11 Homemade Bagel Recipes for Breakfast

Nothing beats the smell of fresh bagels baking in the oven on a lazy weekend morning—it takes me right back to my childhood in Brooklyn, where my grandma would wake up at dawn to boil and bake a batch of chewy, golden bagels from scratch. We’d slather them with cream cheese and lox, arguing over who got the biggest one. Those Sundays were pure magic, teaching me that homemade bagels aren’t just food; they’re a ritual of love and tradition.

Lately, I’ve been on a bagel-making binge in my own kitchen, experimenting with wild flavors during late-night baking sessions. With store-bought bagels often tasting like hockey pucks, I’ve rediscovered the joy of customizing my own—chewy exteriors, fluffy insides, and endless toppings. In today’s fast-paced world, these homemade gems offer a wholesome, affordable breakfast that’s both nostalgic and nutritious, perfect for fueling busy days or impressing brunch guests.

Classic Plain Bagels

For the purist, these classic plain bagels deliver that perfect chew with a shiny crust. Ingredients (makes 8): 4 cups bread flour, 1 tbsp instant yeast, 2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 1/4 cups warm water, 1 tbsp baking soda for boiling. Mix dough ingredients, knead 10 minutes, let rise 1 hour. Shape into balls, poke holes, boil 1 minute per side in soda water, bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. They’re versatile for any topping, packed with carbs for sustained energy, and free from preservatives.

Health perks include better digestion from the boiling process, which gives them a lower glycemic index than bread.

Everything Bagels

Loaded with seeds and spices, everything bagels are a flavor explosion. Ingredients (makes 8): Use classic dough recipe, plus topping mix of 2 tbsp each sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, garlic flakes, salt. Prepare dough as above, boil, then roll in toppings before baking. The crunchy exterior pairs perfectly with cream cheese or eggs.

These add omega-3s from seeds and antioxidants from garlic/onions, boosting heart health and immunity for a powerhouse breakfast.

Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

Sweet and comforting, these evoke cinnamon toast with chewy raisins. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic dough + 1/2 cup raisins (soaked), 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar. Knead raisins and cinnamon into dough, rise, shape, boil, sprinkle cinnamon sugar post-boil, bake. Ideal smeared with butter or peanut butter.

Raisins provide fiber and iron, while cinnamon stabilizes blood sugar—great for a satisfying, steady-energy morning start.

Blueberry Bagels

Bursting with juicy berries, these fruity bagels feel like dessert for breakfast. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic dough + 1 cup dried blueberries, 1 tsp lemon zest. Fold berries into dough after first rise, proceed with boiling and baking. Toast and top with yogurt for a parfait vibe.

Blueberries deliver antioxidants and vitamins for brain health and anti-inflammation, making this a superfood twist on bagels.

Sesame Seed Bagels

Nutty and toasty, sesame bagels shine with simple elegance. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic dough + 1/4 cup sesame seeds. Boil as usual, dip wet tops in seeds, bake. Excellent with avocado or smoked salmon.

Sesame seeds offer healthy fats, calcium, and magnesium for bone strength and satiety throughout the morning.

Poppy Seed Bagels

Iconic and addictive, poppy seed bagels have that signature crunch. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic dough + 1/4 cup poppy seeds. Post-boil, generously coat with seeds, bake. Pairs beautifully with lox and capers.

Poppies provide fiber, manganese, and a subtle morphine-like calm—perfect for a relaxing yet energizing breakfast.

Garlic Bagels

Bold and savory, these garlic bagels wake up your taste buds. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic dough + 2 tbsp garlic powder or minced roasted garlic. Mix into dough, boil, top with more garlic flakes, bake. Killer with herb cream cheese.

Garlic’s allicin fights colds and supports immunity, turning breakfast into a flavorful health boost.

Onion Bagels

Sweet-savory onion bagels mimic deli favorites at home. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic dough + 1/4 cup dried minced onion (rehydrated). Knead in half, top with rest post-boil, bake. Top with egg for a hearty bite.

Onions add prebiotics for gut health and quercetin for allergy relief—nutritious and comforting.

Whole Wheat Bagels

Hearty and wholesome, whole wheat bagels amp up the nutrition. Ingredients (makes 8): 2 cups bread flour + 2 cups whole wheat flour, rest as classic. Same process, slightly longer bake. Spread with almond butter.

Higher in fiber, protein, and B vitamins for better digestion and fullness—ideal for health-conscious mornings.

Chocolate Chip Bagels

Indulgent yet breakfast-appropriate, chocolate chips melt into gooey bliss. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic dough + 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips. Fold in after rise, boil gently, bake. Drizzle with yogurt.

Dark chocolate’s flavonoids improve mood and heart health—a fun, antioxidant-rich treat to start the day.

Pumpkin Spice Bagels

Fall-inspired and cozy, these capture PSL vibes in bagel form. Ingredients (makes 8): Classic dough -1/4 cup water + 3/4 cup pumpkin puree, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Proceed as usual, top with spice sugar. Serve with maple cream cheese.

Pumpkin adds vitamin A for immunity and beta-carotene for eyes—a seasonal, fiber-packed delight.

There you have it—11 homemade bagel recipes to elevate your breakfast game! Whether you’re channeling nostalgia or trying something new, grab your apron, preheat that oven, and bake up a batch this weekend. Your taste buds (and family) will thank you—happy bagel-making!