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    Home » Recipes » Recipes » Homemade Bagels- Proofed in the Instant Pot!

    Homemade Bagels- Proofed in the Instant Pot!

    Published: Jan 17, 2022 by lynnswayoflife · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Dense, chewy, and so easy to make, these homemade bagels are proofed in the Instant Pot and are the perfect breakfast treat!

    Two sesame seed bagels are on a baking sheet

    Is it even the weekend without bagels? Bagels are one of those recipes that may seem intimidating, but they are so easy to make! Growing up in the New Jersey area, we always had really good bagels. When I moved to New England, the bagels didn't hold up. And forget the bagels you buy in the bag at the grocery store, no thank you!

    Then I started making my own. Sourdough bagels are also some of my favorite if you have some sourdough starter you like to use. Otherwise, these bagels are a delicious breakfast treat!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients For Instant Pot Bagels
    • Equipment You'll Need
    • How To Make Instant Pot Bagels
    • Step By Step Photos
    • Shaping the Instant Pot Bagels
    • What Does Boiling The Bagels Do?
    • How Long Should The Bagels Boil?
    • Making Bagels Without An Instant Pot
    • Toppings For Instant Pot Bagels
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Other Recipes To Try
    • 📖 Recipe
    Two plain and two sesame bagels are on a baking sheet

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • There's nothing better than a fresh out of the oven bagel! You can never get that piping hot bagel from the grocery store. Homemade is the way to go!
    • You can top these bagels with your favorite toppings! There's no limit to the amount of toppings you can add.
    • This recipe is so easy to make! Don't be intimidated, bagels are easier to make than you would think.

    Ingredients For Instant Pot Bagels

    Ingredients for the Instant Pot Bagels
    • Bread Flour- bread flour has more protein than all-purpose flour, therefore it creates a chewier texture in the bagel. If you don't have bread flour, all-purpose flour works as well.
    • Active Dry Yeast- 2 teaspoons, or one package. Make sure the yeast is not expired.
    • Water- room temperature. Water too cold will make the yeast activate very slowly, and too hot, you run the risk of killing the yeast.
    • Sugar- sugar feeds the yeast and helps the rise.
    • Salt- salt is the opposite of sugar. It keeps the yeast in check so the yeast doesn't overproof the dough.
    • Honey- to add a slight sweetness to the outside of the bagels.

    Equipment You'll Need

    • Stand Mixer
    • Instant Pot
    • Measuring Cup
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat
    • Dutch Oven
    • Slotted Spoon
    • Baking Sheet
    The isntant pot bagels are filled with cream cheese and cut in half. They are shown in a loaf pan.

    How To Make Instant Pot Bagels

    1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the water, sugar, and yeast. Let that sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
    2. Add the flour and salt to the bowl.
    3. Fit the stand mixer with the hook attachment. Turn on the mixer and mix for 3-4 minutes. The dough will start off shaggy, but as the dough mixes, it will turn into a smooth ball.
    4. Lightly oil the bowl of the Instant Pot and add the dough to the Instant Pot. Cover the Instant Pot and turn on the "Yogurt" setting for 90 minutes.
    5. When the dough has doubled in size, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide the dough into 8 pieces.
    6. Roll each piece into a ball and place the dough balls on a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet.
    7. Stick one finger through the dough ball to make a hole in the middle and gently stretch the hole to make it slightly bigger.
    8. Allow the bagels to rest for 15 minutes on the baking sheet.
    9. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
    10. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the honey and allow the water to gently boil.
    11. Place 2-3 bagels in the boiling water at a time and boil each side for 1 minutes. When the bagels have boiled, place them back on the baking sheet. Top with any toppings you would like.
    12. Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes until golden browned.

    Step By Step Photos

    The yeast and water are mixed together
    Place the yeast, sugar, and water in a bowl
    The flour and salt are mixed together.
    Add the flour and salt
    The instant pot bagel dough is being kneaded in a stand mixer
    Mix the dough
    The dough has is a smooth ball
    The dough should be smooth
    The Instant Pot bagel dough is added to the Instant Pot
    Place the dough in the Instant Pot
    The dough has doubled in size
    The dough has doubled in size

    Shaping the Instant Pot Bagels

    After the dough has been divided into 8 equal pieces, roll the pieces into dough balls. Place them on a baking sheet. With your finger, create a hole in the middle of the dough ball. Gently stretch the hole to create the classic bagel shape. Allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes.

    The dough is cut into 8 pieces
    Divide the dough in 8 pieces
    The dough is rolled into balls
    Roll the dough into balls
    The dough is shaped into bagels
    Shape into a bagel

    What Does Boiling The Bagels Do?

    Boiling the bagels is an essential step when making bagels. It gives the crisp, chewy texture to the outside of the bagel.

    For this recipe, I added honey to the boiling water. This gives a subtle sweetness to the outside of the bagel.

    Honey is added to boiling water
    Add honey to the water
    The Instant Pot bagels are being boiled
    Boil the bagels
    The bagels are on a baking sheet ready for the oven
    Top with sesame seeds

    You can also add baking soda instead of honey. Baking soda will add an even chewier crust and make the bagels have a more pretzel like outside. 1 teaspoon of baking soda is plenty per pot of boiling water.

    How Long Should The Bagels Boil?

    Depending on how chewy you like your bagels, would depend on how long you should boil the bagels.

