Chewy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with that tangy sourdough flavor—these homemade bagels are the perfect balance of rustic and satisfying. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to sourdough, this recipe will make your mornings feel extra special.

Sourdough Bagels

Prep time: 15 min

Cook time: 25 min

Fermentation time: 12-16 hours

Servings: 8

Ingredients:

1 cup active sourdough starter
1 1/2 cups warm water
4 cups bread flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 egg, for egg wash

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Instructions:

Add active sourdough starter, warm water, bread flour, sugar, and salt into the mixing bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough back into the mixing bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 12-16 hours, or overnight.
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Add water and 1 tbsp of sugar into the water and boil it.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center and stretch the dough to form a bagel shape.
Boil each bagel for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the bagels.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
Serve!

Nutrition:

Calories 250, Fat 1g, Carbohydrate 50g, Fiber 2g, Sugar 3g, Protein 8g

Cooking Tips:

After shaping, let the bagels proof just until puffy—overproofed bagels may deflate when boiled.
Don’t skip the baking soda in the boiling water! It helps create that signature chewy crust and golden color.
For a stronger sourdough flavor, refrigerate the dough overnight before shaping and boiling.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve fresh out of the oven with a swipe of cream cheese, a drizzle of honey, or a pat of good butter.
These bagels are sturdy enough for sandwiches—try them with egg and cheese, smoked salmon, or roasted veggies.
Freeze extras once cooled and reheat in the toaster or oven for a bakery-fresh bite anytime.

Here’s to good food and great moments! Tell me how this recipe worked for you—I can’t wait to hear!

Sourdough Bagels