Name: Jerusalem Bagel Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour or white bread flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 ½ cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk for vegan option), warm; 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (fast-action); 1 teaspoon baking powder; Olive oil, for rubbing; 1 cup raw white sesame seeds; 1 to 2 tablespoons honey; 1 to 2 tablespoons water (to achieve desired consistency)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 59 reviews

If you have yet to discover the warm, slightly sweet crunch of a perfectly baked Jerusalem Bagel Recipe, you are truly in for a treat. Unlike the dense, doughy bagels you might be used to, these bagels offer a lighter, fluffier texture with a beautiful oval shape and a generous coating of toasted sesame seeds that give every bite a delightful crunch. This recipe captures the essence of traditional Jerusalem baking with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, creating a comforting bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or sharing with friends and family. It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Middle Eastern street food right into your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white large bowl filled with a mound of fine white flour sits in the center on a white marbled surface. Around it are eight small white bowls and jars, each holding different ingredients: golden oil in a small round bowl at the lower left, white granulated sugar in a small bowl near it, light beige yeast in a scalloped bowl at the lower right, fine salt in two little bowls with green inside near the bottom middle and right, a white ceramic jug with milk at the top left, a transparent glass bottle filled with olive oil with a cork at the neck near the top center, and a bowl filled with light brown sesame seeds at the top right. The scene shows a neat arrangement of baking ingredients with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Jerusalem Bagel Recipe, the ingredient list is wonderfully simple, yet each plays a vital role. From the rich milk to the nutty sesame seeds, every component contributes to the final flavor, texture, and appearance, making this recipe approachable yet rewarding.

4 ½ cups all-purpose flour or white bread flour: This provides the structure and elasticity that make these bagels soft yet chewy.
2 tablespoons sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory toppings perfectly.
2 teaspoons salt: Enhances all the flavors and controls yeast activity.
1 ½ cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk for vegan option): Warm milk helps activate the yeast and adds tenderness to the crumb.
1 tablespoon active dry yeast (fast-action): The engine behind your dough rising beautifully to achieve that light texture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a little extra lift to the dough’s rise.
Olive oil: Keeps the dough moist and flavorful, while also preventing sticking during resting.
1 cup sesame seeds (raw white sesame seeds preferred): This gives the bagels their signature nutty, crunchy coating.
1 to 2 tablespoons honey: Binds the sesame seeds to the dough and adds a delicate floral sweetness.

How to Make Jerusalem Bagel Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Knead the Dough

Start by combining the flour, sugar, salt, warm milk, yeast, and baking powder in your mixer bowl fitted with a dough hook. Mix this on medium speed until the ingredients come together to form a soft, pliable dough ball. No mixer? No problem—mix everything in a large bowl and knead by hand on a clean surface until smooth and elastic. The dough’s softness and elasticity are your indicators that you’re on the right track.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

Once kneaded, rub a bit of olive oil over the dough’s surface to keep it from drying out during its rest. Place it in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and leave it in a warm spot for about 1 hour. This relaxing time allows the dough to double in size, developing flavor and a beautiful airy texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Sesame Coating

While the dough is rising, mix your sesame seeds with honey and a tablespoon of water in a shallow baking dish. Adjust the water a little if needed to get a texture that’s sticky enough for the seeds to cling to the dough, but not so thick it clumps. This coating is what will give the Jerusalem Bagel Recipe its trademark crunchy, aromatic crust.

Step 4: Shape the Bagels

After the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 6 equal pieces on a lightly floured surface. Roll each piece into logs about 8 to 12 inches long, then connect the ends to make rings. Gently stretch each ring into an oval shape and let them rest for 15 minutes to relax before coating.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

Crank your oven up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (gas mark 8) to ensure a hot environment where your bagels will bake to golden perfection with a satisfyingly crispy crust.

Step 6: Coat the Bagels with Sesame

Dip each dough ring into the sesame and honey mixture, making sure they’re well-coated. Arrange them on a baking sheet, give them a final 10-minute rest to puff up slightly, and get ready for baking.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Pop the baking sheet into the hot oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until your bagels are cooked through and sporting a deep golden hue. The aroma alone will have your kitchen feeling like a quaint Jerusalem bakery!

How to Serve Jerusalem Bagel Recipe

The image shows five oval-shaped sesame-covered breads placed on a dark wooden surface, with one piece slightly broken to reveal the soft inside. To the top left, there is a white bowl with a blue floral pattern, filled with smooth white yogurt topped with a swirl of golden olive oil. Above the breads, half of a large red tomato is visible, showing its juicy inside. Below the breads, there is a small white bowl filled with a greenish dried herb mix, and a glass bowl containing sliced pickles. The overall setup contrasts light and dark colors, with textures ranging from the crunchy sesame seeds on the breads to the creamy yogurt and fresh vegetables, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These bagels are incredible just as they come, but feel free to enhance your experience with a spread of cream cheese, labneh, or even a drizzle of tahini. Fresh herbs like za’atar or parsley sprinkled on top can elevate the flavor and add beautiful color contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve your Jerusalem bagels alongside bowls of hummus, roasted vegetables, or a bright Israeli salad for a complete, satisfying meal. They’re perfect for scooping up dips or making little sandwiches filled with pickled vegetables and grilled meats.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic sandwich and use these bagels as the star of a brunch board with cheeses, olives, and cured meats. Hollow them out slightly and fill with shakshuka or your favorite egg salad for a fun twist that will impress guests and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you can resist eating them fresh, Jerusalem bagels keep well at room temperature for 1 to 2 days if you store them in an airtight container or bag. Avoid the fridge, as it can dry out the bread.

Freezing

To enjoy these bagels later, freeze fully cooled bagels separately on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy authentic Jerusalem flavors anytime.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or day-old bagels by warming them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their crunch and warmth, closely mimicking that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free flour for the Jerusalem Bagel Recipe?

While traditional all-purpose or bread flour works best for the chewy texture, you can experiment with gluten-free blends designed for bread making. Keep in mind textures and rising times may vary.

What can I substitute for milk if I want a vegan option?

Unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are great vegan-friendly alternatives that help keep the dough tender without compromising flavor.

Is it necessary to use honey in the sesame coating?

The honey adds a subtle sweetness and helps the sesame seeds stick nicely to the dough. If you prefer, you can try maple syrup or agave nectar as a vegan-friendly swap.

How important is the warm temperature for rising the dough?

A warm environment encourages the yeast to activate and helps the dough rise properly. If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough in an oven warmed briefly or near a sunny window to mimic ideal conditions.

Can I make these bagels ahead of time before baking?

Yes! After shaping and coating, you can refrigerate the bagels overnight and bake them fresh the next day, just allow them to come to room temperature before baking for the best rise.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about pulling fresh, beautifully golden Jerusalem bagels out of the oven—their nutty sesame crust and tender crumb are irresistibly comforting. I hope this Jerusalem Bagel Recipe becomes a beloved part of your baking repertoire, bringing warmth and authentic flavor to your table with every batch. Happy baking and even happier eating!