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You can make bagels with pizza dough, and the results are surprisingly close to the real thing.
If you’ve ever stared at a ball of pizza dough and wondered if you can make bagels with pizza dough, the answer is a resounding yes.
It’s not a perfect one-to-one swap, but with a few tweaks, you can turn that leftover pizza dough into chewy, shiny, boiled bagels that’ll make your morning feel special.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly why you can make bagels with pizza dough, how to do it step by step, and what to expect from the texture and flavor.
Let’s dig into the doughy details.
Why You Can Make Bagels With Pizza Dough
The short answer is that you can make bagels with pizza dough because both start with the same core ingredients: flour, water, yeast, and salt.
The difference lies in hydration levels, fat content, and how you shape and cook the dough.
Pizza dough tends to be softer and slightly higher in hydration, which usually gives you a lighter, airier crumb.
Bagels, on the other hand, are denser, chewier, and have that signature shiny crust from being boiled before baking.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t bridge the gap.
When you can make bagels with pizza dough, you’re essentially working with a blank canvas that just needs a little more structure.
1. The Gluten Factor
One of the main reasons you can make bagels with pizza dough is the gluten development.
Pizza dough is typically kneaded enough to build strong gluten strands, which is exactly what gives bagels their chew.
That gluten network is what traps air and creates the dense, satisfying bite you expect from a bagel.
So if your pizza dough has been properly kneaded, you’re already halfway there.
2. Hydration Levels Matter
Standard pizza dough often has a hydration around 60% to 65%, while bagel dough usually sits lower at around 50% to 55%.
That difference in water content is why you can make bagels with pizza dough only if you adjust the handling.
A wetter dough will spread more and produce a softer, less dense bagel.
To fix this, you’ll want to work in a little extra flour when shaping, so you get that firm, tight dough ball.
3. Fat and Sugar Differences
Many pizza dough recipes include olive oil and sometimes a touch of sugar, which changes the final texture.
Oil tenderizes the gluten and adds softness, which is great for pizza but not ideal for bagels.
Sugar, meanwhile, helps with browning and gives a slight sweetness.
Still, you can make bagels with pizza dough even with these additions; just expect a slightly softer, richer bagel than the New York classic.
How to Make Bagels With Pizza Dough Step by Step
Now that you know you can make bagels with pizza dough, let’s walk through the actual process so you nail it on your first try.
1. Let the Dough Warm Up
Take your pizza dough out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Cold dough is stiff and hard to shape, and warming it up makes it much more pliable.
Warm dough also rises better when you boil it, which helps create that chewy interior.
2. Divide and Shape the Dough
Cut your dough into equal portions, usually about 4 to 6 ounces each, depending on how big you want your bagels.
Roll each piece into a tight ball, then poke a hole through the center with your thumb.
Gently stretch the hole to about 1.5 inches wide, because it will shrink slightly as the dough relaxes.
Shaping is where you’ll feel the difference when you make bagels with pizza dough, as it’s softer than traditional bagel dough.
3. Boil Them Briefly
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a tablespoon of honey, barley malt syrup, or even sugar.
Drop your shaped bagels in, a couple at a time, and boil for 30 to 60 seconds per side.
This boiling step is non-negotiable if you want that glossy, chewy crust when you make bagels with pizza dough.
The longer you boil, the chewier the bagel will be, so aim for at least 30 seconds per side.
4. Add Toppings Before Baking
After boiling, place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and immediately sprinkle on your favorite toppings.
Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky salt all work beautifully here.
The wet surface from boiling acts like glue, so the toppings will stick perfectly.
5. Bake at High Heat
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the bagels for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re deep golden brown.
A hot oven mimics the intense heat of a professional bagel oven, which is key to getting a crisp exterior.
When you make bagels with pizza dough, you might need a few extra minutes in the oven since the dough is softer.
Keep an eye on them and pull them out when they reach that rich amber color.
What to Expect When You Make Bagels With Pizza Dough
You can make bagels with pizza dough, but you should know they won’t be identical to a traditional bagel.
Expect a slightly softer, more pillowy crumb with a less pronounced chew.
The crust will still be shiny and crisp on the outside, thanks to the boiling step.
Flavor-wise, you’ll get a mild tanginess if you use sourdough pizza dough, or a neutral, yeasty taste if it’s a standard recipe.
The texture is closer to a bagel-bread hybrid, which honestly is pretty delicious in its own right.
Tips for the Best Results
If you want to get the most out of this hack, here are a few extra tips.
First, when you make bagels with pizza dough, try to use dough that’s been fermenting for at least 24 hours.
That longer cold proof builds more flavor and improves the texture.
Second, don’t skip the boiling step, as it’s what separates a bagel from a round roll.
Third, consider adding a little vital wheat gluten to the dough if you want extra chew.
Just mix in about a tablespoon per pound of dough while kneading.
Finally, let your boiled bagels rest for a few minutes before baking so the crust sets properly.
So, Can You Make Bagels With Pizza Dough?
You can make bagels with pizza dough, and it’s a quick, practical shortcut when you’re craving bagels without making dough from scratch.
The process is straightforward, the ingredients are already in your kitchen, and the payoff is a warm, chewy, shiny bagel that’s ready in under an hour.
Sure, it won’t win awards against a dedicated bagel recipe, but it’s a fantastic way to use leftover dough and satisfy that bagel craving.
So next time you have pizza dough on hand, don’t just make flatbread or calzones.
Try your hand at boiling and baking, and you’ll see exactly why you can make bagels with pizza dough with such great results.
Now go enjoy your homemade bagels, and happy baking.