Bagels(Water Doughnuts)

Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 30 Cuisine: American

Soft, chewy bagels with a golden crust, featuring a subtle yeasty flavor. Perfect for breakfast or snacks, they suit those craving homemade bakery-style treats.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp. oil
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 oz. dry yeast
  • 3 3/4 c. flour
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 c. hot water
  • 1 egg

Instructions

  1. Mix the oil, sugar, and salt with the hot water. When it cools to lukewarm, add the yeast to dissolve.
  2. Beat the egg until frothy. Add it to the liquid mixture.
  3. Mix in the sifted flour to form a dough.
  4. Knead the dough and shape into doughnuts.
  5. Cover and set to rise on a floured board.
  6. When the bagels begin to swell, drop them one at a time into briskly boiling water and cook until they rise to the top and are light.
  7. Place the boiled bagels on baking sheets and bake in a 400°F oven until crisp and golden, about 15 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve a chewier bagel texture, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also add toppings like sesame seeds or everything seasoning before baking for extra flavor. If you're short on time, use rapid-rise yeast to speed up the process. Ensure your water is at the right temperature to activate the yeast properly, as too hot can kill it.

Serving Suggestions

These bagels are perfect for breakfast or brunch, especially when paired with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or fresh vegetables. They also make a delightful addition to a Super Bowl Brunch spread alongside fresh fruit or pastries. Serve them with a side of Broiled Pink Grapefruit for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover bagels in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply toast them directly from the freezer or warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Bagels(Water Doughnuts) contains roughly 30 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

30 kcal 1% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.1g 2% DV
Total Fat 2.1g 3% DV
Carbs 1.8g 1% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 368.6mg 16% DV
Potassium 86.7mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 0.2mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 6.3mg
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After kneading, let it rise, then punch it down and shape it into bagels. Refrigerate the shaped bagels overnight, and when you're ready to bake, allow them to come to room temperature before boiling and baking.

What is the best way to boil bagels?

Boil the bagels in a pot of water that is at a rolling boil. Adding a tablespoon of baking soda or malt syrup to the water can enhance the flavor and color of the bagels. Boil each bagel for about 30 seconds on each side to achieve that perfect chewy texture.

Can I add flavors to the bagel dough?

Absolutely! You can mix in ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs into the dough for added flavor. For sweet bagels, consider adding cinnamon or chocolate chips. Experimenting with flavors can yield delicious variations of this classic recipe.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →