Peanut Free Classic Bagels

Total time2 hr 20 min

Prep time40 min

Cook time25 min

5.0

(15)

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a tray of golden, chewy bagels out of your own oven — and this from-scratch recipe delivers exactly that bakery-style result at home. The dough comes together with just five pantry staples, and the real magic happens in the boiling step, where barley malt syrup, baking soda, and sugar give each ring its signature glossy crust and dense, chewy interior. Store-bought bagels can be a minefield when you're avoiding peanuts, since shared production lines and "may contain" labels make even a simple breakfast feel risky. Making them yourself means you control every single ingredient, from the bread flour down to the optional sesame or poppy seed topping. The shaping technique is easier than it looks — just press, stretch, and proof — and the high-heat bake locks in that deep, crackly golden color that makes these look genuinely professional. Whether you go plain or load them up with everything bagel seasoning, these are the kind of bagels that make weekend mornings feel like a real occasion.

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Ingredients

8 servings

For the dough

1 ½ tsp active dry yeast
1 ½ tsp granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups warm water (105–110°f / 40–43°c)
4 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
1 ½ tsp fine salt

For the boiling water

2 tbsp barley malt syrup
1 tbsp baking soda
1 tbsp granulated sugar

For topping

1 egg white, lightly beaten
2 tbsp sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions

1
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, yeast, and 1 1/2 tsp sugar. Stir briefly and let stand for 5–8 minutes, until foamy and fragrant.
2
Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook for 2 minutes to bring the dough together, then increase to medium speed and knead for 8–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth, stiff, and pulls cleanly away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should feel firm and not tacky — stiffer than a typical bread dough.

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