The Best Overnight Sourdough Bagels

As promised, here is the best sourdough bagel recipe from my friend Emilie Raffa!! The bagel dough is quickly thrown together the night before, rests on the counter overnight and then is baked off in the morning. SO GOOD!
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As I write this post, my sourdough starter is sitting on the counter in the kitchen growing and getting bubbly so I can mix together the dough for The Best Overnight Sourdough Bagels to bake off in the morning. Heaven.

I love breakfast baking recipes (they’re my jam). Check out all of my breakfast baking recipes and also my How to Make a Sourdough Starter tutorial if you need a refresher before you get started.

Have fun with these overnight sourdough bagels!

A close up of a everything sourdough bagel.

About This Sourdough Bagel Recipe

This recipe comes from Emilie Raffa‘s book Artisan Sourdough Made Simple (she calls them Sunday Morning Bagels in her book) and she has graciously allowed me to share her recipe with you. I have talked about this cookbook A LOT — I love it so much!

If you love sourdough, want more sourdough recipes, want to get started with sourdough or are just sourdough curious ;) I cannot recommend it enough!!

This is a pretty straight-forward recipe that turns out amazing every time. The key to its success is making sure you have a robust starter that is rising and falling predictably and has lots of large and small bubble development.

A buch of bagels on a baking sheet.

Using a Sourdough Starter

I have my guide for making a sourdough starter here if you need to get one going (and I highly recommend you do!!). If you have a starter going, use it once it has doubled (or more) in size with lots of bubbles.

I like to use mine when it’s reached its peak and you can continue to use it even once it’s fallen a bit. 

*IF* your starter isn’t super robust, you can throw a teaspoon of store-bought yeast in with your starter and the warm water. That will give you the taste of sourdough with the added insurance of store-bought yeast making sure everything rises properly.

This is something I did during my early days of sourdough baking years ago. And it works!

I am loving sourdough baking more than ever right now! It’s incredibly cathartic and relaxing and best of all, you don’t have to leave the house to have warm bagels in the morning. This is definitely a lemon-lemonade scenario.

A stack of three bagels.

What You Need to Make Awesome Bagels

You’ll Need a Scale

Baking bread with a scale is so helpful, this is the one I use if you’re in the market. Otherwise, the cup measurements are also listed below!

A Happy Sourdough Starter

You can check out my sourdough starter guide here or you can call a local bakery and ask if they would share some of their sourdough starter with you (most are happy too do so!) if you can’t be bothered.

As mentioned above, you want a bubbly active starter that has doubled in size and has lots of large and small bubble development. 

A close up photo of a sourdough bagel on a white surface.

Bagel Toppings

I love to use Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel Seasoning. You can also just sprinkle your bagels with sesame seeds or even simply sea salt flakes (which is delicious). To customize your bagel:

Everything Bagel Seasoning for Everything Bagels

To make your own everything season follow this recipe.

The Ingredients for Cinnamon Raisin Bagels

From Emilie: “For cinnamon raisin bagels, add 6 grams (2 teaspoons) to the dry ingredients. While the dough is resting, soak 80 grams (1/2 cup) of raisins in warm water. Drain well before kneading them into the dough to incorporate.” Do this after the dough has been mixed.

Using The Correct Flour

If you only have all-purpose flour (and no bread flour), you can still make these bagels. You may need a touch more flour (added very conservatively at 1 tablespoon at a time) as the all-purpose flour won’t absorb as much moisture as the bread flour resulting in a slightly stickier dough.

The Baker’s Guide to Measuring Flour

One of the biggest (and most common) mistakes in baking is how we measure flour. If you find yourself without a scale, see my top tips on how to properly measure flour for the perfect amount every time!

Side profile of a sourdough bagel.

Sea Salt

I love salt. I add a full 1 tablespoon of sea salt to the dough and I think you should consider it. Just saying.

A Mixer is Optional

You don’t have to have an electric stand mixer to make these sourdough bagels. The instructions will reference it, but you can mix and knead using those beautiful arms of yours.

Three bagels with a striped towel behind them.

A Note About the Recipe Instructions

The overnight bagel instructions below are Emilie’s from her book. I added my own notes in italics.

One Final Note on Humidity

A quick note about humidity… If you live in a dry climate consider covering the bowl with plastic wrap while the dough rests overnight to keep moisture in there. A damp towel, as recommended in the instructions, can dry out overnight and there is nothing more frustrating than when the top of your dough develops a scab (from lack of moisture).

I hate to recommend plastic wrap, so if you can come up with another way to keep it sealed, use that and let me know in the comments below so we can help others.

A bagel sandwich with cream cheese on a plate.

The Baker’s Schedule

Feed your starter in the morning, mix the dough in the afternoon/evening when your starter has reached its peak and then allow the bagel dough to rest and rise overnight while you sleep. When you wake up, proceed with Step 3. This is known as living your best life.

As I mentioned, I have an awesome Sourdough Starter Guide, if you’re new to sourdough baking or are looking for a refresher.

Let’s bake some badass homemade sourdough bagels, shall we?

Rebecca Firth

A bagel with cream cheese on it.
Sourdough Bagels | DisplacedHousewife Rebecca Firth; Recipe from Emilie Raffa's book Artisan Sourdough Made Simple

The Best Overnight Sourdough Bagels

As promised, here is the best sourdough bagel recipe from my friend Emilie Raffa!! The bagel dough is quickly thrown together the night before, rests on the counter overnight and then is baked off in the morning. SO GOOD!
4.90 from 56 reviews
Print Save Rate
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Bagels
Servings: 8 -16
Author: Emilie Raffa

Ingredients

For the Bagels

  • 150 grams (3/4 cup) active starter
  • 250 grams (1 cup plus 2 teaspoons) warm water
  • 24 grams (2 tablespoons) sugar
  • 500 grams (4 cups plus 2 tablespoons) bread flour (how to measure flour)
  • 9 grams (1 1/2 teaspoons) fine sea salt (I use 1 tablespoon of sea salt in this dough)
  • 20 grams (1 tablespoon) honey

To Garnish

  • You can use everything seasoning (see note above, cinnamon raisin variation (also see note above), sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt flakes…get frisky)

Instructions

Make the Dough

  • In a large bowl, whisk the starter, water and sugar together with a fork. Add the flour and salt. Combine to form a rough dough, then finish mixing by hand to fully incorporate the flour. Because this dough is stiff, consider using a stand mixer (fitted with the dough hook attachment) to give your hands a break; run on low speed for 5-6 minutes to combine. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let rest for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Meanwhile, replenish your starter with fresh flour and water. Store according to preferences. After the dough has rested, work the mass into a semi-smooth ball, about 15-20 seconds and place in a large bowl that’s lightly oiled.

Bulk Rise

  • Cover with a damp towel and let rise until double in size, about 8-10 hours at room temperature, 70F (21C). Note, this dough can also be stashed airtight in the fridge for several days until ready to bake if you can’t get to making them right away.

Shape

  • Line a sheet pan with nonstick silicon mat or parchment paper. If using parchment, lightly coat with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking. Remove the dough onto a non-floured surface. Flatten the dough into a rectangle and divide into 8 equal pieces, about 115 grams (4 ounces) each. (I divided mine into 16 pieces for more, smaller bagels). Gather the ends, flip the dough over and roll each piece into a ball. Let the dough rest on your sheet pan for 10-15 minuets to relax the gluten. Working with one ball of dough at a time, poke a hole straight through the center. Lift up the dough, insert both index fingers through the center hole and barrel roll to gently stretch the opening to about the size of a walnut. When finished, place the dough back onto your sheet pan. It’s ok if the hole shrinks slightly. Repeat shaping the remaining dough. Set on the prepared baking sheet.

Second Rise

  • Cover the dough with a damp towel and let rest for 15-20 minutes. The dough will puff up only slightly at this stage. Meanwhile, bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the honey and whisk well to dissolve. Preheat your oven to 425F (220C). Add the seeds and/or any other toppings to a rimmed tray or shallow bowl.

Boil the Bagels

  • Add 2-3 bagels into the pot and wait for them to float to the top, about 10 seconds (some will float immediately). Cook for 30 seconds on each side for a thin crust. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bagels back to the sheet pan you used earlier, placing them rounded side up. Once slightly cool but still wet, dip the rounded side of the bagels into the seeds (or whatever topping, if using) to coat. Place back onto the sheet pan and finish boiling the rest of the bagels.

Bake!

  • Bake the bagels for about 20-25 minutes in the center of the oven. Flip them over to briefly cook the bottom side, about 1-2 minutes or less. When ready, your bagels will be puffed up and light golden brown, and they will feel light to the touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, but indulge yourself and eat one (or two) warm. The chewy texture of bagels is best enjoyed when made fresh. Stir tin a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Bagels freeze well; freeze them whole or slice, covered in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, for up to 3 months.
Thanks for baking with me! Please rate + comment this recipe and tag me on social @displacedhousewife #displacedhousewife so I can see your beautiful treats! xo

Comments

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe

I love your comments, reviews and questions! If you love this recipe, please rate it when you leave a comment. Star ratings 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 help people discover my recipes. Your support means a lot, I look forward to chatting with you!

