Can You Make Bagels In A Bread Maker

Yes, you can make bagels in a bread maker, and it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresh, chewy bagels right at home.
 
In fact, making bagels in a bread maker takes the guesswork out of kneading and rising, so you can focus on the fun part—boiling and baking them to golden perfection.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether you can make bagels in a bread maker, the answer is a definite yes, and this post will show you exactly how to do it.
 
You don’t need fancy equipment or a bakery degree to pull off homemade bagels, because your trusty bread maker does the heavy lifting for you.
 
So, let’s dive into why you can make bagels in a bread maker, the step-by-step process, and some pro tips to get that authentic bagel texture every time.
 

Why You Can Make Bagels in a Bread Maker

You can make bagels in a bread maker because the machine handles the two most critical steps: mixing and kneading the dough to the perfect consistency.
 
Bagel dough is stiffer and drier than regular bread dough, and the bread maker’s powerful motor can handle that dense texture without burning out or struggling.
 
The bread maker also provides a consistent, warm environment for the dough to rise, which is essential for developing that chewy interior bagels are famous for.
 
Beyond convenience, using a bread maker means you don’t have to stand over a counter for 15 minutes kneading by hand, which is a huge time-saver.
 
Plus, the machine’s timer feature lets you prep the dough the night before, so you can have fresh bagels ready when you wake up.
 

1. The Dough Cycle Does the Hard Work

Most bread makers have a “dough” setting that mixes, kneads, and completes the first rise automatically.
 
When you make bagels in a bread maker, you simply add your ingredients, hit that dough cycle, and let the machine run its course.
 
Once the cycle finishes, you’ll have a smooth, elastic dough that’s ready to shape, which is exactly what you need for great bagels.
 
This takes away the risk of over-kneading or under-kneading, which are common mistakes when doing it by hand.
 

2. Consistent Rising Every Time

Another reason you can make bagels in a bread maker is that it maintains a steady temperature during the proofing stage.
 
If you’ve ever tried rising dough in a cold kitchen, you know how frustrating it can be when it takes forever or never doubles in size.
 
The bread maker eliminates that problem by keeping the dough at an ideal warmth, so your bagels rise evenly and reliably.
 
This consistency means you’ll get the same great results batch after batch, which is perfect for honing your bagel-making skills.
 

How to Make Bagels in a Bread Maker: Step-by-Step

Now that you know you can make bagels in a bread maker, let’s walk through the entire process so you can replicate it in your own kitchen.
 
The key is to follow the bread maker instructions for ingredient order, since the machine relies on the right sequence to mix properly.
 
Here’s what you’ll need to get started: warm water, bread flour, sugar, salt, instant yeast, and a little oil or butter for richness.
 
You’ll also need a large pot of water and some baking soda or barley malt syrup for the boiling step, which gives bagels their signature shiny crust.
 

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Bread Maker

Start by adding the warm water and oil or melted butter to the bread maker pan, followed by the flour, sugar, and salt.
 
Make a small well in the flour and add the instant yeast, being careful not to let it touch the water directly if you’re using a delayed timer.
 
Set your bread maker to the dough cycle and press start, then let the machine run until it beeps to signal that the kneading and first rise are done.
 
You can also make bagels in a bread maker using a “pizza dough” setting if your machine has one, as it works similarly for stiff doughs.
 

Step 2: Shape the Bagels

Once the dough cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 6 to 8 equal pieces.
 
Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then poke your finger through the center to create a hole, gently stretching it to about two inches wide.
 
The hole will shrink slightly during boiling and baking, so make it larger than you think you need for that classic bagel ring shape.
 
Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover them with a clean towel, and let them rest for about 10 to 15 minutes.
 

Step 3: Boil and Bake

While the bagels rest, bring a large pot of water to a boil and add either a tablespoon of baking soda or a tablespoon of barley malt syrup.
 
Drop the bagels into the boiling water in batches, cooking them for 1 to 2 minutes per side, flipping them once halfway through.
 
Boiling sets the crust and gives the bagels that dense, chewy texture you can’t get from baking alone.
 
After boiling, remove them with a slotted spoon, drain them briefly, and place them back on the baking sheet.
 
Bake the bagels at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they’re deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
 
Let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing, and enjoy the amazing aroma filling your kitchen.
 

Tips and Troubleshooting for Making Bagels in a Bread Maker

Even though you can make bagels in a bread maker, a few tweaks can help you perfect your technique and avoid common pitfalls.
 
Getting the dough hydration right is crucial, so if your dough looks too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon of water at a time during kneading.
 
Conversely, if it’s too sticky, add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it since bagel dough should be firm and slightly tacky.
 
Here are a few more tips to ensure your homemade bagels come out amazing every single time.
 

1. Use Bread Flour for the Best Texture

Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps develop more gluten and gives bagels that chewy bite.
 
You can use all-purpose flour in a pinch when you make bagels in a bread maker, but the texture will be softer and less authentic.
 
If you want that professional bakery quality, stick with bread flour and consider adding a bit of vital wheat gluten for extra chew.
 

2. Don’t Skip the Boiling Step

Some people try to skip boiling when they make bagels in a bread maker, but that’s a big mistake.
 
The boil is what sets the crust, locks in moisture, and creates that shiny exterior that defines a true bagel.
 
Without it, you’ll end up with something more like a round bread roll, which is tasty but not a real bagel.
 
So, even though the bread maker does the dough work, don’t shortcut the boiling and baking steps.
 

3. Add Toppings Before Baking

If you love everything bagels, sesame bagels, or cinnamon raisin bagels, now’s the time to get creative.
 
After boiling, brush the bagels with an egg wash or a bit of melted butter, then sprinkle on your favorite toppings.
 
This helps the seeds and seasonings stick during baking, giving you a beautiful, flavorful crust.
 

So, Can You Make Bagels in a Bread Maker?

Yes, you can make bagels in a bread maker, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy homemade bagels without the fuss of hand kneading.
 
You can make bagels in a bread maker that rival your favorite bakery, as long as you follow the dough cycle, shape them properly, and boil them before baking.
 
The bread maker simplifies the process so much that even beginners can produce professional-level bagels on their first try.
 
So, if you’ve been sitting on that dormant bread maker in your cabinet, dust it off and give this recipe a shot.
 
You’ll wonder why you didn’t start making bagels in a bread maker sooner, and you’ll never buy store-bought bagels again once you taste the difference.
 
Happy bagel making, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor.