Easy, gluten free bagel and recipe aren’t things most of us would think belong in the same sentence. But with this recipe, I promise you’ll be thinking about gluten free bagels in a whole new light!
Until I developed this gluten free bagel recipe, it had been a long while since I’d had a really great bagel.
The gluten free bagel varieties I’ve tasted have been ok when toasted, but they’re nearly all frozen so they lack that bagel texture — that reach out and squeeze it and watch it bounce back quality (what do you call that??). You know what I mean: if you have to toast it from the get-go, there’s just not a lot to get excited about with pre-made, frozen gluten free bagels.
But with my gfJules Flour or Bread Mix, these gluten free homemade gluten free bagels are delicious on day 1 or day 2! They never get hard or rubbery. You can eat them cold, warm them or toast them.
What Flour Is Best for Homemade Gluten Free Bagels?
YOU can make bagels anytime YOU want them! And since you can also use my easy gfJules Bread Mix, there’s hardly even anything to add – just dump the mix in with the liquids and yeast, mix, poke a hole in ’em, boil ’em and bake ’em.
Of course, you can also use my bagels from-scratch recipe using my pre-blended gfJules Flour. I’m here to give you delicious choices, you know!
In fact, as if we needed any reminder just how B.A.D. a gluten-free bagel can be, a restaurant sent along a side order of gluten-free bagels with our meal delivery the other night and they were a cross between so rubbery you could bounce them off the walls and so hard they could break your teeth — kindof like a lacrosse ball in bagel form. Definitely gives gluten free a bad name.
But back to truly great gluten free bagels …
I often hear people talk about interchanging gluten free flour blends in recipes; coming from regular gluten baking like we all were, it’s natural to think flours are all the same (like Gold Medal Flour is no different from the Safeway Brand of flour …) but in the gluten free world, nothing could be further from the truth! All gluten free flour blends are different — find out why here.
Even if you think you want to make your own gluten free flour blend, it will turn out differently from someone else making it because the individual RAW ingredients that combine to make the blend are all different! It’s true!
When I choose the raw ingredients for my blend, I have access to tons of choices; when you go to the store, you may have access to one or two, if you’re super lucky. And they all behave and interact differently.
The ingredients may LOOK the same on the ingredient label, but they are actually highly specialized. So go with the blend recommended for each gluten free recipe you try — mine or someone else’s on their site.
Trust me when I say that in this gluten free bagel recipe, if you use my gfJules Flour, you will have more fun rolling this dough because it will be stretchy, and you will get much more joy from the end results, too!
And don’t worry if you’ve never made a bagel before; there’s no magic to it, but the baking soda boiling step is key to getting that bagel-y sheen and dense bagel-y texture. You can also do an egg wash for that classic bagel “sheen,” if you like.
So start thinking differently about bagels. What’s your favorite way to eat them? You can do that again! Cream cheese, lox, peanut butter, plain, sammie, toasted (or not!) … have it your way!
Have you used one of my mixes or flour to make something exciting? Drop a comment and a photo on this or any recipe — I’d love to hear all about it!
P.S. Many thanks to Roberta T. for sending me her picture and basic recipe for making gluten-free bagels using my original gfJules Bread Mix. She certainly inspired this recipe!
Even Easier Method for Making Gluten Free Bagels
And if you’re looking for a super easy way to make this super easy recipe, I’ve found these great bagel maker molds from Lekue that make the whole process nearly hands off!
Simply press each gluten free dough ball down on top of one of these silicone molds and then boil the bagels ON THE MOLD, then bake them ON THE MOLD directly on the oven rack — no pan. They come out so crispy and you don’t even have to flip the bagels — yay!
These gluten free bagels are REAL bagels! Real bagel texture, real bagel flavor and they're really not so hard to make. This recipe will become your new favorite gluten free bread recipe; you may want to double it and be sure to always have some of these gluten free bagels on hand in the freezer at all times!
1 Tbs. baking soda (preferred) OR salt (for the boil)
toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.
Instructions
Whisk liquids together in a large mixing bowl.
If baking from scratch, whisk all dry ingredients together in another bowl. Add either whisked dry ingredients or gfJules Gluten Free Bread Mix and yeast into the large bowl with liquids, beating on low speed of your mixer using paddle attachment, or mix with a wooden spoon, by hand.