Rebecca xox

Recipe Rating




151 Comments

  • Meegan Kieffer February 23, 2021 at 4:24 AM

    5 stars
    Great recipe…best sourdough bagel recipe I’ve found to date. The bagels are crispy with a soft, chewy center. Will save this recipe for sure. Do you have any other sourdough starter recipes?

    Reply
  • Laura February 9, 2021 at 2:55 PM

    Hi there.. I’d like to use discard… thoughts? Advice? Thank u!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth February 9, 2021 at 2:57 PM

      Hi Laura! You want to use discard for the bagel recipe or are you looking for thoughts on what to do with your sourdough discard? Let me know!! xx

      Reply
  • Stefanie February 8, 2021 at 12:49 PM

    5 stars
    Really easy and tasty bagels! Thanks for sharing this recipe.

    Reply
  • Louise February 3, 2021 at 3:58 AM

    Hi, just came across this recipe (and your great site) and can’t wait to make these. I always use a disposable shower cap to cover my sourdough bowls – the kind you get in hotels (remember when we could go to hotels?!). I just pick one up whenever I can, but they last forever. Any time you skip using clingfilm has got to be a good thing. x

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth February 5, 2021 at 10:52 AM

      Oh I love this idea, thank you for sharing!!! I hope you try these bagels, they’re so yummy!!! xox

      Reply
    • Dawna February 9, 2021 at 1:43 PM

      I just recently found out you can buy the shower caps at the dollar store! I think mine was a package of 10, and I can reuse these indefinitely

      Reply
      • Rebecca Firth February 9, 2021 at 2:30 PM

        I absolutely love the shower cap idea!!!! I’m getting some!! xox

        Reply
  • Ausilia January 31, 2021 at 12:53 PM

    Hi, I plan to make these with cinnamon and raisins. I have 2 questions…
    1. when should I incorporate the raisins? note states to add them after the dough has been mixed. Is it before the resting period of 45min-1 hour rest in step 1 or when working the dough into a semi-smooth ball prior to the bulk rise?
    2. Bulk rise – if I put the dough in the fridge, how long after taking it out of the fridge can I start step 3 shape?
    So looking forward to trying these…
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth February 2, 2021 at 6:39 PM

      Hi!
      Thanks for your patience!! Here are your answers:
      1) Add them before the dough rests.
      2) So when I stash the dough in the fridge, I bring it out, shape it and then give it a little bit more time to rest until it doesn’t feel cold to the touch (second rise, step 1).

      Let me know if you need more clarification or have more questions!! I just submitted my second manuscript (The Cake Book!) so I’ll be quicker to reply!!
      xoxo

      Reply
  • Erin m. January 30, 2021 at 1:44 PM

    5 stars
    I just made these today and they are excellent!! I made 12 medium sized ones and sprinkled half with kosher salt and half with cinnamon/sugar! Thank you for the recipe!! Very easy to make!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth February 2, 2021 at 6:43 PM

      Hi Erin! I’m so glad you like them—we’re obsessed!! Happy baking!! xox

      Reply
  • Mira January 23, 2021 at 4:50 AM

    Hi there. I’m giving these ago! They seem similar to Montreal bagels, which is our bagel of choice. Question: is it possible to freeze them at any point before cooking, possibly after shaping? Would love to be able do do big batches for future use.

    Reply
  • Seth January 19, 2021 at 8:19 AM

    5 stars
    Great recipe! I’ve made these a couple of times and everybody loves them! I had 2 questions for you. 1) For the 8-10 hr bulk rise, should I allow the dough to double in size BEFORE refrigerating? Or should I put them in the refrigerator immediately after shaping into a round and placing in the bowl. 2) Can I double the recipe and make all in one large bowl? Can I make 2 separate recipes (for my mixers sake!) but still allow them to bulk rise together in the fridge? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth January 21, 2021 at 11:43 AM

      Hi Seth!! I’m so happy you liked it — we love it!!! So, here you go:
      1) I put it immediately in the fridge after shaping into a round.
      2) I would probably make in two separate batches and then allow to rest together in the fridge in a large bowl…or you can even keep separate and put the dough in lightly oiled ziplocks if space is at minimum (I hate plastic bags but use them for this periodically). I would be hesitant to mix it all in one mixer…I’ve burned out a mixer in the past this way!!

