Who doesn’t love a fresh, warm bagel? There’s something extra special about making them at home. Today, I’m sharing my simple recipe for homemade sesame seed bagels! These bagels are soft, chewy, and topped with delicious sesame seeds for the perfect crunch. The best part? They only require a few ingredients and no fancy equipment! Whether you enjoy them with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spread, these bagels will be a new go-to in your kitchen.
Method
Mix the Dough
To begin, take a large mixing bowl and combine the flour with the baking soda. Use a spoon or spatula to mix them well, ensuring the baking soda is evenly distributed. This will help the dough rise slightly and give the bagels a light texture. Next, add in the Greek yogurt. Stir it into the dry ingredients slowly, and as it begins to come together, use your hands to knead the dough. The dough will feel slightly sticky at first, but continue mixing until it forms a soft, pliable ball. If it’s too sticky to handle, sprinkle in a little extra flour, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
Form the Bagels
Once your dough is well mixed and manageable, divide it into two equal portions to make two large bagels. Take one section and roll it into a log shape, about 6 inches long. Be sure to roll it evenly so the bagel bakes uniformly. Once the dough is shaped into a log, bring both ends together and gently press them to form a ring. If the ends aren’t sticking well, lightly dampen them with a bit of water and press again. Repeat this process with the second section of dough.
Apply Egg Wash & Toppings
In a small bowl, beat one egg until it is well-mixed. This will serve as your egg wash, which helps give the bagels their golden-brown color and makes the sesame seeds stick. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the surface of each bagel with the egg wash, ensuring you cover the entire top. Then, sprinkle sesame seeds liberally over each bagel. The more you add, the crunchier the topping will be, so don’t be afraid to go heavy if you love extra sesame flavor!
Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place your bagels onto the sheet, ensuring they are spaced out to allow for even baking. Bake them for a total of 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the process. Flipping helps both sides develop a nice golden-brown crust while ensuring even cooking inside. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to ensure they reach the perfect golden hue without overbaking.
Cool & Serve
Once fully baked, remove the bagels from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them sit for at least five minutes before slicing into them. This allows the inside to set and become the perfect chewy texture. Once cooled, serve them with your favorite toppings, whether it’s classic cream cheese, butter, or a fun twist like avocado and eggs. Enjoy your homemade sesame seed bagels warm and fresh!
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
- Oven
Sesame Seed Bagels : A Simple & Delicious Homemade Treat!
Recipe by George Mendes2
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 egg (for an egg wash)
2 tbsp sesame seeds (or more if you love extra crunch!
Directions
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking soda. Stir to mix.
- Add the Yogurt: Pour in the Greek yogurt and mix well until a dough forms. It will be slightly sticky but should hold together.
- Form the Bagels: Divide the dough into two equal sections. Roll each into a log and connect the ends to form a circle.
- Apply Egg Wash & Toppings: Beat the egg in a small bowl, then brush it over the top of each bagel. Sprinkle sesame seeds generously on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cool & Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying them with your favorite toppings!
Notes
- Sticky Dough? If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour, one teaspoon at a time, until it’s manageable.
- Shaping Tip: Make sure to roll the dough evenly before connecting the ends to get a uniform bagel shape.
- Egg Wash Magic: Be generous with the egg wash to help the sesame seeds stick and give your bagels a golden-brown crust.
- Even Baking: Don’t forget to flip them halfway through so they cook evenly on both sides!




Serving Suggestions
- Spread with classic cream cheese for a simple, delicious breakfast.
- Add a fried egg and avocado for a hearty sandwich.
- Top with peanut butter and banana for a sweet twist.
- Use them as a base for a homemade pizza bagel!
Fun Fact
Did you know bagels were originally boiled before baking to get that chewy texture? While this recipe skips that step for convenience, the Greek yogurt helps keep them soft on the inside while crisping up the outside!
Conclusion
Making homemade sesame seed bagels is so easy and rewarding! They require just a few ingredients, and you get fresh, warm bagels straight from your oven. Whether you eat them plain, loaded with toppings, or turned into a delicious sandwich, these bagels are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and let me know how you love to enjoy yours!
Happy baking!



