Why Are Bagels Boiled Before Baking? The Secret to That Perfect Chew
Ever wonder why authentic New York-style bagels have that irresistible chew and golden crust? The answer lies in one delicious step: boiling before baking. It’s a method that sets real bagels apart from the soft, roll-like imitators — and it’s at the heart of what we do at Abel’s Bagels in Las Vegas.
What Does Boiling a Bagel Do?
When bagels are boiled in water before hitting the oven, something magical happens:
The crust starts forming early: Boiling gelatinizes the outer starches, which means they set before baking begins.
It locks in moisture: This creates that distinctive chewy interior and shiny, golden exterior.
It gives the bagel its iconic texture: That dense, satisfying bite you can only get from the real deal.
At Abel’s, we don’t just boil our bagels — we do it the right way: in small batches, with attention to time and temperature, to develop both flavor and structure.
Not All Bagels Are Boiled
You might be surprised to learn that many store-bought or chain “bagels” are just baked rolls with a hole in the middle. They skip the boiling process entirely and rely on steam ovens or shortcuts — resulting in soft, bready textures that just don’t compare.
Want to know how to tell a real bagel from a fake one? Look for that crackly, glossy crust. Feel the resistance when you take a bite. Taste the depth of flavor from slow fermentation and proper boiling.
Fun Fact: How Long Do You Boil a Bagel?
The longer you boil, the chewier the crust becomes. At Abel’s, we’ve dialed in a process that balances chew with tenderness — but we can also customize! Prefer a denser chew or heartier crust? Just let us know — we can boil or toast your bagel longer, right here in-store.
Abel’s Bagels: Tradition Meets Excellence in Every Boil
We’re proud to serve hand-rolled, long-fermented, boiled and baked bagels — made with non-GMO, non-bromated flour and roots in authentic New York tradition. Every step, from dough to boil to bake, is done in-house to give you the best bagel in Las Vegas.
Looking for real bagels?
Come taste the difference that boiling makes.
God bless!
Nick – Owner – Abel’s Bagels, SW, LV, NV
www.abels-bagels.com | @abelsbagelslv
