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You don’t *have* to egg wash bagels, but it’s a step you’ll rarely want to skip.
Egg washing bagels is the classic technique that gives them that shiny, deep-brown, professional bakery look and a slightly chewy, glossy crust.
If you’re wondering if you have to egg wash bagels before baking, the short answer is that it’s optional but highly recommended for the authentic bagel experience.
In this post, we’ll break down why you might egg wash bagels, when you can skip it, and what alternatives exist so you can decide what’s best for your homemade batch.
Let’s dig into the sticky, shiny world of bagel toppings.
Why You Should Egg Wash Bagels
When you egg wash bagels, you’re essentially painting a thin layer of beaten egg over the dough right before they hit the oven.
This simple step changes the crust in several key ways, and here’s why it matters so much.
1. It Creates That Classic Shine
The main reason bakers egg wash bagels is for the glossy finish.
That beautiful golden sheen you see on bakery bagels is almost always the result of an egg wash.
Without it, your bagels will still taste great, but they’ll look duller and more matte, almost like a soft bread roll.
If you’re after that shiny, appetizing look, an egg wash is your best friend.
2. It Deepens the Color
An egg wash also promotes browning during baking.
The proteins and sugars in the egg react under heat, speeding up the Maillard reaction.
This gives you a richer, darker, and more even color across the entire surface of the bagel.
So, if you’re wondering if you have to egg wash bagels for color, the answer is that it’s the most reliable way to get that deep mahogany crust.
3. It Helps Toppings Stick
Ever had a bagel where half the sesame seeds fall off as soon as you pick it up?
That’s what happens when you skip the egg wash.
When you egg wash bagels, the wash acts like a glue for seeds, salt, onion flakes, or everything bagel seasoning.
The egg keeps those toppings locked in place, so you get a more flavorful bite in every single mouthful.
When You Can Skip the Egg Wash on Bagels
While egg washing bagels is the standard, there are times when you might want to leave the egg in the fridge.
Here are a few situations where skipping it is totally fine, and even preferred.
1. If You’re Boiling Then Baking
Traditional bagels are boiled in water with malt or honey before baking.
This boiling step already sets the crust and creates a thick, chewy exterior.
After boiling, many bakers find that an egg wash isn’t necessary because the bagels already have a good sheen from the boiling liquid.
So, if you’re doing a proper boil, you can absolutely skip the egg wash bagels step and still get a great result.
2. If You Have an Egg Allergy or Dietary Restriction
If you’re baking for someone with an egg allergy, or you’re following a vegan diet, you don’t have to egg wash bagels at all.
There are plenty of egg-free alternatives that give a similar effect.
You can brush your bagels with a little milk, cream, or even olive oil instead.
These won’t give you the exact same shine as an egg wash, but they’ll still add moisture and color to the crust.
3. When You Prefer a Matte, Chewy Crust
Some bagel lovers actually prefer a matte finish.
A duller crust often means a thicker, chewier bite, which is the hallmark of a New York-style bagel.
If that’s your goal, then you don’t have to egg wash bagels.
Just let them bake as-is, and you’ll get a more rustic, hearty texture.
How to Egg Wash Bagels the Right Way
Okay, so you’ve decided you do want to egg wash bagels.
Here’s the best method to make sure you get it right every single time.
1. Use a Whole Egg or Just the Yolk
You can egg wash bagels with a whole egg beaten with a tablespoon of water, which gives a balanced shine.
But if you want an extra-glossy, deep brown finish, use just the yolk mixed with a teaspoon of cream or milk.
The yolk has more fat and protein, which equals a richer color when baked.
A whole egg wash is lighter and gives a more subtle sheen.
It really comes down to how shiny you want your bagels to be.
2. Brush Gently and Evenly
Use a pastry brush and apply a thin, even coat over the top and sides of each bagel.
Don’t brush too hard, or you might deflate the dough.
And avoid getting egg wash on your baking sheet, as it can cause sticking and burning.
If you’re adding toppings, sprinkle them on immediately after brushing while the egg is still wet.
3. Don’t Over-Brush
A little egg wash goes a long way.
If you add too much, the egg can pool at the bottom of the bagel, creating a tough, rubbery edge.
Just one quick, even coat is all you need.
If you’re looking for extra shine, you can do a second coat after the first one dries slightly, but this is rarely necessary.
Do You Have To Egg Wash Bagels for Toppings?
If you’re adding heavy toppings, egg washing bagels is almost essential.
Seeds, coarse salt, and dried garlic won’t stick well to plain dough.
You can try spritzing the bagels with water before adding toppings, but it’s just not as effective.
An egg wash creates a tacky surface that holds even the smallest seeds in place.
So, when it comes to toppings, you don’t strictly *have* to egg wash bagels, but you’ll be much happier with the result if you do.
For a lighter sprinkle of flour or a simple dusting, you can absolutely skip the egg wash.
But for everything bagel seasoning, sesame, poppy, or salt, egg washing bagels is your best bet for a professional finish.
Vegan Alternatives to Egg Wash Bagels
If you don’t want to use eggs, you can still get a nice finish on your bagels.
Here are some simple swaps that work surprisingly well.
1. Plant-Based Milk
Brushing bagels with oat, soy, or almond milk helps with browning.
It won’t be as shiny as an egg wash, but it adds a subtle sheen and a slight golden color.
2. Maple Syrup or Agave
A thin coat of maple syrup mixed with a bit of water creates a lovely golden crust.
This works especially well for sweet bagel flavors like cinnamon raisin or blueberry.
3. Aquafaba
Aquafaba, which is the liquid from a can of chickpeas, is a fantastic egg substitute.
It mimics the protein structure of egg whites and gives a surprisingly good glossy shine.
If you’re avoiding eggs, aquafaba is your best bet for that bakery look.
These alternatives all work when you don’t have to egg wash bagels due to dietary needs.
So, Do You Have To Egg Wash Bagels?
You don’t have to egg wash bagels, but it’s a step with real benefits.
Egg washing bagels gives them a glossy shine, deeper color, and helps toppings stick securely.
If you skip it, you’ll still get delicious, chewy bagels, just with a more matte and rustic crust.
The only times you genuinely shouldn’t egg wash bagels are if you have an allergy, follow a vegan diet, or you’re chasing that ultra-chewy, boiled-style texture.
We hope this post helped you understand whether you have to egg wash bagels and how to get the best crust for your homemade batch.
Happy baking, and enjoy every shiny, delicious bite.