Continue to mix until dough comes together easily and is firm but not tough. If you find that the dough is tough or too firm and very resistant when pulled apart, mix in more water, two tablespoons at a time until the dough is able to be shaped easily but is not too sticky, loose or wet. It should not be resistant like taffy, it should be pliable and soft, but be able to hold its shape.
Prepare a clean counter or pastry mat by lightly dusting with gfJules Gluten Free All Purpose Flour. Separate dough into 6 equal pieces.
Roll each piece out gently into a ball and poke a hole in the center with your thumb, OR roll into a log 9 inches long and bring the ends together by scoring with a fork and wetting the ends with your finger before pressing together and smoothing. Alternatively, use Lekue Bagel Molds and there will be no need to flip the bagels during the bake.
Spritz with water to keep moist, then cover with cling wrap and set aside to rise in a warm place while bringing water to a boil.
Prepare a large pot of water by adding 1 tablespoon baking soda and turning onto high flame/heat.
Preheat oven to 425° F.
Once water is at a full boil, gently drop bagels in, only boiling as many at one time as can boil without touching. Boil on each side for 30 seconds, then flip. Remove with a skimmer or slotted spatula and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet sprinkled with gfJules Flour to keep help absorb excess water and keep from sticking. Repeat with remaining bagels.
If this process takes more than a few minutes, mist the bagels with water while waiting to boil or waiting to bake so that the dough doesn’t dry out or harden.
Sprinkle tops of bagels with any desired toppings.
Bake for approximately 8 minutes, then flip and bake for another 8 minutes. If desired, brush with egg wash of mixed egg + 1 Tbs. water after flipping to give bagels "sheen." Bagels are done when lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the bread comes out dry or with dry crumbs attached.
Makes 6 bagels. These stay soft on days 1-2 and are better toasted or warmed thereafter.
Notes
*Once cooled, slice and freeze (store in freezer bags) to have on hand any time you'd like to have a bagel!
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Please keep in mind that nutrition information provided is per serving, which may vary. While we have taken care to provide you with the most accurate nutritional values possible, please note that this information may differ significantly depending on the exact ingredients and brands that you choose to use to make this recipe. Additionally, where options are given for ingredients, the resulting calculation may include all ingredient options instead of only one per line, skewing the totals significantly.
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a comment (and maybe even a picture!) below or share a photo on Instagram! Be sure to tag me! @gfJules
I know you’ll love this recipe! So you just might want to double it!
These are BOMB! My daughter has to eat gluten-free and she has missed bagels terribly. Everything we’ve tried has tasted like dog biscuits. This recipe is SO GOOD! We omitted the flaxseed on this latest batch and we both prefer it that way. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe.
I’m thrilled you both are loving this recipe, Suzie! Ever since I started making it, I never am without some of these in my freezer. They make the best sandwiches, too!
~jules
Just made these this morning. They were relatively easy to make, and look like bagels I used to love in Montreal. They are dense and chewy, just like a bagel should be. My only minus is that they taste like a whole wheat bagel, really flax heavy. Is there some substitution I can make in the ingredients to have less of a flax flavor? Other than that, this recipe is definitely a keeper!!!!
Hi Gayle, I’m so happy you loved the bagels!! There’s nothing like having them back in your life (I didn’t realize how much I’d missed them!). Another reader just noted that they took out the flax ingredient altogether and preferred it that way. Maybe try her trick and see? I’d love to know what you think!
~jules
Wonderful to hear, Heather! I need to make some more because I’m out of the ones I had frozen from my last batch. I might try craisins this time too!!
~jules
Heather, I’ve been in love with cranberry-orange muffins since childhood, and you’ve got me thinking about cranberry-orange bagels. I need to see if I’ve got a handy orange to zest and juice. 😀
Jules, any idea how these would bake up with some acidic juice in place of the milk?
Hi Susan, there’s no liquid milk in this recipe, but you could replace some portion of water with orange juice and add orange zest. I wouldn’t go all-in with the OJ though. Let me know how they turn out!
