Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Nico
This sourdough bagel recipe is simple to make and use only a handful of ingredients. Golden on the outside and chewy on the inside, these bagels are delicious for breakfast and lunch.
Sourdough bagels are surprisingly simple to make. If you have a mature sourdough starter on hand, this recipe is a great way to try your hand at sourdough applications other than sourdough bread.
(Or you could try this simple sourdough chocolate bread with sugar-free fig jam!)
Bagels are also great because you can make many variations. Using this basic recipe, you can experiment with adding a variety of toppings like jalapenos, cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and much more.
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Ingredients
Mature and Active Sourdough Starter
Organic All-Purpose Flour
Maple Syrup
Salt
Water
Coconut Sugar
Baking Soda
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Tools
Cast Iron Dutch Oven or Large Stock Pot
Slotted Spoon
Parchment Paper
Baking Tray
Instructions
Combine sourdough starter, maple syrup, water, and salt.
Add 2 cups of flour and combine well.
Once combined, add 2 additional cups of the flour.
The dough will be stiff but keep kneading (or using a stand mixer) to incorporate the flour until the dough is pliable.
Cover the dough and leave on the counter overnight or about 8 hours. You want the dough to roughly double in size.
Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit or 180 degrees celsius.
Cut the dough into 8 pieces and shape into balls. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center.
Bring a large cast iron dutch oven (or stock pot) of water to boil.
Add baking soda and coconut sugar to the pot.
Add the bagels to the boiling water for about 1 minute. After 1 minute, use a slotted spoon to flip the bagels over and allow to boil for another minute.
Use a slotted spoon to pull each bagel out. Place them onto a parchment paper-lined baking tray.
Add any toppings you would like at this point. Organic sesame seeds or pink Himalayan sea salt are great options.
Put the bagels into the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Enjoy!
Variation Ideas
Onion – Dice a small onion and knead it into the dough.
Jalapenos – Chop up a handful of jalapenos and knead them into the dough.
Cheese – Add shredded cheddar cheese onto the tops of the bagels before putting them into the oven, or knead the cheese straight into the dough.
Cinnamon Sugar – Combine 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar. Brush the bagels with butter and sprinkle the tops with the cinnamon sugar mixture before adding them into the oven.
The possibilities are endless! Tell me your favourite variation in the comments below.
FAQ
These bagels will be most tasty if eaten within 3-4 days after baking. Make sure to store them in a ziplock bag or other air tight container on the countertop.
Yes. Add the bagels to a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for 4-5 months. I like to add a slice of parchment paper between each bagel to make it easier to defrost a couple bagels at a time.
Other Ways To Use Your Sourdough Starter or Discard
Simple Parmesan Sourdough Bread
Simple Sourdough Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
Easy No-Wait Sourdough Discard Naan (No Yeast)
Simple Sourdough Kamut Pizza Dough
Simple Sourdough Starter Pancakes Recipe
Fluffy and Simple Sourdough Chocolate Bread
Simple and Savoury Sourdough Scallion Pancakes
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, please consider giving it 5 stars. Find me on Instagram @documentingsimpleliving and show me what you’ve made!
Simple Sourdough Bagel Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Combine sourdough starter, maple syrup, water, and salt.
- Add 2 cups of flour and combine well.
- Once combined, add 2 additional cups of the flour.
- The dough will be stiff but keep kneading (or using a stand mixer) to incorporate the flour until the dough is pliable.
- Cover the dough and leave on the counter overnight or about 8 hours. You want the dough to roughly double in size.
- Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit or 180 degrees celsius.
- Cut the dough into 8 pieces and shape into balls. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center.
- Bring a large cast iron dutch oven (or stock pot) of water to boil.
- Add baking soda and coconut sugar to the pot.
- Add the bagels to the boiling water for about 1 minute. After 1 minute, use a slotted spoon to flip the bagels over and allow to boil for another minute.
- Use a slotted spoon to pull each bagel out. Place them onto a parchment paper-lined baking tray.
- Add any toppings you would like at this point. Organic sesame seeds or pink Himalayan sea salt are great options.
- Put the bagels into the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Enjoy!
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