
How to Make One Single Vegan Bagel
Sometimes all I want is a homemade bagel, but I can’t be bothered with the time-consuming hassle of making an entire batch. So, I’ve created an easy recipe that makes just ONE single delicious bagel. This bagel is perfectly soft and chewy and can be jazzed up with whatever toppings you desire. And I think you will be surprised at how easy and fun making this single vegan bagel is, so I can’t wait for you to get into it!

Why One Single Bagel?
Some people probably wonder why anyone would want to make just one bagel. Why not make an entire batch when bagels are so delicious!? Well, some of us live alone and don’t want a whole batch of bagels to ourselves, or don’t want to go through the long process of making a recipe of what’s typically eight bagels, or we simply just don’t eat a ton of bread! That’s where this single vegan bagel recipe comes quite in handy! It’s less time-consuming, has a quicker clean-up, and is perfect for those who don’t want multiple bagels staring us down.

Few Ingredients, Easy Instructions
This single vegan bagel recipe requires only six basic ingredients and is relatively easy to make! First, I combine warm water, agave nectar, and active dry yeast. Once it is nice and bubbly, I stir in bread flour and salt, then knead the dough for 10 minutes. I then allow the dough to rest for around one and a half hours, or until it has doubled in size. Next, I form it into a bagel shape, boil it in seasoned water, top it with my topping of choice, and bake it until it is perfectly light and golden.
If you’ve ever wanted to make homemade bagels but were stressed because they seem intimidating to make, try giving this single bagel recipe a try. It really is easy to make, puts less pressure on you since you only have to focus on the one singular bagel, and it’s honestly therapeutic and fun to create!
This Bagel is:
- Soft
- Chewy
- Easy to make
- Well balanced in flavor
- Customizable in toppings
If you make my single vegan bagel or any of my recipes, don’t forget to post a picture to Instagram, tag me @chefsummerstorm, and #gardengrub so I can see your recreation!

How to Make One Single Vegan Bagel
Ingredients
- Neutral-flavored cooking oil spray
Bagel Dough
- 3 tbsp water, 110 degrees Fahrenheit (It is important to have it at this temperature so the yeast can properly rise!)
- 1 1/2 tsp agave nectar
- 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup bread flour
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Cooking Water
- 6 cups water
- 1 tsp agave nectar
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
Topping Suggestions
- Everything, but the bagel seasoning
- Cinnamon-Sugar
Instructions
Bagel Dough
- Add the warmed water, agave nectar, and active dry yeast to a medium-small bowl. Stir, cover, and let rest for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, the yeast should have activated and made the mixture super frothy. If it is not frothy, start over, as the yeast was either spoiled or the water wasn't at the correct temperature.
- Add the flour and salt, and stir until mostly combined and a shaggy dough has been created.
- Dump the mixture onto a clean counter and knead it for 10 minutes. The dough will become slightly tacky/sticky, but never add flour to the counter or your hands, as this will dry out the dough.
- Spray a clean bowl with cooking oil, and roll the ball of dough around in it to get it covered in the oil. Next, press a piece of plastic wrap onto the dough, then wrap the bowl in a piece of plastic wrap. Finally, place the bowl in a dark, warm place, such as the oven(that is turned off). If you have a proof box, put the bowl in there! Let the dough rest for 1 hour. During this time, the dough should almost double in size.
- Once the dough has finished rising, prepare the 'Cooking Water' (instructions are near the end of the recipe). Then, dump the dough onto a clean counter. Pinch it into a tight ball, poke a hole in the center, and create a bagel shape. It's easiest to do this by poking a chopstick in the center of the dough ball, then putting your pointer fingers into the hole and rotating them to make the hole bigger. Then lay the bagel down and perfect the shape. *See my TikTok located above the written recipe for a visual demonstration.
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Gently place the bagel into the seasoned boiling water and cook each side for 45 seconds. The bagel should immediately float, but if for some reason it falls to the bottom, lift it, and it should begin floating soon after.
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the bagel and place it on a sheet pan lined with two layers of parchment paper.
- If you add a topping, such as 'everything, but the bagel seasoning,' or cinnamon sugar, add it now. Sprinkle on top as much as you'd like. If you drop any onto the parchment paper, dust it off; otherwise, it will burn in the oven.
- Place the pan on the middle oven rack and bake for 16 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. If you've added a topping, place a piece of tin foil on top of the bagel after about 10 minutes to prevent the topping from burning. If you are making a plain bagel, you do not need to place a piece of tin foil on top.
- Let the bagel cool down for at least 20 minutes, allowing it to finish cooking in the center.
- Slice in half, toast, and slather on your favorite toppings!
Cooking Water
- Bring the pot of water to a boil. Once it is boiling, add the agave nectar, salt, and baking soda.
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6 Comments
Luz
This was the best bagel I’ve ever had. I might have made a few mistakes but the bagel chose forgiveness and I’m in the middle of another batch. Sadly, Other bagels aren’t going to be as good anymore now, but it’s easy to make, so that’s okay. I’m so surprised that I’m the first one to leave a review.
garden grub
Hi Luz! I’m SO happy to hear you loved the bagel so much! Once you make fresh bagels, no store-bought ones will ever compare, haha. But luckily, this recipe is easy, so it’s okay- just like you said! 🙂
LP
Sorry if I missed it but what temp for the oven?
garden grub
450 degrees Fahrenheit ☺️
Alex Cronin
I love these! Just looking on advice on the best way to store this if not consuming straight away?
garden grub
Thank you, Alex, so glad to hear it! I recommend storing it in an air-tight container or zip-loc bag at room temperature 🙂