Sesame Seed Bagel Recipe and Video

Make the perfect sesame bagels with our easy-to-follow sesame seed bagel recipe. Homemade sesame bagels are chewy and irresistibly delicious.

There's something truly irresistible about a freshly baked sesame seed bagel. Homemade sesame seed bagels are a cut above the store-bought ones.

With my step-by-step guide and video, I will show you how easy these bagels are to make right at home!

Whether you enjoy it toasted with cream cheese for breakfast or stacked high with your favorite deli fillings for lunch, a classic sesame bagel is a beloved staple of New York bakeries and breakfast tables around the world. 

If you like a New York bakery sesame seed bagel, you will love this recipe. Get baking and savor the goodness of this easy sesame bagel recipe!

Also check out the best onion bagel recipe and homemade pumpkin spice bagels!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• This easy recipe calls for basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it easy to whip up a batch of these fresh bagels anytime.
• Achieve that signature chewy texture of a good bagel with this recipe. You'll never want a store-bought bagel again!
• Customize your sesame seed bagels with your favorite toppings, from classic sesame seeds to black sesame seeds for a unique twist.

Recipe Ingredients

You'll need the following simple ingredients to make sesame bagels at home.

Warm Water activates the yeast, hydrates the dough, and helps it rise.

Instant Yeast acts as a leavening agent, causing the dough to rise and create a light, airy texture.

White Sugar adds sweetness to the bagels and supports yeast fermentation, contributing to a pleasant flavor.

Kosher Salt enhances the bagels' taste and controls yeast activity for a balanced flavor profile.

Bread Flour provides structure and a chewy texture to the bagels due to its higher protein content.

Sesame Seeds serve as a flavorful and nutty taste and texture to the bagels. 

Substitutions

If you need to make some substitutions, don't worry; you can still create delicious bagels with this sesame seed recipe.

• Active dry yeast can replace instant yeast, but be sure to proof it first by dissolving it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dry ingredients.
• All-Purpose flour can be used in place of bread flour, it will result in a slightly less chewy bagel.
• White or black sesame seeds can be used.
• Kosher salt or table salt can be used interchangeably in this recipe.
• Sugar can be replaced with honey.

How to Make Sesame Seed Bagels

Here are some quick visual instructions. The full recipe with ingredient measurements is below!

In the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attached, add the warm water, yeast, sugar, salt, and most of the flour (keep back about ½ cup). 

Mix the dough for 1-2 minutes until it comes together. Give the dough a poke with your index finger. If it feels a little sticky, add another ¼ to ½ cup of flour.

Knead the dough for 12 minutes with a KitchenAid Mixer and 9 minutes for a Bosch mixer. The dough should become smooth and elastic.

Form the bagel dough into a ball and place it in a large bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. 

Use either the snake method or the ball method to shape the dough. The video in the recipe card shows both techniques. 

Snake Method: Squeeze out any air in the dough ball. Roll it into a snake that will fit around your hand, overlapping on your palm. This is my favorite way to shape the bagels.

Ball Method: Squeeze out any air in the dough ball. Roll each portion into a dough ball and use your index finger to poke a hole through the center, shaping them into bagel rings.

Allow the shaped bagels to rest on a floured surface while you bring a large pot of water and sugar to a boil. They should puff up slightly (not double in size).

Carefully drop the bagels, a few at a time, into the boiling water. Boil them for 30 seconds on each side. 

Using a large slotted spoon, transfer the boiled bagels onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. Immediately sprinkle the sesame seeds on top of the wet bagels. 

Pro Tip: If the sesame seeds are not sticking, you can gently brush the top of the bagels with an egg wash and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top.

Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn very golden brown.

Remove the freshly baked sesame seed bagels from the oven and let them fully cool on a wire rack. Then, slice and enjoy your chewy homemade bagels with your favorite spreads or as the perfect base for breakfast sandwiches.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Ensure your yeast mixture is not too hot or too cold; lukewarm water should feel comfortable to the touch.
• The sesame seeds must be added the very moment the bagels are taken out of the water to help them stick. Otherwise you can use a pastry brush and gently brush them with an egg wash to help the sesame seeds to stick the surface of the bagels.

Storage and Freezing

• Storage: To keep your homemade sesame seed bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Slice the bagels in half and put them two halves back together. Double bag the bagels and put them in a freezer for up to three months.
• Thawing: Allow the bagels to thaw on the counter. To thaw a bagel quickly, carefully use a butter knife to separate the two halves of the frozen bagel. Put the two halves on a plate and microwave for 30 seconds. Add them to the toaster.
• Thawed bagels are best toasted after fully thawing.

What Toppings are Good on Sesame Bagels?

Nothing beats a sesame seed bagel with cream cheese. However, sesame bagels offer a versatile canvas for a variety of spreads and toppings. 

Spreads

• Cream Cheese: A classic choice that complements the nutty flavor of sesame seeds.
• Butter: Simple and timeless, especially when the bagel is toasted.
• Peanut Butter: Adds a rich and nutty flavor, creating a satisfying combination.
• Hummus: A savory option that pairs well with the chewiness of the bagel.
• Flavored Cream Cheese: Try varieties like chive, garlic, or smoked salmon for an extra kick.

Toppings

• Sliced Avocado: Creamy and nutritious, adding a fresh element to your bagel.
• Smoked Salmon: Elevate your bagel with a touch of luxury and a burst of flavor.
• Sliced Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes provide a refreshing contrast to the savory bagel.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild, crisp bite to the mix.
• Cucumber: Cool and crunchy, cucumber slices enhance the bagel's texture.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle on some everything bagel seasoning or follow this everything bagel recipe!

Feel free to mix and match these spreads and toppings to create your perfect sesame seed bagel experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

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