How to Toast a Bagel in the Oven

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How to Toast a Bagel in the Oven

Learning how to toast a bagel in the oven is surprisingly very easy to do and allows you to enjoy the perfectly toasted bagel in a matter of minutes.

toasted bagel on cutting board

Plus, while it is toasting, you get to focus your attention and other things. Let’s look at how you can make a delicious oven toasted bagel! 

Should you toast a bagel at all?

To toast a bagel or not to toast a bagel, that is the question, and it all comes down to a matter of your preference. Toasting a bagel can warm it up and change the texture of your bagel as well.

Personally, we enjoyed toasting our bagels, and are very excited to show you how to easily toast bagels in the oven. 

What Is the Best Way to Toast a Bagel?

There are many ways that you may choose to toast a bagel. The most common is to use a toaster to toast your bagel. But you can also toast your bagel in the toaster, oven, air fryer, and in the oven. 

What are the benefits of toasting a bagel in the oven?

There are many benefits to toasting a bagel in the oven. First, if you are preparing several bagels at a time, toasting them in the oven is ideal because you can add all the bagels at once into the oven, and toast them all at the same time. 

Plus, toasting bagels in the oven, allows you to prepare the bagels with little hands-on effort, and allows you to give attention to other things while they toast in the oven.

Toasting bagels in the oven is also ideal because it allows you to monitor how toasted your bagels become. 

How to Toast a Bagel in the Oven

Do I cut the bagel before toasting?

Although you can leave the bagel intact for toasting in the oven, we recommend that you first cut the bagel in half and then start toasting it in the oven. 

We recommend you cut it in half because it allows each half of your bagel to get that nice toasty texture, otherwise it is simply the outside of your bagel that gets toasted. 

If You’re a Toasted-Bagel Lover: The Slice-Then-Toast

We are going to turn our attention to specifically how to toast a bagel in the oven. There are two main methods you can use to toast a bagel in the oven.

Those two methods are to bake your bagel on the wire racks, and to use the broiler in your oven to toast a bagel quickly.

Let’s look at how to use each of these methods. 

bagels toasting in the oven

Baking Method

The easiest and most common way to toast a bagel in the oven is to use the baking function on your oven. Begin by preheating your oven.

You can preheat your oven to 350°F (176.7°C), 375°F (190.6°C) or even 400°F (204.4°C). 

Below we will show you the baking times for each of these temperatures. Keep in mind that the hotter you toast, your bagel, the faster it will go, and likely the crispier it will become. 

Our favorite is the toast a bagel at 375°F, for what we consider the perfect toasted bagel. 

While your oven is preheating, cut each bagel in half. 

When your oven has preheated, place each slice of your bagel directly on the wire rack in your oven.

Bake for four minutes at 375°F, then flip your bagels over, and continue baking for another 3 to 5 minutes or until the bagels are toasted as you wish. 

Remove them from the oven, add your desired toppings, and enjoy! 

How long does it take to Toast a Bagel In the Oven?

When baking at 350°F (176.7°C) toast the bagel for 5 minutes, then flip and continue toasting for another 4 to 6 minutes or until the bagel is done to your liking. 

When baking at 375°F (190.6°C) toast the bagel for 4 minutes then flip the slices and continue toasting for another 3 to 5 minutes until the bagel is done to your liking. 

When baking at 400°F (204.4°C) toast the bagel for 3 minutes then flip the slices and continue toasting for another 2 to 4 minutes or until the bagel is toasted to your preference. 

Broiler Method

You can also use the broiler in your oven to toast the bread very quickly. To do this, if your broiler has a low and high option, we recommend using the low broiler option, as you have less of a chance of burning your bagels. 

Preheat your oven to the low broiler setting. 

While your oven is preheating, slice each bagel in half.

When the oven has preheated, place each slice of bagel directly on the wire rack in your oven near the center of your oven. Be careful that it’s not too close to the top, as the broiler is in the top of your oven and will burn your bagels quickly if they’re too close. 

Broil on low, if possible, for 30 seconds to one minute, then flip your bagels over and continue broiling for another 30 seconds, or until the bagels are done to your liking. 

Remove the bagels from the oven and add your desired toppings, then serve and enjoy! 

How long does it take to Broil a Bagel In the Oven?

Exactly how long it takes to broil a bagel in the oven will depend upon your specific oven and how you like your bagels done.

On average, when, using the low broil function in your oven, it will typically take between 1 and 2 minutes for your bagels to be done.

Using the high broil function in your oven, it will usually take around 1 minute and 1 minute 30 seconds for your bagels to be toasted using the broil function. 

vertical toasted bagel in the oven

BONUS Vertical Method – no flip

As a bonus, we are also going to cover the vertical method for toasting bagels in your oven. When you use this method, it does not require you to flip your bagels over. 

