Print

Colorful Rainbow Twisted Bagel Bites

rainbow twisted bagel bites - featured image

Soft, fluffy, and chewy rainbow twisted bagel bites that are quick and easy to make, perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (480g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) warm water, around 110°F
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Gel food coloring, assorted colors
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • Baking soda (for boiling)
  • Optional: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
  • Optional: gluten-free flour blend (1:1 substitute)
  • Optional: dairy-free milk (almond or oat milk) to replace water

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (110°F), sugar, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Slowly add yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead the dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. (Or knead with stand mixer dough hook on medium speed for 6-7 minutes.)
  4. Divide and color the dough: Split dough into 5-6 equal portions (~150g each). Add gel food coloring to each and knead until fully incorporated.
  5. First rise: Place each colored dough ball in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 45-60 minutes until nearly doubled.
  6. Shape the bagel bites: Roll each dough ball into a 12-inch rope. Twist two ropes together gently, pinch ends to seal, then coil into a small round bagel shape.
  7. Boil the bagel bites: Preheat oven to 425°F. Boil water with 1 tablespoon baking soda. Boil bagel bites for 30 seconds per side, then remove with slotted spoon onto parchment-lined baking sheet.
  8. Egg wash and topping: Brush bagel bites with egg wash. Sprinkle with seeds or seasoning if desired.
  9. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and puffed.
  10. Cool and enjoy: Transfer to wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Keep water temperature around 110°F to activate yeast properly. Boiling is essential for chewy crust. Dust hands lightly with flour if dough is sticky but avoid over-flouring to prevent dense bagels. Egg wash after boiling locks in moisture and gives a shiny crust. You can freeze shaped and boiled bagels before baking for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: rainbow bagel bites, twisted bagels, colorful bagels, soft bagels, fluffy snack, easy bagel recipe, homemade bagels