What is better than customizing a bagel? This is the best sourdough bagel recipe roundup with over 15 different variations of bagels to fit into your life no matter the time of day. From sweet, sourdough cinnamon crunch bagels to savory sourdough sun-dried tomato bagels, these recipes provide diversity for your meals.
Sourdough bagels are easily some of our favorite sourdough recipes. They are highly customizable – from the flavor of the bagel to the topping of the bagel.
They can be toasted or eaten plain. And they maintain their freshness for an extended period of time, even if they are stored in the freezer!
This is a meal-prep friendly option and is cost affordable when making sourdough bagels from scratch. Costing less than $1 for a batch of bagels, we can not say no when sticking to our budget.
It is no question on why sourdough bagels have become my favorite obsession while pregnant and trying to save money while being off work for maternity leave.
More than our budget, a sourdough bagel is the solution to many problems. Scrape your knee? Sourdough bagel.
Pregnancy craving? Sourdough bagel. Just have a hankering for carbs but want to balance it with fat and protein in nut butter or cream cheese? A sourdough bagel.
Not to mention, these recipes come together with little ingredients and some sourdough bagels are vegan. These recipes mostly rely on active sourdough discard, though some recipes some of these use yeast, baking soda, or baking powder to help them rise.
Others simply require a bulk fermentation within the fridge and do not need extra leavening products to help assist with rising.
I think you get the point on why we are a little obsessed over sourdough bagel recipes! We hope these recipes can inspire you to create sourdough bagel recipes of your own. These are 15+ of the best sourdough bagel recipes you will find.
Why are my sourdough bagels tough?
There are a few different factors which could cause tough sourdough bagels. This could include:
- The bagel dough was kneaded too long.
- The dough was not allowed to bulk ferment long enough or it over fermented causing the dough to fall flat.
- This could be impacted by the temperature of your home.
- The wrong type of flour was used
- The flour to water ratio was incorrect, causing the dough to be too stiff. Consider weighing your flour for the most accurate results.
Are sourdough bagels healthy?
Because sourdough bagels are fermented, they are considered healthier than traditional bagels using yeast. Fermentation within sourdough occurs due to the naturally occurring wild yeast found within the air.
Fermentation allows the body to break down gluten, easier, causing the digestibility of the grain to be easier on the stomach. The longer the dough sits, the easier it is to digest, which is a bonus for me as my stomach has a history of sensitivity!).
How do I make sourdough bagels at home?
The process to make sourdough bagels is fairly easy. Starting with flour, water, salt and sourdough starter – bagels are made into a bagel dough before having a bulk fermentation. After the bagels ferment, they are placed in boiling water before baking in the oven.
How do you add inclusions to sourdough bagels?
Each recipe for sourdough bagels is different. To add inclusions in a sourdough bagel, knead the bagel dough first and then add toppings.
Some recipes call for waiting for the dough to rise / bulk ferment while others allow you to mix the topping in before the fermentation period. If you do add toppings into the bagel dough, consider coating them in flour in a separate container to avoid them from sticking together.
How are sourdough bagels shaped?
Shaping sourdough bagels is easy. Simply separate into balls and poke a hole with your index finger in the center before placing in a pan of boiling water. Additionally, you can make the hole bigger by rotating the ball of dough around your fingers in a circle.
1. Cinnamon Crunch Bagel (Panera Copycat)
Requiring an overnight bulk fermentation, this cinnamon crunch sourdough bagel is an ‘any time of day delight’! With a crunch cinnamon sugar topping and a chewy interior, this sourdough bagel recipe gives Panera Bread a run for its money. This might be the best sourdough bagel recipe we have found!
2. Chocolate Chip Sourdough Bagel
These chocolate chip sourdough bagels are the perfect breakfast choice for those who need a little chocolate to start their day. Sweet, soft and made with a chewy exterior – elevate your breakfast, today.
3. Apple Cinnamon Sourdough Bagels
These chewy, yet soft, apple cinnamon sourdough bagels are a hit during the fall. Made with diced apples and cinnamon – they are perfect plain or with a cinnamon crunch topping.
4. Sourdough Jerusalem Bagels
Switch up your bagel game with these delicious soft and airy Sourdough Jerusalem Bagels. Slightly sweet and slightly tangy, these no boil bagels make a great breakfast or snack!
5. New York Style Sourdough Bagels
These Sourdough New York Style Bagels are so good! Chewy exterior and soft interior. They are perfect for breakfast or a bagel sandwich. Boiled in barley malt syrup for that authentic taste. Enjoy!
6. Quick Sourdough Discard Bagels
These sourdough discard bagels are soft, chewy, and perfectly golden. The basic recipe makes six bagels, though you can double it for larger households (or simply for freezer meal prep!)
7. Classic Sourdough Bagel Recipe
Learn how to make homemade sourdough bagels with this detailed recipe. The sourdough bagel recipe walks through how to shape, boil, bake, and top the bagels with your favorite toppings!
8. Sundried Tomato Sourdough Bagels
These sundried tomato sourdough bagels combine the robust flavors of sourdough with the Mediterranean taste of sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil. They are a delicious savory bagel recipe.
9. Sourdough Blueberry Bagels
These easy sourdough blueberry bagels are ideal for those short on time but big on homemade sourdough bread alternatives. Bursting with blueberry flavor in every bite, these delicious bagels are a fruity delight.
10. Gluten Free Sourdough Bagels
These delicious gluten free sourdough bagels are soft and full of flavor. They are great sourdough discard bagels. This is the best sourdough bagel recipe for gluten free options – hands down.
11. Asiago Cheese Sourdough Bagel
Top your next sourdough bagel with your choice of cheese. Our favorite topping for sourdough bagels? Asiago cheese!
12. Everything but the Bagel Seasoning- Sourdough Bagel
A classic bagel seasoning- everything but the bagel! Top your classic sourdough bagel with this seasoning and enjoy it as a savory lunch for your next sourdough bagel sandwich.
13. Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough Bagel
What could be better than a cinnamon raisin sourdough bagel? A cinnamon raisin sourdough bagel with butter!
14. Sea Salt Bagel
Take your classic sourdough bagel and add a pinch of sea salt. This brings out the flavor of everything else you put on the bagel, making it elevate both sweet and savory flavors!
15. Peanut Butter Bagel
While not a traditional bagel flavor, a peanut butter bagel would have a nut butter ribbon throughout the batter. Knead it in to your final product and enjoy!
16. Double Chocolate Bagel
For a double chocolate sourdough bagel, substitute 1/4-1/2 cup of flour for cocoa powder. Add in chocolate chips to the batter and enjoy!
17. Whole Wheat Sourdough Bagels
These chewy whole wheat sourdough bagels are better than store bought bagels. They are easy to make and delicious. Plus, they are perfect to enjoy on a slow weekend morning.
In your opinion, what makes a recipe the ‘best sourdough bagel recipe’ around? Share with us in the comments below!
