Montreal Style Bagels are small, round, and slightly sweet with a beautiful golden color. They’re boiled in honey-sweetened water before baking, giving them a unique chewy texture!
When I make these bagels, I love adding sesame or poppy seeds for extra flavor. They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack! Who can resist a warm bagel fresh from the oven? 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: Bread flour gives these bagels their chewy texture. If you can’t find it, you can use all-purpose flour, though the texture may be less chewy. I’ve used a mix of both and loved the results!
Honey: Both in the dough and for boiling, honey adds a lovely sweetness. If you prefer a different sweetener, try agave syrup or maple syrup. Just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.
Sesame & Poppy Seeds: These seeds give bagels their classic crunch. You can switch them with everything bagel seasoning for a tasty twist. I love adding some sunflower seeds for extra crunch!
Garlic & Onion Flakes: You can skip these if you want plain bagels, but they add a nice flavor. Fresh garlic and onion can work too; just use a bit less since they’re stronger.
How Do I Knead the Dough for the Best Bagels?
Kneading is vital for developing gluten, which is what gives bagels their signature density. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough by pushing it down and away with the heel of your hand.
- Fold it back over, give it a quarter turn, and repeat. Keep going for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and springs back when poked.
- If it sticks, sprinkle a little flour, but don’t add too much—aim for a slightly tacky dough for the best results!
How to Make Montreal Style Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)
For Boiling the Bagels:
- 2 tablespoons honey (for boiling water)
For Toppings:
- 1/4 cup white sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup poppy seeds
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dried garlic flakes
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 to 2.5 hours total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing the dough and shaping the bagels, and then about an hour to let them rise. After that, a quick boil and bake will take another 30-40 minutes. It’s worth the wait for delicious bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Stir gently to mix everything together. Now, slowly add the warm water and honey into the dry ingredients. Mix until a rough dough begins to form.
2. Kneading the Dough:
Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, pushing and folding until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed, but try not to add too much!
3. Letting the Dough Rise:
Grease a bowl lightly with vegetable oil and place your dough inside, turning it around to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and set it in a warm place. Let it rise until it’s doubled in size, which should take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Shaping the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole through the middle, stretching it gently to form a bagel shape approximately 4 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go.
5. Prepping for Boiling:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the 2 tablespoons of honey to sweeten the water.
6. Boiling the Bagels:
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the bagels in batches. Boil each side for about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Topping the Bagels:
On a shallow plate, mix the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and any optional garlic or onion flakes you want to use. While the bagels are still wet from boiling, dip or sprinkle the tops into the seed mixture, ensuring they stick well.
8. Baking:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bagels for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
9. Cooling and Serving:
Once done, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. After a few minutes, you can enjoy them warm or let them cool completely before serving. They’re delicious with cream cheese or your favorite toppings!
These bagels are dense, slightly sweet, and topped with crispy sesame and poppy seeds—just like traditional Montreal style. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the bagels may be less chewy. For the best results, stick with bread flour if you can find it!
What Can I Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be that your yeast is inactive. Make sure the water temperature is around 110°F (43°C) when mixing the dough. If you’re unsure, you can test the yeast by dissolving it in warm water with a bit of sugar—it should foam up within 5-10 minutes!
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or toast them straight from the freezer!
Can I Add Other Toppings to My Bagels?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Try adding cheese, herbs, or even a sprinkle of everything seasoning before baking. The options are endless!