~jules
Great recipe! Granted I was working with my own flour blend since it’s too costly to order your flour blend all the way from sunny Singapore, but the additions in the “from scratch” recipe really helped in giving a chewy bagel! I halved the recipe and made 4 bagels, 2 of which I boiled and baked immediately, and the other two I allowed to proof for 30 min before boiling and baking, just for comparison sake. I actually ended up preferring the proofed version – slightly fluffier but still chewy. Best GF bagel recipe out of a few I’ve tried. Thanks for the share!
Hi Gracie, so glad they turned out for you! I love that you did your own split test with proofing – a baker after my own heart!
Just so you know, there’s a store in Singapore that sells my gfJules Flour and mixes. How amazing is that?? Here’s the link to my products on their site: https://glutenfreesg.com/?post_type=product&s=gfjules
Happy baking!
~jules
Hi Bree, because I use quick rise yeast in my gluten free breads like these, I generally do not proof the yeast, but just add it in with the dry. You can certainly still proof the yeast if you’re more comfortable with that process or if you’re worried about whether your yeast is active.
~jules
Hi Courtney, I’m never heard of a French Toast bagel! How interesting! Maybe adding some cinnamon-sugar swirls to the dough? And maple syrup in place of the agave/honey? Let me know what you try!
~jules
HI Pamela, yes, I think one Tbs. flax to 3 Tbs. warm water will be a good substitute for the 2 egg whites here. You may need to add a bit more water to make the dough less tight — get it to where you can shape the dough easily without it being too wet and sticky. Let me know how it goes! Here are some more baking with egg substitutes tips for you!
~jules
I made a triple batch of these bagels. Poppyseed, sesame seed and sea salt on top. What a great recipe. I didn’t read the boiling part properly, but it didn’t matter as they turned out perfectly. Thanks for the recipe.
Wonderful to hear, JoAnn. I love that you made all different kinds so you have fun options. So glad to hear you’re enjoying a great bagel again!!!
~jules
Just made your bagels. They look great. I got 9 bagels as I made a couple mini bagels. Can’t wait to spread some cream cheese and add lox and onions. Yum!
Sounds great, can’t wait to try them but I am slightly confused! The recipe says to whisk together the egg white and honey, but it doesn’t say what to do with it after that ???? Does it get added in to the dry ingredients along with the yeast and water?”
Hi Alma, sorry for any confusion in the recipe. The egg white and honey are mixed together in a large bowl, then the dry ingredients and water are added to that bowl and mixed. I hope that clears it up! Enjoy the recipe!
~jules
For all you bagel lovers. This recipe is really worth trying. It’s very easy to follow. I did add a little extra water but other than that it’s perfect. I sprinkled sesame seed, poppy seed and onion flakes on the top to make everything bagels. They are not heavy at all. I also baked mine on parchment paper in stead of putting them on a rack in the oven. Mine came out very golden brown. Cut in half and put them in the freezer for later toasting. You will not be disappointed
Could you please post a video making this recipe. Mine tasted good but looked terrible. I think I did not mix it enough and I was unclear on how much water to add to get the correct consistency. Also, when do you add the honey/egg mixture? Is it at the same time that you add the water? I did not have your bread mix but am ordering it and will try these again. Thanks!
I put them individually in sandwich bags and put 6 in a larger bag and put in the freezer. Then take one out as needed and then slice them in half when thawed. This is such a great recipe and you will not be disappointed.
I’m so glad you love it too, JoAnn! It’s worlds better than buying frozen gluten free bagels. I don’t know why it took me so long to make them!!
~jules
I made these this morning and they were great! I found them a little dense and think I might have been able to make them smaller and more of them. I was unsure about boiling them. How exactly do you know when to flip them over? Is it 30 seconds from when they are first inserted into the water or thirty seconds from when they float to the top?
Hi Erica, I’m glad you loved them! If they are on the dense side, next time you make them add a bit more liquid to loosen up the dough some — not so much that the dough is sticky or difficult to work with, but just a little so that the yeast has an easier time of opening up more air pockets. As for boiling them, it’s 30 seconds per side total. Enjoy the recipe!
