Soft and Chewy Bagel Recipe: Perfect Homemade Bagels

Have you tried the chonga bagel from Starbucks? The original name came from the toppings: CHeese, ONion, and GArlic. That clever acronym stuck with me, and these bagels are now commonly called “Everything & Cheddar Bagel.” You don’t need to visit Starbucks to enjoy one—these Soft & Chewy Bagels are easy to make at home and deliver the freshest, most satisfying bite.

True to the name, these bagels are soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp, golden-brown crust. They hold up well on their own, but adding the “chonga” toppings — a layer of savory everything seasoning followed by sharp cheddar — takes them to another level. Below is an overview of the ingredients and why each one matters, plus tips for topping and serving.

Ingredients for Soft & Chewy Bagels

Water + Yeast: Instant yeast is convenient because it doesn’t require pre-activation; you can add it directly to the dough. If you use active dry yeast, dissolve it in warm water (90–110°F) and let it bloom for about 10 minutes before mixing.

Bread Flour: Bread flour gives bagels their characteristic chew because it has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour. That extra protein builds more gluten and results in a dense, elastic dough ideal for a classic bagel texture.

Brown Sugar: A small amount of brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory toppings.

Salt: Essential for flavor—don’t skip it.

Water + Honey Bath: Boiling the bagels before baking develops the chewy crust. Adding honey to the water promotes a deep, golden-brown color during baking.

Egg Wash: Brushing an egg wash helps toppings adhere and gives the crust a nice glossy finish.

Everything Seasoning: A classic blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt. You can buy it or mix your own.

Cheddar Cheese: Use a high-quality extra-sharp cheddar, preferably grated from a block. Freshly grated cheese melts better and avoids anti-caking additives found in pre-shredded varieties.

What to Top Your Bagels With

These bagels are delicious plain or topped. The chonga copycat (everything seasoning + cheddar) is a standout, but there are many other tasty options. Try one of these:

• Sesame seeds
• Flaky sea salt
• Pepperoni and cheese
• Pickled jalapeños and cheese
• Asiago cheese
• Cinnamon sugar

For seeds or seasonings, pour them onto a small plate and dip the egg-washed bagel top directly into the mix. Sprinkle salt lightly rather than dipping. For heavier toppings like cheese, press them gently onto the bagel while it sits on the baking sheet so they stick during baking. I typically use about ½ cup of shredded cheddar per bagel for full coverage, but adjust to your preference.

Best Ways to Eat a Bagel

My favorite way to enjoy these bagels is to slice one in half, toast it until golden, then spread a generous layer of cream cheese on both sides and press them together so the warm cream cheese softens and oozes at the first bite. It’s simple comfort food that never gets old. Other great options include:

• Toasted with butter
• Flavored cream cheese
• Breakfast bagel sandwich
• Turkey sandwich
• Avocado bagel toast
• Pizza bagels

Soft & Chewy Bagels

These homemade bagels are soft, chewy, and better than most store-bought versions. Top them with everything seasoning and cheddar for an excellent chonga bagel copycat.