Vegan Bagels

Bagels can be a fantastic vegan breakfast staple. Explore how to identify vegan bagels and how to make your own from scratch with a fantastic bagel recipe!
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A top-down photo of a vegan breakfast sandwich.
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No deli worth their bread would be caught without at least two or three types of bagels behind the counter. But wait! Before you spread plant-based butter on that bagel or stack up a breakfast bagel sandwich, have you stopped to wonder: Are bagels vegan? What’s the best vegan cream cheese and toppings? Can I make my own vegan bagels? We’ll dive into this all in this vegan bagel guide because here at World of Vegan we love bagels.

Derived from the word “bracelet” in German, these plump rings made from yeasted dough are commonly associated with Jewish culinary traditions but are beloved worldwide. Once you sink your teeth into that crusty, dense, and chewy bread, it’s easy to understand why. Even if they don’t come from NYC where it’s said the water created an unparalleled texture, a properly baked bagel is a thing of beauty.

No two bakers make them the same way, but it’s easy to uncover the truth to these timeless savory treats. Roll up your sleeves and break out the flour; we’re going to uncover the “hole” truth at the center of bagels.

vegan bagels recipe and brands

What Are Bagels Made From?

All bagels are made from a very simple dough composed of flour, water, yeast, and salt. What sets them apart from basic dinner rolls is that after they’ve been shaped into rings, they’re first boiled in a lightly sweetened water bath before being baked. They critical step creates the characteristically chewy crust and dense interior crumb. It works like magic but is based in pure science.

The water bath it typically sweetened with a tiny splash of malt syrup, or sometime molasses. However, in some very rare cases, artisan bakers may use honey as a non-vegan sweetener instead. This typically isn’t disclosed if you’re purchasing directly from a baker or café, so it, a good idea to double check just to make sure.  

Are All Bagels Vegan?

You’ll be delighted to hear that most bagels are vegan by default. There are a few specific varieties to watch out for that will contain animal products, though.

The following flavors should be avoided or regarded with caution:

  • Egg bagels: These are made with egg yolks or whole eggs which gives it a distinctive yellow hue.
  • Cheese bagels: Jalapeno-cheddar and Asiago bagels are just two of the most popular examples. Dairy-based cheese is typically sprinkled on top or mixed into the dough for added flavor unless it’s specifically made by a plant-based bakery.
  • Chocolate chip bagels: In kosher delis, there’s a good chance these might be vegan since it’s forbidden to mix meat and dairy, but it’s highly possible that the chocolate may contain milk anywhere else. Always ask or read the labels.
A cutting board with sliced bagels on it topped with vegan cream cheese and carrot lox.

Vegan Bagel Brands

  • Alvarado Street Bakery
  • Dave’s Killer Bread Bagels
  • Sara Lee Bagels
  • Thomas’ Bagels, including bagel minis
  • Trader Joe’s and most grocery store brand bagels

Bagel Shops

Vegan Bagel Bites Mini Pizzas Lunch container meal prep

Vegan Cream Cheese Options

Cream cheese is the most classic schmear to top a bagel. Plain, veggie, chive, or strawberry are the most popular flavors, and there are plenty of vegan brands out there for instant satisfaction. The top options include:

You can make your own vegan cream cheese from scratch in just 5 minutes, starting with a base of cashews and dairy-free yogurt in this recipe from Nora Cooks.  

When you want to switch up your avocado toast routine, pile it high on a toasted bagel for a more substantial bite. Avocado bagels, topped with an extra sprinkle of everything bagel spice, are possibly even better than the original toast.

Vegan bagel bites are the perfect way to jazz up mini bagels for a crowd-pleasing snack. Best of all these can be made in the oven, microwave, or air fryer!

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Bagels

Q: Are Panera bagels vegan?

A: Panera has four vegan bagel options: Plain, Everything, Blueberry and Sesame bagels are all plant-based options at Panera Bread. There are no vegan spread, but you can ask for sliced avocado on the side to make your own avocado bagel.

Q: Are Thomas’ Bagels vegan?

A: You’re in luck! Most of Thomas’ Bagels are vegan, including the bagel thins and mini bagels. Their vegan flavors are Blueberry, Cinnamon Swirl, Cinnamon Raisin, Everything, Onion, Plain, Plain made with Whole Grain, and 100% Whole Wheat.

Q: Are Einstein Bros Bagels vegan?

A: Of all the national bagel chains, Einstein Bros Bagels is the best one for a hungry vegan to visit. They have far more than a baker’s dozen flavors to choose from, including Ancient Grain, Cinnamon Raisin, Cranberry, Everything, Garlic, Onion, Plain, Poppy seed, Pumpernickel, Sesame, Blueberry, Chocolate Chip, French Toast, Pretzel, Ancient Grain Thin, Plain Thin, Whole Wheat Thin, Apple Cinnamon, and Power Protein Bagel. To top it all ff, you can choose from hummus, peanut butter, or strawberry jelly.

Vegan bagel sandwich garden veggie from Einstein Bagels.

Q: Are Noah’s Bagels vegan?

A: This California-based chain is owned by the same parent company as Einstein Bros Bagels, so all the vegan options above are available here too.

How To Make Your Own Bagels at Home

If you love baking or just want to try something new, making bagels from scratch is always an incredibly gratifying experience. Nothing compares to a fresh bagel, still warm from the oven, and made exactly to your tastes!

Chef Philip Gelb hosts private dinners and cooking classes in San Francisco’s Bay Area and has generously shared his secret formula for authentic NYC-style vegan bagels on BitterSweet Blog. Even if you’re not local, now everyone can experience the genuine article.

Gluten Free Vegan Bagels

If you or someone you love has celiac disease, don’t despair!  The Banana Diaries has a fantastic gluten-free vegan bagel recipe, and even a variation that’s yeast-free, too.

Air Fryer Bagels? Oh Yes!

Air fryers can do anything, or so it seems. Yes, that means you can make vegan air fryer bagels, too, thanks to the super simple recipe on Healthy Helper. Best of all, these don’t even need to be boiled, which makes the process quick, easy, and much less messy.

Paleo Bagels & Keto Bagels

There’s a bagel for you, too! Meat Free Keto has the healthiest recipe you can find, all completely vegan, of course!

Homemade Vegan Bagels

Author: Philip Gelb
5 from 13 votes
Ready for the best homemade vegan bagels recipe? This one is simple, loved by many, and will make your house smell amazing. This vegan bagel recipe comes from longtime vegan chef Philip Gelb. Philip has been teaching plant-based cooking classes in Oakland for many years, and has even taught bagel making classes! These delicious homemade bagels are a crowd favorite every time. And they're absolutely perfect served up with some dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, or a big heap of tofu scramble and melted vegan cheese!
homemade vegan bagels
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings 12 bagels

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 4 tablespoons rice malt, divided, barley malt or agave
  • 2 cups warm water, 105 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • teaspoons baking soda
  • Dried Garlic, Dried Onion, Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds, and/or Coarse Salt (Optional)

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the yeast, 1 tablespoon of malt, and the warm water. Allow yeast to proof until the surface becomes foamy (this will take around 5 minutes). Whisk in the salt. Add the whole wheat flour and 2 cups of the all-purpose flour, stirring with a wooden spoon until incorporated.
  • Place the bagel dough on a solid sturdy surface and slowly work in the rest of the all-purpose flour. Knead for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic. Coat the dough with olive oil, place in a bowl, and cover tightly with a clean dish towel.
  • Allow to rise until the dough has doubled in volume; approximately 1 hour, depending on temperature and altitude. Time can vary significantly based on these factors.
  • After your vegan bagel dough has doubled, knead it lightly for 1 minute. Divide the dough into 12 equal parts. Roll each piece into log and then fold it into a circle, firmly pressing the seam together. Place each bagel on a lightly floured surface, cover with a clean towel, and let rise until doubled; about 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 500 degrees F and place a baking stone inside, if using. Otherwise, the bagels can be baked on a standard sheet pan. In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and add the baking soda along with the remaining 3 tablespoons of malt. The baking soda is necessary to properly texture and brown the bagels.
  • After the bagels finish their second rise, boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side, keeping the water at a consistent, rapid boil.
  • Now your bagels are ready to bake. Top them with any desired seasonings, patting them gently into the top with your hands. Transfer carefully to your baking stone or sheet pan, and bake for about 15 minutes.

Notes

The bagels are best served within 15 minutes of emerging from the oven!

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 338mg | Potassium: 58mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.001mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 2mg
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Keyword homemade bagel recipe, vegan bagel recipe

This vegan bagel recipe and bagel brands guide was written with support from Hannah Kaminsky.

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Recipe Rating




17 comments
  1. Trader Joe’s Gluten Free has egg whites, enough to make one quite ill if allergic. And there’s no point as an ingredient!

  2. 5 stars
    I love bagels so these are definitely ones I would like to try.

  3. 5 stars
    There’s not much in life better than vegan cream cheese on a bagel! Great resource, thanks for sharing

  4. 5 stars
    Bagels are the best! This is such an awesome and handy guide for figuring out what to order. Yes!

  5. 5 stars
    Great bagel recipe!! Boiling first then baking gives them that authentic New York texture and “bite”. Happy to have found this recipe!!

  6. 5 stars
    These bagels are the best and so easy to make! Perfect for breakfast!

  7. 5 stars
    these vegan bagels are amazing. Super awesome for breakfast!

  8. 5 stars
    Love, love, love bagels and super excited to make my own at home with this recipe. I seriously lived off of bagels for breakfast when I was younger haha.

  9. 5 stars
    These bagels are amazing – such a great recipe. Thank you for sharing

  10. 5 stars
    I’m soooo excited about this vegan bagel recipe. My friend Hannah turned me onto it, and I knew it would be good since it came from the beloved chef Philip Gelb! There is just something about making your own bagels that really makes you feel connected to your food.

  11. 5 stars
    Thank you for this detailed recipe for Vegan Bagels – they are SO good. Going to make more to stock the freezer

  12. Stephanie says:

    5 stars
    So excited that I found this recipe! I am hoping to make a breakfast board for easter next week and these bagels will make the perfect addition Thanks for sharing the recipe with us!

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