How To Make Bagels From Pizza Dough

You can make bagels from pizza dough, and the results are surprisingly chewy, golden, and absolutely delicious.

This hack is a total game-changer for anyone who loves fresh bagels but doesn’t have the time to make traditional dough from scratch.

Using store-bought or homemade pizza dough cuts out the kneading, rising, and shaping steps that usually take hours, so you can go from fridge to breakfast table in under an hour.

In this post, we’ll cover how to make bagels from pizza dough, why this shortcut works so well, and the best way to get that signature bagel chew.

Let’s dive right in and get those bagels boiling.

Why You Should Make Bagels From Pizza Dough

Learning how to make bagels from pizza dough is one of the smartest shortcuts in the kitchen.

Pizza dough is essentially just flour, water, yeast, and salt, which is the same base as a traditional bagel recipe.

The main difference is that bagel dough is stiffer, but pizza dough still has enough gluten to give you a satisfying, dense bite.

So if you’ve been wondering if you can make bagels from pizza dough, the short answer is yes, and here’s why it’s such a great swap.

1. It’s a Huge Time Saver

When you make bagels from pizza dough, you skip the long proofing times that traditional recipes demand.

Pizza dough comes ready to use, whether it’s fresh from the store or thawed from your freezer.

You just bring it to room temperature, shape it, boil it, and bake it.

This means you can make bagels from pizza dough on a lazy Sunday morning without any fuss.

2. You Get That Perfect Chew

The secret to a great bagel is a chewy, slightly dense crumb, and pizza dough delivers exactly that.

Pizza dough is high in gluten, which is what gives bagels their signature snap when you bite into them.

When you make bagels from pizza dough, you’re using that same strong flour structure to your advantage.

So you’re not sacrificing texture for convenience, you’re getting the best of both worlds.

3. It’s Completely Customizable

Once you learn how to make bagels from pizza dough, you can top them with anything you love.

Before baking, you can brush them with an egg wash and sprinkle on sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, or everything bagel seasoning.

You can also mix herbs directly into the pizza dough if you’re feeling extra fancy.

This shortcut is perfect for getting creative in the kitchen without a ton of prep.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Bagels From Pizza Dough

Now, let’s get to the actual process.

Here’s a simple, foolproof method to make bagels from pizza dough that will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery in no time.

Step 1: Bring the Dough to Room Temperature

Take your pizza dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes.

This is a key step when you make bagels from pizza dough because cold dough is too stiff and hard to shape.

Warm dough is pliable and much easier to roll into smooth balls.

While you wait, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Shape the Bagels

Once the dough is warm, divide it into equal pieces; you’ll typically get four to six bagels from a standard pizza dough ball.

Roll each piece into a tight ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger.

Gently stretch the hole to make it wider, as it will close up a bit during boiling and baking.

This is the classic method to make bagels from pizza dough, and it’s super simple once you get the hang of it.

Step 3: Boil the Bagels

Boiling is what sets bagels apart from bread, and it’s non-negotiable when you make bagels from pizza dough.

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

You can add a tablespoon of honey or malt syrup to the water for extra shine and a hint of sweetness.

Drop the shaped bagels in the boiling water, two or three at a time, and cook them for about 45 to 60 seconds per side.

This quick boil gives the bagels a shiny, chewy crust on the outside.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake

Use a slotted spoon to remove the boiled bagels and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

If you want toppings, brush the bagels with an egg wash right after boiling so the seeds stick.

Now you can bake your bagels from pizza dough for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they’re deeply golden brown.

Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing, and you’ll see a beautiful, airy crumb inside.

Tips for Perfect Pizza Dough Bagels

Making bagels from pizza dough is easy, but a few tips will ensure they come out perfect every single time.

These little tricks will help you nail the texture and flavor, just like a pro baker.

1. Don’t Skimp on the Boil

The boiling step isn’t optional.

If you skip it, you’ll end up with something that looks like a round bread roll, not a bagel.

A proper boil is exactly how you make bagels from pizza dough with that iconic glossy crust and dense chew.

So resist the urge to skip this step, even if you’re in a hurry.

2. Use Bread Flour If Possible

If you’re buying pizza dough at the store, check the ingredient list.

Many store-bought pizza doughs already use high-protein bread flour, which is ideal.

If your pizza dough is made with all-purpose flour, you can still make bagels from pizza dough, they just might be slightly less chewy.

Either way, they’ll taste amazing.

3. Let Them Cool Before Slicing

Freshly baked bagels are incredibly hot and delicate.

If you slice them right away, you’ll crush the fluffy interior and lose precious steam.

Wait at least 10 minutes before you slice your bagels from pizza dough.

Then toast them lightly for that perfect combination of crispy outside and soft middle.

So, Can You Make Bagels From Pizza Dough?

You can absolutely make bagels from pizza dough, and it’s one of the easiest baking hacks out there.

The process takes a fraction of the time compared to traditional bagel recipes, yet you still get that wonderful, chewy texture.

By following the steps above, you’ll learn how to make bagels from pizza dough that are perfect for breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, or just slathered with cream cheese.

Whether you’re using fresh dough from the grocery store or leftover dough from pizza night, this shortcut never disappoints.

So go ahead and give it a try, you’ll never look at a pizza dough ball the same way again.