Boiled to perfection A quick boil is part of what separates bagels from other types of bread. (more) Why Are Bagels Boiled? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Are-Bagels-Boiled Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 20, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Bagels are boiled to achieve their characteristic chewy interior and a firm crust. This boiling stage serves two important purposes: The length of time a bagel is boiled affects the finished product. Boiling times can vary, but between 30 and 60 seconds per side is fairly typical. Although steaming is sometimes substituted for boiling in modern mass-production baking processes, bagel aficionados—not to mention Merriam-Webster—maintain that a bagel isn’t a bagel unless it’s boiled. When bagels are boiled, the starches on the surface of the dough gelatinize, which, when baked, results in a glossy finish. The addition of a glaze, such ...(100 of 176 words)

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