Vegan Bagel Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Homemade Guide

There’s something truly magical about biting into a perfectly chewy, golden bagel fresh from the oven. If you’re vegan and thought that homemade bagels were off-limits due to eggs or dairy, think again!

This vegan bagel recipe is a game-changer, delivering all the classic bagel textures and flavors without any animal products. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious newbie, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.

Imagine the aroma of freshly boiled then baked bagels filling your kitchen, topped with your favorite seeds or just plain — the perfect canvas for any spread or sandwich.

From breakfast to a midday snack, these bagels are versatile, delicious, and made with simple pantry staples. Plus, making bagels at home allows you to customize flavors and toppings, ensuring every bite is just how you like it.

Ready to impress yourself with this delightful vegan treat? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it’s:

• Totally vegan: No eggs, dairy, or animal products, just plant-based goodness.
• Simple: Made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Authentic texture: Enjoy that classic chewy bagel bite with a slightly crisp crust.
• Customizable: Add toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
• Great for beginners: Step-by-step guidance makes the process easy and fun.
• Perfect for meal prep: Freeze extras for a quick breakfast or snack anytime.

Plus, these bagels can be enjoyed plain or paired with your favorite vegan cream cheese, avocado, or sandwich fillings. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower)
• 1 tbsp baking soda (for boiling water)
• Toppings (optional): sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coarse salt, dried onion flakes

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or dough hook attachment for a stand mixer
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Large pot (for boiling water)
• Slotted spoon or skimmer
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, sugar (or maple syrup), and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This indicates the yeast is alive and ready.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the vegetable oil. Stir with a wooden spoon or use a stand mixer with a dough hook until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use your stand mixer on medium speed for 7-8 minutes. If the dough is sticky, add flour a little at a time but be careful not to add too much.
4. First rise: Lightly oil a clean bowl and place the dough inside, turning once to coat. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the bagels: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Use your thumb to poke a hole through the center of each ball and gently stretch it to form a ring about 2-3 inches wide.
6. Second rise: Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for another 20-30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven and prepare boiling water: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the baking soda carefully (it will bubble up).
8. Boil the bagels: Using a slotted spoon, gently lower 2-3 bagels at a time into the boiling water. Boil for 1 minute on each side. Remove and place back on the baking sheet.
9. Add toppings: While the bagels are still wet from boiling, sprinkle your choice of toppings evenly.
10. Bake: Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
11. Cool and enjoy: Transfer bagels to a cooling rack and let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

“For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or dried herbs to the dough before the first rise.”

Here are some helpful tips to perfect your vegan bagels:

• Flour choice: Bread flour works best for chewy texture, but all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch.
• Sweetener swap: Maple syrup or agave nectar works well instead of sugar for a natural touch.
• Boiling water: Adding baking soda to the boiling water gives bagels their classic chewy crust and shine.
• Toppings: Feel free to experiment with everything bagel seasoning, sunflower seeds, or even nutritional yeast.
• Storage: Store baked bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster for best texture.

For a fun twist, you can add cinnamon and raisins for a sweet bagel, or mix in some chopped olives and rosemary for a savory option. The possibilities are endless!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your vegan bagels fresh or toasted with a variety of delicious toppings and spreads. Here are some of my favorites:

• Creamy vegan cream cheese with sliced cucumbers and fresh dill
• Avocado smash with a sprinkle of chili flakes and lemon juice
• Peanut butter and sliced bananas for a sweet breakfast treat
• Vegan smoked “lox” made from carrot strips, capers, and vegan cream cheese
• Simple olive oil drizzle and fresh herbs for a savory snack

Pair your bagels with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the perfect morning start. For more vegan bread inspiration, check out my Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and explore creative spreads like the Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese Recipe for Fresh Spreads.

Conclusion

Making vegan bagels at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create bagels that rival any bakery.

The chewy texture, golden crust, and endless customization options make this recipe a must-try for anyone who loves fresh bread and plant-based cooking.

Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these bagels will add variety and joy to your meals. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and fillings to suit your mood and occasion.

And if you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love exploring other creative vegan dishes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or the comforting Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Happy baking!

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