    I found that 1 minute was plenty to get that chewy outside texture. If you prefer a less chewy bagel, start with 30 seconds per side and then go up from there. The bagels will puff while they are in the boiling water.

    If you boil the bagels for too long, you run the risk of overboiling the bagels and then they will deflate when they get into the oven. You'll also get a wrinkly top on the bagel instead of a smooth skin. Try not to boil the bagels for more than 90 seconds on each side.

    An Instant Pot Bagel with sesame seeds  is leaning up against a plate of two plain bagels

    Making Bagels Without An Instant Pot

    If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can still make this recipe.

    Simply keep the dough on the counter and allow the dough to rise for 3-4 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

    Then shape and boil the bagels as the recipe states.

    Toppings For Instant Pot Bagels

    There are so many different options when topping bagels. Here are a few of our favorites.

    • Sesame Seeds
    • Poppy Seeds
    • Everything Bagel Seasoning
    • Coarse Salt
    • Dehydrated Onion
    • Cheddar Cheese
    • Oats
    A line of bagels are on the baking sheet

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I freeze Instant Pot bagels?

    Yes! These bagels freeze wonderfully. Allow the bagels to cool completely and then cut them in half. Place them in a gallon Ziploc bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

    How do I know when the bagels are fully baked?

    You won't be able to stick a toothpick into the bagel to check for doneness, so you'll need to keep an eye on the bagels. The bagels should be slightly browned and hollow when you tap on them.

    How to store Instant Pot bagels?

    Once the bagels are cooled, place them in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container. They will last for 3-4 days. Then they should be frozen.

    The Instant Pot Bagels are lined up in a long basket.

    Other Recipes To Try

    Did you love these Instant Pot Bagels? I'd so appreciate it if you would give this recipe a 5-star review! That will help other hungry readers find my recipes!

    And don't forget to tag me on Instagram or Facebook and share this recipe on Pinterest! Thanks for sharing this journey with me and enjoy these delicious recipes!

    • Easy Banana Oatmeal Muffins
    • The Best Banana Muffins (with Self-Rising Flour!)
    • 4 Ingredient Banana Pancakes (So Easy!)
    • What to Serve With Bagels- 50 Delicious Ideas!

    More Breakfast Recipes

    • Chicken Sausage and Mini Pepper Pasta
    • Peppermint Bark Brownie Mix Cookies
    • Baked Gingerbread Donuts- With Coconut Flour!
    • Brown Sugar and Walnut Mini Tarts
    • Brown Butter and Pecan Cookies
    • Cinnamon and Sugar Kefir Snickerdoodles
    • Chocolate Chip Sourdough Biscotti
    • All in One Apple Cake

    📖 Recipe

    Two sesame seed bagels are on a baking sheet

    Homemade Bagels- Proofed in the Instant Pot

    Dense, chewy, and so easy to make, these homemade bagels are proofed in the Instant Pot and are the perfect weekend treat!
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Instant Pot Bagels
    Prep Time: 2 hours
    Cook Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 8 Bagels
    Calories: 221kcal
    Author: Lynn Polito

    Equipment

    • Stand Mixer
    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
    • 1 tablespoon Sugar
    • 1 ½ cups Water Lukewarm
    • 3 ½ cups Bread Flour
    • 2 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 tablespoon Honey

    Instructions

    • In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the water, sugar, and yeast. Let that sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
    • Add the flour and salt to the bowl. Fit the stand mixer with the hook attachment. Turn on the mixer and mix for 3-4 minutes. The dough will start off shaggy, but as the dough mixes, it will turn into a smooth ball.
    • Lightly oil the bowl of the Instant Pot and add the dough to the Instant Pot. Cover the Instant Pot and turn on the "Yogurt" setting for 90 minutes.
    • When the dough has doubled in size, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and divide the dough into 8 pieces.
    • Roll each piece into a ball and place the dough balls on a parchment or silicone lined baking sheet.
    • Stick one finger through the dough ball to make a hole in the middle and gently stretch the hole to make it slightly bigger.
    • Allow the bagels to rest for 15 minutes on the baking sheet.
    • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
    • Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the honey and allow the water to gently boil.
    • Place 2-3 bagels in the boiling water at a time and boil each side for 1 minutes. When the bagels have boiled, place them back on the baking sheet. Top with any toppings you would like.
    • Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes until golden browned.

    Notes

    • The water should be lukewarm.  Too cold and the yeast will take longer to activate, too warm and you run the risk of killing the yeast.
    • After the bagels have cooled, place them in a Ziploc bag and freeze them for up to 4 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 586mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
    « Chicken Sausage and Mini Pepper Pasta
    Feta and Olive Stuffed Broiled Tomatoes »

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    Comments

    1. david

      April 16, 2022 at 6:16 pm

      5 stars
      These are great, I used malt liquid which is traditional Jewish bagels from the old school instead of the honey.

      Reply
      • lynnswayoflife

        April 17, 2022 at 9:19 am

        I'm so glad you enjoyed them! Thanks for making my recipe!

        Reply
    2. Glenda

      October 09, 2022 at 9:30 pm

      5 stars
      Can't wait to try this proofing method! So smart!

      Reply

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    Hey there! I'm Lynn and I'm based just outside of Boston. I'm a wife and mom of two with a passion for cooking and creating homemade food for my family.

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