Colourful Bagel Recipe (Only 4 Ingredients!)

Easy, chewy, soft bagels—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just for fun.

Ever wondered how to make vibrant, rainbow-inspired bagels at home—without needing a complicated recipe? This Colourful Bagel Recipe is not only easy but also made with just 4 ingredients! The result? Soft, chewy bagels with a delightful pop of color and flavor. It’s the perfect baking project for weekends, kids’ parties, or whenever you want to brighten up your plate.

@cupfuldays colourful bagel recipe

✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Only 4 simple ingredients – No eggs, milk, or oil needed!

• Naturally chewy and soft – Thanks to bread flour and a quick water bath.

• Customisable colors – Make it pastel, bold, or rainbow—your bagel, your style.

• Perfect for beginners – A step-by-step no-fail guide with minimal kneading.

@cupfuldays colourful bagel recipe

🥯 Ingredients:

Bagel Dough (makes 6):

• 300g bread flour

• 4g salt

• 5g instant yeast

• 180ml water

  
  

For the water bath:

• 450ml water

• 1 tbsp sugar (white or brown)

  
  

Optional:

• Gel food coloring (4 colors of your choice)

• Jam, cream cheese, or toppings of your choice

  
  

 Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 170°C (top and bottom heat, no fan).

2. In a bowl, mix all dry ingredients: bread flour, salt, and yeast. Gradually pour in water while mixing until a smooth dough forms.

3. Divide dough into 4 equal portions (approx. 125g each).

4. Add a different color to each dough ball using gel food coloring. Knead each one well until the color is evenly mixed.

5. Combine the colored doughs together gently—do not overmix if you want distinct swirls. Let the combined dough rest for 45 minutes.

6. After resting, divide into 6 equal portions (~83g each).

7. Shape each bagel:

   • Flatten the dough into a log.

   • Roll out slightly, then flatten one end.

   • Wrap it around to form a ring and press the ends together to seal (remember to pinch the ends so it doesn't open up!)

     
     

8. Water bath:

   • Boil 450ml water and add 1 tbsp sugar.

   • Boil each bagel for 30 seconds on each side.

     
     

9. Place on a lined baking tray. Bake for 20 minutes at 170 degrees.

10. Cool slightly, then slice and spread with jam, cream cheese, or your favorite filling!

    
    

💡 Tips & Variations:

• Use gloves when kneading in food coloring to avoid staining your hands.

• Want even more color? Try 6 smaller dough balls for a rainbow explosion!

• Freeze extras and reheat in a toaster for a fresh bagel any time.

• I added abit too much colouring, so if you want a pastel tone, reduce the colouring and test as you knead!

Store in an air tight container and finish within 3 days!

If you made this recipe, I would love to see it! Tag me on my Instagram @cupfuldays