~jules
Hi Gloria – I haven’t tried it yet, but based upon success I’ve had in my No Yeast Gluten Free Bread recipe, I would think you could skip the yeast and add 2 1/2 tsp. additional baking soda plus 1 Tbs. lemon juice, and use club soda in place of the water in this bagel recipe. Let me know if you get to try it before I do!
~jules
Have you made these without egg? My son would love some bagels but is intolerant to both gluten and egg
These are BOMB! My daughter has to eat gluten-free and she has missed bagels terribly. Everything we’ve tried has tasted like dog biscuits. This recipe is SO GOOD! We omitted the flaxseed on this latest batch and we both prefer it that way. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe.
I’m thrilled you both are loving this recipe, Suzie! Ever since I started making it, I never am without some of these in my freezer. They make the best sandwiches, too!
~jules
Just made these this morning. They were relatively easy to make, and look like bagels I used to love in Montreal. They are dense and chewy, just like a bagel should be. My only minus is that they taste like a whole wheat bagel, really flax heavy. Is there some substitution I can make in the ingredients to have less of a flax flavor? Other than that, this recipe is definitely a keeper!!!!
Hi Gayle, I’m so happy you loved the bagels!! There’s nothing like having them back in your life (I didn’t realize how much I’d missed them!). Another reader just noted that they took out the flax ingredient altogether and preferred it that way. Maybe try her trick and see? I’d love to know what you think!
~jules
Pretty darn good! Had to make fresh coffee to sample them as soon as they came out of the oven…
LOL – I love it, Wendy! A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do! So glad you enjoyed them!
~jules
These bagels are amazing. I added 1/2 cup of craisins to make cranberry bagels. So delicious!
Wonderful to hear, Heather! I need to make some more because I’m out of the ones I had frozen from my last batch. I might try craisins this time too!!
~jules
Heather, I’ve been in love with cranberry-orange muffins since childhood, and you’ve got me thinking about cranberry-orange bagels. I need to see if I’ve got a handy orange to zest and juice. 😀
Jules, any idea how these would bake up with some acidic juice in place of the milk?
Hi Susan, there’s no liquid milk in this recipe, but you could replace some portion of water with orange juice and add orange zest. I wouldn’t go all-in with the OJ though. Let me know how they turn out!
~jules
Great recipe! Granted I was working with my own flour blend since it’s too costly to order your flour blend all the way from sunny Singapore, but the additions in the “from scratch” recipe really helped in giving a chewy bagel! I halved the recipe and made 4 bagels, 2 of which I boiled and baked immediately, and the other two I allowed to proof for 30 min before boiling and baking, just for comparison sake. I actually ended up preferring the proofed version – slightly fluffier but still chewy. Best GF bagel recipe out of a few I’ve tried. Thanks for the share!
Hi Gracie, so glad they turned out for you! I love that you did your own split test with proofing – a baker after my own heart!
Just so you know, there’s a store in Singapore that sells my gfJules Flour and mixes. How amazing is that?? Here’s the link to my products on their site: https://glutenfreesg.com/?post_type=product&s=gfjules
Happy baking!
~jules
Are you proofing your yeast or just putting it dry into the mix
Hi Bree, because I use quick rise yeast in my gluten free breads like these, I generally do not proof the yeast, but just add it in with the dry. You can certainly still proof the yeast if you’re more comfortable with that process or if you’re worried about whether your yeast is active.
~jules
I can’t wait to try this recipe! Any pointers on how to make flavored bagels like a french toast bagel??
Hi Courtney, I’m never heard of a French Toast bagel! How interesting! Maybe adding some cinnamon-sugar swirls to the dough? And maple syrup in place of the agave/honey? Let me know what you try!
~jules
I would like to try these but my son has an egg allergy.Do you think we could substitute a flax egg for the egg whites?
HI Pamela, yes, I think one Tbs. flax to 3 Tbs. warm water will be a good substitute for the 2 egg whites here. You may need to add a bit more water to make the dough less tight — get it to where you can shape the dough easily without it being too wet and sticky. Let me know how it goes! Here are some more baking with egg substitutes tips for you!
~jules
I made a triple batch of these bagels. Poppyseed, sesame seed and sea salt on top. What a great recipe. I didn’t read the boiling part properly, but it didn’t matter as they turned out perfectly. Thanks for the recipe.
