One Single Bagel (When You Want a Bagel Without Making a Dozen)

Sometimes you don’t want a whole batch of bagels. You just want one single bagel — fresh, warm, chewy, and exactly the way you like it. This single-serving bagel recipe is perfect for those moments.

No mixer, no overnight dough, no commitment to a dozen bagels sitting on the counter. Just one homemade bagel made from scratch, boiled and baked (or air-fried), and ready to eat the same day.

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Why This Recipe Works

Bagels usually feel like a project, but this one keeps things simple.

• Small-batch dough is easy to mix and knead by hand
• Boiling gives you that classic chewy bagel texture
• Honey in the water helps with browning and flavor
• Egg wash and seasoning make it feel bakery-level

It’s the perfect recipe for experimenting, satisfying a craving, or making a fresh bagel without waste.

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Ingredient Notes

• Yeast: Instant or active dry both work
• Brown sugar: Helps activate the yeast and adds slight sweetness
• Warm water: Should be warm, not hot, to avoid killing the yeast
• Flour: All-purpose or bread flour both work, but bread flour is best.
• Honey: Added to the boiling water for color and flavor
• Egg wash: Gives the bagel a golden, shiny crust
• Everything seasoning: Classic, but totally customizable

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How to Make One Single Bagel

1. In a small bowl, mix yeast and brown sugar into warm water. Let sit for a few minutes until foamy.
2. In another bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead until smooth and elastic, adding flour if needed.
4. Cover and let rest for at least 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Shape the dough into a round and poke a hole in the center.
6. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add honey.
7. Boil the bagel for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side (longer boil = chewier bagel).
8. Brush with egg wash, add toppings, and bake or air fry until golden.

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Baking vs Air Frying

• Oven: Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes
• Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F, flipping halfway through

Both methods work — use whatever’s easiest.

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FAQs

Can I make this without everything seasoning?
Yes. Use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, plain egg wash, or cinnamon sugar.

Why do bagels need to be boiled?
Boiling sets the crust and creates that signature chewy texture.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but this one is designed specifically for single-bagel cravings.

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How to Serve Your Bagel

• Cream cheese (classic)
• Butter and flaky salt
• Egg and cheese breakfast sandwich
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese

Fresh bagels hit different — especially when you only made one.

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One Single Bagel

Yield: 1 bagel
Rest Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tsp yeast
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 cup flour (120g)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp honey (for boiling water)
• Egg wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water)
• Everything seasoning (or toppings of choice)

Instructions

1. Mix yeast and brown sugar into warm water. Let sit a few minutes.
2. Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Add yeast mixture and mix.
3. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rise for 1 hour.
4. Shape into a bagel and poke a hole in the center.
5. Boil in honey water for 30–60 seconds per side.
6. Brush with egg wash and add toppings.
7. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or air fry, flipping halfway.
8. Cool slightly and enjoy.

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