Making homemade asiago cheese bagels is easier than you think, and the reward is golden brown, chewy bagels that rival those at Panera Bread. Using a few simple ingredients, you can recreate this beloved asiago bagel recipe right in your own kitchen.

Below, we will guide you through everything from making the bagel dough to storing your delicious bagels, plus a few tips to ensure the perfect result. Serving these bagels is the easiest way to bring smiles to the faces of your family!

Ingredients for the Asiago Cheese Bagels:

For the Dough

• 4 cups of bread flour: Essential for that classic chewy bagel texture. Always use bread flour for the best results.
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and evenly.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and helps with browning.
• 2 cups shredded Asiago cheese: Adds chunks of cheesy goodness in every bite.
• 1 1/3 cups warm water: The right temperature (not hot!) helps activate the yeast and forms a smooth dough.

For the Water Bath

• 3 quarts boiling water: Gives the bagels their signature chewy crust.
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar: Deepens the bagels’ golden color and adds subtle sweetness.

For the Egg Wash and Topping

• 1 egg yolk + 2 tablespoons warm water: Helps the cheese stick to the bagels.
• 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese: Melts into a cheesy crust on top of the bagels.

How to make the Asiago Cheese Bagel Dough:

1. Make the Dough: In the bowl of your electric mixer, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, kosher salt, brown sugar, and shredded cheese.
2. Gradually add the warm water, mixing with a dough hook attachment or by hand until a shaggy dough forms. Knead until smooth.
3. Let It Rise: Transfer the dough to a large bowl lightly greased with olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

How form the Asiago Cheese Bagels:

1. Shape the Bagels: Sprinkle some additional flour onto the work surface. Divide dough into equal pieces using a kitchen scale or bench scraper.
2. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and poke a hole in the center of the ball with the end of a wooden spoon.
3. Stretch the hole to about 1½ inches. Place these on the parchment paper lined baking sheet.

How to boil the Asiago Cheese Bagels:

1. Boil the Bagels: Preheat the oven to 425°F.  Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the brown sugar to the water.
3. Boil the bagels for 2 minutes on the first side, flip with a spider strainer or large slotted spoon, and boil the second side for 1 minute.

How to top and bake the Asiago Cheese Bagels:

1. Place boiled bagels back onto the lined cookie sheet.  
2. Brush with the egg wash and sprinkle generously with shreds of the cheese.
3. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the bagels are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.

How to Store Asiago Cheese Bagels

• Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: Place remaining bagels in a plastic bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and toast before serving for that fresh-baked taste.

Serving Suggestions

• With Cream Cheese: Spread with plain or flavored cream cheese for a classic pairing.
• Breakfast Sandwiches: Use as a base for eggs, bacon, or sausage.
• Soup Side: Pair with creamy soups or stews for a hearty meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Better Than the Grocery Store: These bagels have a flavor and texture that outshine store-bought options.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or special occasions.
• Economical: Making these cheesy bagels from scratch will save you money!

Whether you’re recreating the flavors of Panera Bread or experimenting with toppings like poppy seeds or sesame seeds, this asiago bagel recipe is sure to become one of your favorite bagels. Make a batch today and enjoy the warm, melty goodness of homemade bagels!