Ingredients

Check off ingredients as you go.

• 3¼ cups bread flour
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1 cup warm water, plus more if needed
• 1 cup brown sugar (for boiling)
• Toppings (optional)

Directions

1. Mix. Combine flour, salt, yeast and sugar. Add warm water (below 115°F). Mix into a firm dough; add a little more water if needed.
2. Knead. Knead 10 minutes in a stand mixer or about 15 minutes by hand, until strong and elastic.
3. Rise. Divide into 8 portions. Set on a parchment-lined pan, cover and let rise about 1 hour.
4. Shape & prepare. Preheat oven to 450°F. Bring a large pot of water to a simmer and dissolve the brown sugar. Make a hole in each dough portion and stretch it wide.
5. Boil. Boil in batches for about 1 minute, flip, then boil 1 more minute. Drain excess water.
6. Top & bake. Add optional toppings while moist. For cheese, add it once the bagels are on the baking sheet. Bake about 10–12 minutes at 450°F until golden.
7. Enjoy. Cool slightly before slicing. Toast, spread with cream cheese, or make breakfast sandwiches.