Easy Homemade Vegan Bagels

Easy Homemade Vegan Bagels – A Healthier Twist on a Classic Recipe

Bagels have long been a breakfast staple, known for their chewy texture and golden crust. But did you know that bagels date back to the 1600s? Bagels were first mentioned in Poland, where they were often given as gifts to women after childbirth. Over the centuries, they made their way to North America, evolving into the breakfast favorite we know today.

In 2023, I decided to create a healthier, homemade version of the classic bagel—one that’s completely vegan, easy to make, and packed with wholesome ingredients. I somehow forgot to post it—until now! Better late than never, right?

This simple vegan bagel recipe skips the preservatives and unnecessary additives found in store-bought bagels while keeping that perfect chewy texture. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying homemade bagels for the first time, this recipe is beginner-friendly and rewarding.

Bagel Trivia: Where Did This Iconic Bread Come From?

Bagels might be a breakfast favorite today, but their origins go way back—all the way to 17th-century Poland. Legend has it that a baker created the first bagel as a tribute to King Jan Sobieski III after he defended Vienna from the Ottoman Empire in 1683. Supposedly, the bread was shaped like a stirrup ("beugel" in German) to honor the king’s love for horseback riding. While that’s a great story, historical records suggest bagels were already popular in Poland among Jewish communities even before that.

Bagels became a staple among Polish Jews because they were cheap, filling, and easy to make—a true comfort food that didn’t require expensive ingredients. Plus, since they were boiled before baking, they stayed fresher longer, making them a practical choice for families.

Fast forward to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Jewish immigrants brought bagels to the United States, particularly to New York City. That’s why NYC-style bagels have become famous for their chewy texture and crisp crust. Over time, bagels went from being a niche ethnic food to an American breakfast staple, showing up in bakeries, grocery stores, and eventually, cafés worldwide.

But here’s the thing: traditional bagels aren’t exactly the healthiest. They’re often made with refined flour, sugar, and preservatives to extend shelf life. That’s why I wanted to create a homemade, healthier version—one that’s plant-based, free from unnecessary additives, and still delivers that classic bagel taste and texture.

Funny enough, I made this recipe back in 2023 and never posted it. But a good bagel recipe deserves to be shared—so here it is! 😊

Why This Recipe is Healthier

Unlike traditional bagels that often contain dairy, eggs, and refined sugars, this plant-based recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s why it’s better for you:

• Whole Plant-Based Ingredients – No dairy, no eggs, no animal-based products.

• Lower in Processed Sugars – Uses a small amount of natural sweeteners instead of refined sugars.

• Healthier Fats – Instead of butter or shortening, this recipe uses a small amount of vegetable oil for just the right texture.

• More Fiber – You can easily swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat or a combination of both to increase fiber intake.

Homemade Vegan Bagels Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or half whole wheat, half all-purpose)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar or coconut sugar

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as avocado or olive oil)

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar (for boiling)

• Toppings (optional): sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning

Instructions:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

• In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

• In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil, stirring until a dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

• Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.

Step 4: Let It Rise

• Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape the Bagels

• Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then use your finger to create a hole in the center, stretching slightly to form a bagel shape.

Step 6: Second Rise

• Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a towel, and let them rest for 20-30 minutes.

Step 7: Boil for a Chewy Crust

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add maple syrup or agave nectar. Boil each bagel for 1-2 minutes, flipping once.

Step 8: Add Toppings & Bake

• Place boiled bagels back on the baking sheet. If using toppings, sprinkle them now. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy

• Let your bagels cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Healthy Benefits of the Ingredients

Each ingredient in this recipe brings nutritional value:

• Flour (Whole Wheat or All-Purpose) – Provides fiber and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

• Yeast – A natural source of B vitamins for energy and metabolism support.

• Olive or Avocado Oil – Contains healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health.

• Maple Syrup or Agave Nectar – A natural sweetener with a lower glycemic impact compared to refined sugar.

Variations & Customizations

Want to switch things up? Try these variations:

• Whole Wheat Bagels – Swap out 50% of the flour for whole wheat for added fiber.

• Cinnamon Raisin Bagels – Add 2 teaspoons cinnamon and ¼ cup raisins to the dough.

• Savory Herb Bagels – Mix in garlic powder, dried rosemary, or chives for a more flavorful bagel.

• Cheesy Vegan Bagels – Sprinkle nutritional yeast on top before baking for a cheesy flavor.

Estimated Nutrition Facts (Per Bagel)

(Approximate values based on standard ingredients.)

• Calories: ~250

• Protein: 7g

• Carbohydrates: 50g

• Fiber: 3g

• Fats: 4g

• Sugar: 2g

Serving Suggestions

These homemade vegan bagels are delicious on their own or paired with your favorite spreads:

🥑 Avocado & Tomato – Top with mashed avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of salt & pepper.

🥜 Peanut Butter & Banana – Spread natural peanut butter and top with banana slices and a drizzle of agave.

🥬 Hummus & Greens – Add hummus, arugula, and cucumbers for a refreshing bite.

🌿 Vegan Cream Cheese & Chives – Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

I can’t believe I created this recipe back in 2023 and forgot to post it! But better late than never, right? These homemade vegan bagels are healthier, super easy to make, and way better than store-bought versions.

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear how you customized them or if they became a new favorite in your home.

💬 What’s your go-to bagel topping? Drop a comment below!

📌 Save this recipe for later and share it with your fellow bagel lovers!

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on personal experience and research and is not intended to replace professional medical, dietary, or nutritional advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have specific health conditions or dietary restrictions. The author is not responsible for any individual outcomes resulting from the use of this recipe.

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