Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pizza dough instead of making my own?
Absolutely. A 1-pound ball of refrigerated pizza dough is a fantastic shortcut. Let it come to room temperature, then roll it into ropes and proceed with the cutting and boiling steps. The flavor will be slightly different (less yeasty and chewy), but the results are still delicious and incredibly easy. This shortcut cuts the prep time down to about 10 minutes. The pizza dough will puff a little more and the bits will be slightly lighter in texture, but they’ll still crisp up beautifully.
Do I really need to boil the dough bits?
For the authentic bagel crust and flavor, yes. The boiling step sets the exterior and creates that glossy, chewy skin that makes a bagel a bagel. If you skip it, the bits will still bake into tasty little bread bites, but they won’t have the same texture or deep golden color. I highly recommend taking the extra few minutes to boil them—it’s what makes this recipe special. If you’re in a pinch, you can brush them with a mixture of water and a pinch of baking soda before baking to mimic the effect, but it won’t be quite the same.
What can I use instead of everything bagel seasoning?
You can make your own blend easily: mix equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaky sea salt. If you’re missing an ingredient, just use what you have—the sesame seeds and garlic are the most essential components. You can also simply brush the boiled bits with garlic butter and sprinkle with coarse salt for a simpler but equally delicious version. Italian seasoning, za’atar, or even a spicy chili-lime blend can be used to create entirely different flavor profiles.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, the air fryer works beautifully for bagel bits and yields an even crunchier result. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Arrange the boiled, seasoned bits in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed). Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp. The air fryer version is faster and uses slightly less oil. It’s a great option if you’re making a smaller batch.
Are these bagel bits vegan?
The dough is naturally vegan (flour, water, yeast, oil, sugar, salt). The everything bagel seasoning is also typically vegan. Just ensure you use oil (not butter) for tossing, and serve with a plant-based dip like hummus or a dairy-free cream cheese. They are a wonderful vegan-friendly snack that everyone can enjoy. No substitutions needed.
Homemade Everything Bagel Bits
Crispy, chewy, bite-sized bagel pieces coated in everything bagel seasoning—the ultimate snack, appetizer, or crunchy topping. Made from scratch with a simple yeast dough and baked to golden perfection.
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Rise Time:
1–1½ hours
Cook Time:
18–22 minutes
Total Time:
About 2 hours
Servings:
6–8 (snack servings)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 cups bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ¾ cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast or instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Boiling Water:
- Water (enough to fill a large pot)
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
For Coating and Seasoning:
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup everything bagel seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Make the dough: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes (or 5–7 minutes in a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–1½ hours until doubled in size.
- Shape the bits: Punch down the dough. Divide into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a ½-inch thick rope. Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut the ropes into small, chickpea-sized pieces (about ½ inch). Toss lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Boil the bits: Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Add the baking soda. Working in batches, boil the dough bits for 30–60 seconds, until they float. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels.
- Coat and season: Transfer the boiled bits to a bowl. Toss with olive oil until coated, then add everything bagel seasoning and toss again to distribute evenly.
- Bake: Spread the seasoned bits in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–22 minutes, tossing once halfway, until deeply golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Let the bagel bits cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes. They will crisp further as they cool. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite dips. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Notes
- For a quick shortcut, use 1 lb of store-bought pizza dough. Bring it to room temperature, then roll into ropes and cut into bits. The boil-and-bake method remains the same.
- The baking soda in the boiling water is essential for achieving the classic bagel crust color and chew. Don’t skip it.
- Customize the seasoning: try garlic Parmesan, cinnamon sugar, ranch, or spicy chili-lime for different flavors.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in the oven or air fryer if needed. Freeze baked bits for up to 2 months.
These Homemade Everything Bagel Bits are a snack-time revelation—crispy, chewy, and bursting with the bold flavor of everything bagel seasoning. They’re the homemade treat you’ll want to make on repeat, perfect for sharing, dipping, or munching by the handful. Whip up a batch this weekend and discover your new favorite way to snack.