
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a tray of golden, chewy bagels out of your own oven — and this from-scratch version delivers that classic bakery result right at home. The dough comes together with just five pantry staples, and the real magic happens in the boiling step, where barley malt syrup and baking soda give each bagel its signature glossy crust and dense, chewy crumb. That brief dip in simmering water is what separates a true bagel from a plain bread roll, and it is absolutely worth the extra pot on the stove. An egg white wash before baking locks in a beautiful shine, and a shower of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning takes them over the top. Since every ingredient here is plant-based except for the egg white used as a topping, these fit naturally into a meat-free kitchen without any substitutions or workarounds. Store-bought bagels often sneak in unexpected additives or come from facilities that process meat-based flavorings, so making your own puts you fully in control of what goes into every bite. Slice them warm with cream cheese, pile on the avocado, or toast them the next morning — they hold up beautifully either way.
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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.
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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