Chewy Boiled and Baked Bagels
A short boil gives bagels their firm, shiny crust before they bake golden.
A short boil gives bagels their firm, shiny crust before they bake golden. The source jumps directly from shaping to the oven, so the essential boiling stage is added here. Mix a fairly firm dough, let it rise once and make wide holes that stay open as the rings swell. Sesame seeds are optional; the plain bagels work equally well split and toasted. Mix flour, sugar, salt, yeast, warm water and oil; knead 10 minutes to a firm smooth dough, then rise covered 60 minutes. Divide into 8 balls, poke a generous hole in each and stretch into rings; rest 15 minutes. Heat oven to 220°C (425°F). Bring a wide pot of water with boiling sugar to a gentle boil; poach bagels about 30 seconds each side.
Recipe card
Chewy Boiled and Baked Bagels
Equipment: Large saucepan, baking tray, slotted spoon
Ingredients
Instructions
Dough
Mix flour, sugar, salt, yeast, warm water and oil; knead 10 minutes to a firm smooth dough, then rise covered 60 minutes.
Shape
Divide into 8 balls, poke a generous hole in each and stretch into rings; rest 15 minutes.
Boil
Heat oven to 220°C (425°F). Bring a wide pot of water with boiling sugar to a gentle boil; poach bagels about 30 seconds each side.
Top
Drain briefly and place on lined trays; sprinkle with sesame seeds if using.
Bake
Bake 18 to 22 minutes until deep gold; cool before slicing.
How to tell when it is ready
Deep golden crust and fully baked, springy centers.
Tips
- Knead until dough feels firm and smooth.
- Make wide center holes.
- Poach only briefly before baking.
- Drain rings before adding sesame.
Troubleshooting
- If holes close, stretch rings wider before boiling.
- If bagels are pale, bake a little longer after checking center.
Substitutions
- Use strong bread flour for better chew.
- Use another neutral oil of similar amount.
Variations
- Sprinkle poppy seeds instead of sesame.
- Make smaller bagels and shorten baking.
Serving suggestions
- Split and toast with cream cheese.
- Serve with jam.
- Build a savoury sandwich.
- Offer warm with butter.
Make ahead
Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Airtight up to 2 days; freeze split bagels for longer.
Storage
Airtight up to 2 days; freeze split bagels for longer.
Food safety
Use a slotted spoon around boiling water and bake dough thoroughly.
Frequently asked questions
Why boil bagels first?
A quick boil sets the surface so it bakes shiny and chewy.
How should I store chewy boiled and baked bagels?
Airtight up to 2 days; freeze split bagels for longer.
Split and toast with cream cheese. Airtight up to 2 days; freeze split bagels for longer.
More recipes to try
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