There’s something deeply comforting about biting into a freshly baked bagel—warm, chewy, and perfectly golden. But take that classic and give it a gourmet, plant-based twist, and you’ve got these vegan garlic herb bagels with olive oil. Infused with fragrant garlic and a medley of herbs, these bagels are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and ideal for a vegan brunch recipe or as part of your healthy bagel breakfast. Whether you're making a vegan bagel sandwich or simply slathering on your favorite vegan cream cheese, this is one of those bagel recipe ideas that deserves a spot in your regular rotation. And yes, if you're hunting for a gluten free bagel recipe, this one has an easy alternative too!
Vegan Garlic Herb Bagels with Olive Oil
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Rising Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Snack
Cuisine American
Large Mixing Bowl for combining and kneading your dough.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula to mix the ingredients initially.
Stand mixer with dough hook (optional) helps knead the dough effortlessly, but hand-kneading works just as well.
Clean towel or plastic wrap to cover the dough while it rises.
Large pot for boiling the bagels before baking.
Slotted spoon to remove bagels from boiling water.
Baking sheet ideally lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Wire Rack for cooling.
For the Bagel Dough
- 3 ½ cups bread flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten free bagel recipe
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast 1 packet
- 1 ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp sugar or maple syrup for a healthier twist
- 1 ¼ cups warm water about 110°F
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for brushing
- 1 tbsp finely minced garlic fresh is best
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs oregano, thyme, rosemary
For Boiling
- 2 quarts water
- 1 tbsp baking soda
Topping Options
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Flaky sea salt
- Crushed red pepper for heat
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds optional, but delicious
Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar (or maple syrup), and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work.
Mix the Dough
Add olive oil, minced garlic, herbs, and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually add in the flour, mixing until a rough dough forms. If using a stand mixer, switch to the dough hook and knead for about 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, work the dough on a floured surface for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Let It Rise
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Bagels
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Poke a hole in the center with your finger and gently stretch to form a bagel shape. Aim for a 1½-inch hole, as it will shrink during the next rise and bake.
Boil the Bagels
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add baking soda. Boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side. This gives the bagels their signature chewiness and glossy crust.
Add Toppings
Place boiled bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with your desired toppings—garlic powder, herbs, sesame seeds, or a dash of flaky sea salt.
Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. The bagels should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool and Enjoy
Transfer to a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Now you’re ready to build your vegan bagel sandwich or go wild with healthy bagel toppings.
Pairings
These vegan garlic herb bagels are incredibly versatile. Here are a few pairing suggestions that make them shine:
- Savory Spread: Top with vegan cream cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chives or cracked black pepper.
- Healthy Bagel Breakfast: Mash avocado, add cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and chili flakes on top.
- Vegan Bagel Sandwich: Stack with hummus, cucumber ribbons, roasted red peppers, spinach, and sprouts for a nourishing midday meal.
- Soup Sidekick: Serve alongside creamy roasted tomato soup or a hearty lentil stew.
- Sweet Meets Savory: Drizzle a touch of maple syrup over a bagel spread with vegan butter—trust the combo!
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free flour for these bagels?
Absolutely! If you're looking for gluten free bagels easy to make, just swap the bread flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different—more tender than chewy—but still delicious.
2. Are these bagels healthy?
Yes. This is a healthy bagel recipe made with olive oil instead of butter and filled with garlic and herbs instead of sugar-laden toppings. Pair them with healthy bagel toppings like hummus, avocado, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
3. What type of yeast should I use?
Active dry yeast works best, but instant yeast can also be used. If using instant, you can skip the proofing step and mix it directly into the dry ingredients—though we recommend proofing to ensure it's active.
4. What are the best toppings for these bagels?
For maximum flavor, try garlic powder, dried oregano, sea salt, or sesame seeds. You can also get creative with chili flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe. Topping ideas can inspire endless bagel recipe ideas.
5. Can I freeze these bagels?
Yes! Once cooled, slice them in half and freeze in an airtight container. Toast directly from frozen for a quick and easy vegan bread recipe fix on busy mornings.