      Let me know if you have any other questions. This dough is very forgivable, so don’t be afraid to play with it. I honestly think you could let it rise a bit, change your mind and shove it in the fridge and it would work.

      Like I mentioned to someone else, I’m finishing up my next book :) :) so I might be a little slow in responding, but I promise I will get to it.

      Have fun!!!
      xox

      Reply
  • Joseph Alevizatos January 19, 2021 at 6:06 AM

    Hi Rebecca Can you tell me what a “barrel roll” is for shaping the bagels?
    I made them yesterday and they turned out amazing!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth January 19, 2021 at 8:24 AM

      Hi Joseph! I’m so glad you liked them!!

      Sooo…’barrel roll’, I agree it’s a bit confusing but I’ve struggled with a better way to articulate!! You basically put two fingers in the middle hole you’ve created and then rotate them in a circular motion to stretch that hole out a bit. Does that give a better visual? xx

      Reply
      • Joseph January 20, 2021 at 6:49 AM

        Yes, thanks!
        One more question…If I’m not going to bake the same day I make the dough, do I put the dough in the refrigerator before or after the 8-10 hour bulk rise?

        Reply
        • Rebecca Firth January 21, 2021 at 11:28 AM

          Hi Joseph!!! I put it in the fridge before the bulk (it was late, I was tired and didn’t want to sit around and wait). In that instance I left it in the fridge for two days and then took it out and proceeded with the recipe. Feel free to ask more questions…I might be a wee delayed since I’m finishing up my next cookbook (!!!)…but I promise to respond!!! xoxo

          Reply
          • Joseph January 21, 2021 at 4:27 PM

            Thanks Rebecca! I put it in after the bulk rise…oops! I’ll let you know how they turn out, good luck with you’re cookbook. I’ll keep on the lookout for it.

          • Rebecca Firth February 2, 2021 at 6:46 PM

            Thank you!!! All turned in now, woo hoo!!! I hope you enjoyed those bagels!!! xox

  • Michelle Urban January 16, 2021 at 5:09 PM

    5 stars
    Made these for the first time today and they turned out pretty good considering I’m a total beginner to any kind of baking. They were light and soft and perfect, except the color was really light on the crust. What might be the reason for that? Not enough honey? Not long enough boil? They’re cooked through

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth January 17, 2021 at 12:22 PM

      Hi Michelle!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed them. So, I’m thinking either the honey in the water (maybe you did need more?) or perhaps your oven runs cooler? I’ll have to think on this some more, but those are my initial thoughts!! xox

      Reply
  • Kermit January 3, 2021 at 8:31 AM

    If you want to avoid waste and you need plastic you could try doing what I do and dedicate some plastic produce bags from the market to bread making. I cut these from their top to bottom, flatten them on the counter and wipe or spray lightly with oil. The bag is then ready to go and I have used the same collection of bags to cover my proofing bread for years.

    Reply
  • Marc January 2, 2021 at 1:10 PM

    5 stars
    After trying a few other sourdough bagel recipes, this was by far the best approach. I think shaping the bagels immediately before boiling was the key here, rather than trying to do the bulk rise after the bagels are shaped. I also mistakingly put the honey into the dough instead of in the water, and it was delicious!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth January 9, 2021 at 4:22 PM

      Hi Marc! I am so happy you like them. I have done the same thing with the honey and you’re right, delish!!! xox

      Reply
  • Jill January 2, 2021 at 8:04 AM

    5 stars
    Have made these bagels, several times, with and without an added teaspoon of yeast. With and without an overnight in the fridge. They come out delicious every time, every way. I use my scale to keep the bagels evenly weighted. Great recipe, great results. Thank you

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth January 9, 2021 at 4:23 PM

      Hi Jill! Aren’t they so good?! I feel like they are foolproof too!! xox

      Reply
  • Mike December 7, 2020 at 4:18 PM

    Made this on Saturday so that I could have bagels on Sunday. Due to circumstances beyond my control I had to leave these in the fridge till Monday. Pulled out of the fridge early, about 6am to come to room temperature and cooked them about 9am and ate them at 9:30am.

    They were outstanding! This was my first time making bagels. My only regret is there are none leftover!

    Great recipe! Thanks,Rebecca!

    Reply
    • Rebecca Firth December 10, 2020 at 5:10 AM

      Hi Mike!
      I recently did the same thing and they came out great! This dough is so forgiving — so happy that you liked them!! xx

      Reply
  • Karen Gardner November 16, 2020 at 4:45 PM

    5 stars
    Easy and delicious! Thx!

