Everything Bagels - freshly baked bread

Everything Bagels

Bagels & Pretzels

Classic bagels loaded with the iconic Everything Bagel seasoning — sesame, poppy, garlic, onion, and flaky salt.

Prep Time

25 min

Proof Time

1h

Bake Time

20 min

Servings

10

Calories

255

Ingredients

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 2¼ tsp instant yeast
  • 1⅓ cups warm water
  • 2 tbsp malt syrup or honey
  • 1½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix & Knead

    Combine flour, yeast, malt syrup, salt, and water. Knead 10 minutes until firm and smooth.

  2. 2

    Rise

    Cover and rise 45–60 minutes until puffy.

  3. 3

    Shape

    Divide into equal pieces and shape into rings or pretzel shapes.

  4. 4

    Boil/Dip

    Boil in malt water or dip in a baking soda bath as directed.

  5. 5

    Top & Bake

    Add toppings. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes until deep golden.

Baker's Notes

The boil is what makes a bagel a bagel. Skipping it gives you a roll, not a bagel. The malt syrup in the boiling water adds colour and subtle sweetness.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

There's something deeply satisfying about biting into a freshly baked Everything Bagel — that crackle of toasted sesame and poppy seeds giving way to a dense, chewy interior. The combination of garlic, onion, and flaky salt creates a savoury crust that clings to every bite, while the malt syrup in the dough adds just a hint of sweetness beneath all that spice.

Canadian home cooks have embraced these bagels as weekend projects because they're approachable yet rewarding. The key is trusting the process: a stiff dough, a quick boil, then a hot oven. Once you nail the technique, you'll never go back to store-bought again.

Tips for the Best Everything Bagels

Appuyez fermement l'assaisonnement sur chaque anneau juste après l'ébullition — la surface sera encore collante et pourra bien saisir les graines. Gardez votre pâte ferme pendant tout le pétrissage ; une pâte plus molle ne retiendra pas cette mastication classique. Si vous façonnez en forme de bretzel, roulez chaque morceau en long ruban avant de rejoindre les extrémités.

What to Serve With It

These bagels shine warm from the oven, especially when split and buttered generously. They pair beautifully with smoked salmon and cream cheese — a true Canadian brunch staple — or with sharp cheddar and a cup of Tim Hortons coffee. For a lighter option, top with avocado and a sprinkle of everything seasoning from the shaker.

Storage & Reheating

Bagels are best enjoyed the same day they're baked, as they lose their signature chew quickly once cooled. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for longer keeping. Always re-toast frozen bagels straight from the freezer at 425°F for 5 to 7 minutes to restore that crisp exterior.

Nutrition Facts

255

cal

5g

Protein

14g

Fat

29g

Carbs

3g

Fiber

329mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant?+

Yes, but you'll need to dissolve it in the warm water first and let it sit for five minutes until foamy before mixing with the flour. Expect a slightly longer rise time.

What's the difference between boiling and dipping the bagels?+

Boiling gives a more even crust and deeper chew, while dipping in a baking soda bath is quicker and easier for beginners. Both methods work — choose based on your comfort level.

Why does my bagel dough feel too stiff to knead?+

That's exactly right. Bagel dough should be firmer than regular bread dough. Don't add extra flour or water — a stiff dough is essential for that dense, chewy texture.

Can I make these ahead and freeze them raw?+

It's better to bake fully, then freeze. Raw bagels don't freeze well because the yeast activity slows dramatically in cold temperatures. Bake, cool completely, then freeze in airtight bags.

How do I keep the topping from falling off during baking?+

The secret is pressing the seasoning into the bagel immediately after boiling while the surface is still wet and sticky. You can also lightly mist with water before sprinkling on the topping.

Tips & Tricks

  • The boil/dip step is what gives bagels and pretzels their distinctive chewiness.
  • These are best eaten the same day — toast leftovers for best results.
  • Use a firm dough — bagel dough should be stiffer than regular bread dough.

Reviews (5)

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last weekend and my family loved it! The bread came out perfectly golden with a beautiful crust. Will definitely be making this again.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. The Baker's Notes really helped me understand the technique. My new favourite bread to bake on weekends.

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.