Wonderful to hear, JoAnn. I love that you made all different kinds so you have fun options. So glad to hear you’re enjoying a great bagel again!!!
~jules
I can’t find the bagel mix on your site. I’d like to know how to order it.
Hi Kathryn, the mix is my bread mix – it makes sandwich bread, buns and bagels! Versatile and yummy so you always have choices. Here’s the link: https://shop.gfjules.com/collections/mixes/products/gfjules-gluten-free-sandwich-bread-mix-1-11-lbs
ENJOY!
~jules
Just made your bagels. They look great. I got 9 bagels as I made a couple mini bagels. Can’t wait to spread some cream cheese and add lox and onions. Yum!
Oh yum! I’m jealous – I need to go make that recipe again for our travels this weekend. ENJOY those fresh bagels!!!!
~jules
Sounds great, can’t wait to try them but I am slightly confused! The recipe says to whisk together the egg white and honey, but it doesn’t say what to do with it after that ???? Does it get added in to the dry ingredients along with the yeast and water?”
Hi Alma, sorry for any confusion in the recipe. The egg white and honey are mixed together in a large bowl, then the dry ingredients and water are added to that bowl and mixed. I hope that clears it up! Enjoy the recipe!
~jules
For all you bagel lovers. This recipe is really worth trying. It’s very easy to follow. I did add a little extra water but other than that it’s perfect. I sprinkled sesame seed, poppy seed and onion flakes on the top to make everything bagels. They are not heavy at all. I also baked mine on parchment paper in stead of putting them on a rack in the oven. Mine came out very golden brown. Cut in half and put them in the freezer for later toasting. You will not be disappointed
So glad you loved the recipe too, Phylis!! Thanks so much for letting me know!
~jules
Could you please post a video making this recipe. Mine tasted good but looked terrible. I think I did not mix it enough and I was unclear on how much water to add to get the correct consistency. Also, when do you add the honey/egg mixture? Is it at the same time that you add the water? I did not have your bread mix but am ordering it and will try these again. Thanks!
Can they be frozen without compromising?
Hi Karen, yes you can slice and freeze them and then warm them or toast. Still yummy!
~jules
I put them individually in sandwich bags and put 6 in a larger bag and put in the freezer. Then take one out as needed and then slice them in half when thawed. This is such a great recipe and you will not be disappointed.
I’m so glad you love it too, JoAnn! It’s worlds better than buying frozen gluten free bagels. I don’t know why it took me so long to make them!!
~jules
I made these this morning and they were great! I found them a little dense and think I might have been able to make them smaller and more of them. I was unsure about boiling them. How exactly do you know when to flip them over? Is it 30 seconds from when they are first inserted into the water or thirty seconds from when they float to the top?
Hi Erica, I’m glad you loved them! If they are on the dense side, next time you make them add a bit more liquid to loosen up the dough some — not so much that the dough is sticky or difficult to work with, but just a little so that the yeast has an easier time of opening up more air pockets. As for boiling them, it’s 30 seconds per side total. Enjoy the recipe!
~jules
30 seconds or 30 minutes re GF BAGEL boiling. Instructions & 2-22-17 reply a bit confusing 🙂
Do you have a GF YEAST FREE bagel recipe? Either omitting the yeast resulting in flatter bagel, OR, is there a YEAST SUBSTITUTE?
TASTE more important than looks.
BIG thx!
Hi Gloria – I haven’t tried it yet, but based upon success I’ve had in my No Yeast Gluten Free Bread recipe, I would think you could skip the yeast and add 2 1/2 tsp. additional baking soda plus 1 Tbs. lemon juice, and use club soda in place of the water in this bagel recipe. Let me know if you get to try it before I do!
~jules
These were by far the best GF bagels we have ever enjoyed! The flavor and consistency were perfect. Thank you Jules!!!
YAY! I’m thrilled that you loved them, Rachael! Thanks so much for letting me know!
~jules
I am honored-and thankful-to have inspired your Jules-perfected recipe for bagels. Time to buy more Bread Mix!
You truly were the inspiration, Roberta! Thank YOU!
~jules