    Reply
  • Li Lammert November 15, 2020 at 12:44 AM

    5 stars
    OMG! I’m pretty new to the sour dough baking. But I love bagels so I thought I’d give this recipe a try. And it is the BEST bagel I’ve ever had! I made the dough in the Ninja food processor with the dough attachment. Came together so well. Otherwise, I followed your recipe to the letter. Thank you for the best birthday bagel ever!

    Reply
  • Flynn August 19, 2020 at 4:26 AM

    4 stars
    I halved the recipe and it tasted wonderful, but they were a little bit too toasted in the oven so next time I’ll low the time to sixteen minutes.

    Reply
  • Stacybeth August 13, 2020 at 4:40 AM

    I live in RI and it’s been very hot and humid but our AC has been on and the humidity hovers around 50% in the house this time of year.

    Reply
  • Katrina August 3, 2020 at 1:01 PM

    I have made onion bagels before by just rolling them in dried onion flakes instead of the sesame seeds or everything seasoning. I have also combined them into the dough much like she talks about combining the raisins.

    I am NOT an expert baker (elementary teacher who just loves trying – and eating – new recipes!), but I have had great success with that!

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth January 21, 2021 at 11:30 AM

    Hi Sarah!!!! I think I might add them just before they bulk rise…let me know how it goes!! xoxo

    Reply
  • Maureen August 7, 2020 at 4:20 PM

    Did you try this? I would love to know if it works and I can make them quicker in the morning!

    Reply
  • Dallas August 8, 2020 at 12:20 PM

    5 stars
    Hi Erin, I have done that a few times with this recipe and they turn out wonderfully. I shape them the night before, put them in the fridge covered for the night, and when I pull them out in the morning give them 20-30 minutes to come up to room temp. Great time saver!

    Reply
  • Becky August 10, 2020 at 2:04 PM

    I have successfully subbed it for molasses in the boiling water. Not sure if that is Vegan though.

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth January 21, 2021 at 11:31 AM

    Hi Jen! I haven’t tried either, but I think both would be good options to try (and wouldn’t hurt!). Have fun!! xoxo

    Reply
  • Stacybeth August 13, 2020 at 4:38 AM

    Thank you for your reply! I just noticed it. I have actually made the bagels 3 more times (today included) and made sure to grease the bowl a little more and the dough wasn’t so dry! In fact, I felt like it was a little too wet so the dough stretched out a lot and the holes didn’t keep their shape. Added 20 more grams of flour to today’s batch which is rising overnight as I type.

    Reply
  • Stephanie R Rogers September 30, 2020 at 8:36 PM

    So I have been making these delicious bagels for the last 6 months. However, had one problem: The toppings dis not stay on and made a mess in the bag. Solution (per my husband): mix poppy seeds, sesame seeds and onion flakes in before adding the flour! It worked!

    Reply
  • Stacybeth August 13, 2020 at 4:39 AM

    5 stars
    I live in RI and it’s been very hot and humid but our AC has been on and the humidity hovers around 50% in the house this time of year.

    Reply
  • Alicia August 23, 2020 at 5:20 PM

    My guess is the added sugar in the water helps with browning once the bagels get to the oven.

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth September 30, 2020 at 9:31 PM

    I love this idea — I’m trying it next time!! xo

    Reply
  • Brenda January 9, 2021 at 5:46 PM

    I love these bagels but I’m never sure about 2 things. First do I do a stretch and fold during the bulk rise? In fact do I should stretch and folds with all your breads? I’m
    A little confused.

    And secondly if I put the dough straight into the fridge before the bulk rise, usually overnight, I’m assuming I must let the dough rise when I remove it from the fridge in the AM and before shaping as it doesn’t rise much in the fridge.

    Thanks for the fantastic recipe!!

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth January 10, 2021 at 10:34 AM

    Hi Brenda! There are no stretch and folds with this dough and unless one of my recipes specifies that, you don’t need to.

    I haven’t put the dough in the fridge before the bulk…I would definitely give it time to rise and come to room temp in the morning. Oh wait, I think I did do that one time and then I kept it in the fridge for several days, brought it to room temp and then moved forward with the recipe. I feel like it’s a pretty sturdy dough that can handle changes and abuse. ;)

    I’m so glad you’re enjoying it — we love it!! Let me know if you have any other questions or if this wasn’t clear!
    xox

    Reply
  • Rebecca Firth January 21, 2021 at 11:28 AM

    I’m so glad you liked them!! Thank you Belle!!!

    Reply
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