BEST BAGEL RECIPE (with yeast)

The Best Bagel Recipe—A Devotional for the Weary Soul

"Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’" — John 6:35

There’s something so soothing about the process of making your own bread—watching how even a small amount of yeast, water, and flour can transform into something delightful and nourishing. It’s a reminder that God is always working, even in the smallest, quietest ways.

Whenever I’ve had a particularly hectic week, I find myself drawn to the kitchen on Saturday mornings to bake. Not just to feed my family, but to feed my soul. I turn up the worship music, roll up my sleeves, and let the process become an offering—an act of worship, a time to sit with Jesus in the middle of my flour-dusted counters.

As I mix together the ingredients, I whisper prayers—lifting up my worries, my to-do lists, my doubts. Kneading the dough, I imagine pressing out the anxieties of the week and surrendering them to God. And while I wait for the dough to rise, I use that time to let my soul rise too—releasing my burdens to Him, letting Him remind me that His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30).

I hear it all the time: I don’t have enough time to spend with Jesus. And I get it. As a mom with young kids constantly at my feet, finding long, quiet moments alone with the Lord feels impossible. But Jesus isn’t waiting for me to have a perfectly uninterrupted devotional time. He’s right here, in the midst of the mess, inviting me to multitask with Him.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31

This Saturday, as I shape the bagels, I’m reminded that God is shaping me too. Just like the dough, I am being stretched, strengthened, and prepared for something good. And in the waiting—whether it’s for the dough to rise or for an answer to prayer—I can trust that He is working.

So if you’re feeling stretched thin, if your schedule is packed and your soul feels weary, I encourage you: find Jesus in the in-between moments. Whether it’s kneading dough, folding laundry, rocking a baby to sleep, or stirring a pot of soup—He’s there, waiting to meet you.

And when you take that first bite of a freshly baked bagel, savor the reminder that He is the Bread of Life—the One who truly satisfies.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for meeting me in the everyday moments. Help me to recognize Your presence, even in the midst of a busy life. Remind me that You are the true bread that satisfies my soul. May I offer my work, my worries, and my time as an act of worship to You. Amen.

Prep Time 2 hrs

Cook Time 22 mins

Rest Time 20 mins

Total Time 2 hrs 42 mins

Cuisine: Bread

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cooking Temp: 400 F

Servings: 16

Best Season: Fall, Winter, Suitable throughout the year

Description

These homemade bagels are delightfully chewy, golden brown, and packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients—flour, water, yeast, and a touch of love—they are the perfect weekend baking project. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and a moment of peace to your soul.

Ingredients

1.25 Cups warm water (105 degrees F)
2.25 Teaspoons Active Dry Yeast (1 packet)
4 Cups Bread Flour
1.25 Teaspoons Kosher Salt (Or Himalayan Sea Salt)
3 Tablespoons Honey
1 Egg (For egg wash add a splash of water)

Instructions

1
Instructions
1. Mix 1/2 cup warm water and sugar (mix together in a large glass measuring cup) sprinkle yeast on top and let it sit for 5 minutes until yeast is foaming.
2. In the bowl of a standing mixer wisk together the flour and salt.
3. Attach a dough hook to your stand mixer and slowly pour in the yeast water mixture and the remaining water, mix until combined. You may need to take a spatula to get the dough combined. It should be shaggy.
4. Turn the mixer up to a medium speed and let the dough knead for 8 minutes.
5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 30 seconds and form into a nice round ball.
6. Grease the inside of a glass bowl with vegetable oil and turn the dough so that it greases the dough. Cover the bowl with saran wrap and allow to rise one hour or until doubled in size.
7. Heat oven to 400 degrees, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
8. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and cut into eight even pieces.
9. Option one: roll each piece into a ball and poke a hole into the dough with your finger. Place each doughnut shape onto a cookie sheet with parchment paper cover with a wet towel.
10. Option two: roll each piece into a snake like figure and then shape into a circle and press together the ends into a doughnut shape. Make sure the two ends are very well combined and squeezed together.
11. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil, add the honey.
12. Put each of the dough donut shapes into the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. (usually four at a time)
13. With a slotted spoon remove from the boiling water and place on the cookie sheet.
14. Wisk together egg and water, brush the tops of the bagels with the egg wash
15. Bake in the oven for 20-22 minutes, make sure the rack isn't too high or the tops of the bagels will over brown.
16. Remove from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes on a cooling rack.
Variations:

For cinnamon raisin bagels add 1/2 cup raisins and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon during step 3

For cheese bagels and everything spice bagels, put grated cheese or spice mix on top of the bagels after the egg wash in step 14

Keywords: bagel, bagel recipe, homemade bagel, bagel recipe with yeast, cinnamon raisin bagel, cheese bagel