: Perfectly textured with a slightly crisp crust and a soft, chewy interior.
  • Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples create a classic bagel flavor.
  • Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins for variety.
  • Homemade Magic: Freshly baked bagels are always better than store-bought!
  • Fun to Make: A rewarding recipe for bakers of all levels.

Ingredients

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

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 tbsp instant yeast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for boiling water)
  • Sesame seeds (for topping)

Directions

1. Activate the Yeast

  • In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 45°C) with the instant yeast and sugar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.

2. Make the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and stir until a shaggy dough forms. Gradually add up to 1/4 cup more water if the dough is too dry.

3. Knead the Dough

  • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise

  • Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Shape the Bagels

  • Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your thumb. Stretch the hole to about 1–2 inches in diameter, as it will shrink during baking.

6. Boil the Bagels

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tbsp honey (optional). Boil the bagels for 1 minute per side, then transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Add Sesame Seeds

  • Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the tops of the bagels while they’re still wet from boiling.

8. Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown.

9. Cool and Serve

  • Let the bagels cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8 bagels
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rising Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

  • Everything Bagels: Replace sesame seeds with an everything bagel seasoning blend.
  • Sweet Bagels: Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough for a sweet twist.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free bread flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Cheesy Bagels: Top with shredded cheddar or Parmesan instead of sesame seeds.
  • Seed Mix: Use a blend of sesame, poppy, and flax seeds for a multiseed topping.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Toast the bagels in a toaster or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooled bagels in a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen.

FAQs

1. Do I have to boil the bagels?

Yes, boiling is essential for creating the chewy texture and shiny crust that bagels are known for.

2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, dissolve active dry yeast in warm water and sugar, and let it proof for 10 minutes before adding to the flour.

3. What’s the purpose of honey in the boiling water?

Honey adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a shiny crust on the bagels.

4. Can I skip the sesame seeds?

Absolutely! You can leave them plain or use other toppings like poppy seeds, onion flakes, or coarse salt.

5. Why do my bagels deflate after boiling?

Over-proofing the dough can cause bagels to collapse. Make sure not to let them rise too long before boiling.

6. Can I make mini bagels?

Yes, divide the dough into 12–16 smaller pieces and adjust the baking time to 15–18 minutes.

7. How do I get an even sesame seed coating?

Sprinkle sesame seeds immediately after boiling while the bagels are still wet to ensure they stick well.

8. Can I knead the dough in a stand mixer?

Yes, use the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for 5–6 minutes.

9. Why are my bagels dense?

Dense bagels can result from over-kneading or not letting the dough rise enough.

10. What’s the best way to serve bagels?

Enjoy them toasted with cream cheese, butter, jam, or as a base for a breakfast sandwich!

Conclusion

Homemade sesame seed bagels are a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. With their chewy texture, golden crust, and nutty sesame topping, these bagels are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime snacking. Try this recipe today and enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bakery-quality bagels!

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Perfect Sesame Seed Bagels at Home

Perfect Sesame Seed Bagels at Home


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  • Author: asma
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 bagels 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Bake chewy and flavorful sesame seed bagels at home with this simple recipe. Perfectly golden and topped with sesame seeds, these bagels are a delightful base for cream cheese, jam, or butter!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 tbsp instant yeast
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar

Other:

  • 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for added flavor in the dough)
  • Sesame seeds (for topping)

For Boiling:

  • 6 cups water
  • 2 tbsp honey or sugar

Instructions

1. Make the Dough:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Stir to mix.
  2. Gradually add the warm water and mix until the dough comes together. If using honey, mix it in with the water before adding.
  3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5-6 minutes.

2. Let the Dough Rise:

  1. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

3. Shape the Bagels:

  1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
  2. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke your finger through the center to create a hole. Stretch the hole gently to about 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for 10-15 minutes.

4. Prepare the Boiling Water:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add honey or sugar to the water for extra shine and flavor.

5. Boil the Bagels:

  1. Boil the bagels in batches, 1-2 at a time. Cook each bagel for 1 minute per side, then transfer back to the baking sheet.

6. Add Sesame Seeds and Bake:

  1. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the tops of the boiled bagels.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through.

7. Serve:

  1. Let the bagels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them fresh with your favorite toppings like cream cheese, butter, or jam!

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Shaped bagels can be refrigerated overnight before boiling and baking. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before boiling.
  • Customize Toppings: Swap sesame seeds with poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or leave them plain.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free bread flour blend and follow the same steps.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Rise Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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