To do this, you will need two wire racks in your oven with a cookie sheet on the bottom rack, and the second wire rack directly above the first one. 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190.6°C) or your desired temperature and cut your bagels in half. 

When your oven is preheated, place your bagel slices through the top wire rack and rest them on the cookie sheet on the bottom rack.

Toast your bagels for a total of 6 to 10 minutes add 375°F (190.6°C) or until the bagels are done to your liking. 

Remove the bagels from your oven, add your desire toppings, serve, and enjoy! 

How to Toast a Bagel in the Oven to fix Stale and Dry Bagels

You can also toast bagels in the oven to fix stale and dry bagels. For this method of fixing your bagels, you will not want to cut them in half before toasting them in the oven, and you will want to use water to help moisten them.

Let’s look at how to fix both your stale and dry bagels. 

For Stale, but Not Dry Bagels: The Whole-Bagel Toast

For stale bagels that are not dried out, you will simply want to toast the whole bagel in the oven without cutting it. 

To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190.6°C). 

Once your oven is preheated, place your whole bagel intact directly on the wire rack. Bake in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes or just until your bagel is warmed. 

This will result in turning your stale bagel into one that tastes like it is fresh from the bakery. You can then prepare your bagel as desired for eating so that you can enjoy it.

toasted bagel with wood background

For Stale and Dry Bagels: The Dip-and-Heat

If your bagel has dried out and become stale, you can fix this, simply by brushing it with warm water, or holding it under hot running water for 30 seconds. 

Then preheat your oven to 375°F (190.6°C). 

When the oven is preheated, add your whole damp bagel onto the wire rack. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190.6°C) for a total of 4 to 6 minutes or until your bagel is warmed once more. 

Once your bagel has warmed, enjoy! 

What are the disadvantages of toasting a bagel in the oven?

There are a few and disadvantages associated with toasting a bagel in the oven. First, if you’re only toasting, one bagel in the oven, it may not be energy, efficient, and might be better off toasting your bagel in the air fryer, on the stovetop, or in a toaster.

But if you are toasting many bagels at one time, this method could be ideal. If you are also trying to save an old stale or dry bagel, then this will work well for you too. 

Tips for toasting a bagel in Oven

Preheat the oven. You’ll want to be sure that your oven is fully preheated before you add your bagel into it. This will help your bagel to be done perfectly, and not burn it or dry it out. 

Keep a close eye. When you’re toasting your bagel in the oven, it’s important that you keep a close eye on it so that it does not burn or become overly done.

Every oven is slightly different, so we recommend setting the timer for less time than you think you will need and adding more as desired. 

Other Ways to Toast a Bagel Without a Toaster

In addition to toasting a bagel in the oven, there are several other methods you can use to toast a bagel that do not require using a toaster. 

1 – Toast on the Stove Top

You can use a basic, nonstick pan or cast-iron skillet to toast a bagel on your stove top. Simply place that over medium high heat and toast your bagel until it is done to your liking. 

2 – Broil in an Oven

Another way, which we have mentioned above is to broil your bagel in the oven. We recommend that you use the low broil function if it is an option on your stove.

Then add your bagel directly onto the wire rack in your oven for one to two minutes just until your bagel is toasted. Be sure to keep a very close eye on your bagel when using the broiler function because this works very quickly. 

3 – Air Frying

Air frying your bagel is very similar to toasting it in the oven. Essentially, your air fryer is like a mini oven. To toast a bagel in your air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 375°F.

When your air fryer is preheated, add your bagel, then air fry for approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Flip your bagel over and continue air frying for another 2 to 4 minutes or until the bagel is done to your liking. 

4 – Toast it Over a Campfire

Yes, you can also toast a bagel over a campfire if desired. To do this, you will need a pie maker or hotdog roaster to hold your bag all over the campfire.

You could also use a wire cooking rack if you have one. Hold your bagel over the campfire rotating it often until the bagel is toasted to your liking. Be careful about hotspots in the campfire so that you do not burn your bagel. 

sliced bagel in the oven cover

How to revive a stale bagel

The best way to revive a stale bagel is to place it into the oven and reheat it. You can also brush it with water or run it under hot tap water before placing it into the oven. 

To revive a stale bagel, preheat your oven to 375°F. Then place your stale bagel directly onto the wire racks of your oven. 

Bake in the oven for approximately 4 to 5 minutes or until your bagel has been warmed. 

How to Eat a Bagel

They are several opinions as to whether you should toast a bagel before eating it. Some prefer to toast a bagel before eating it, while others prefer to simply slice the bagel, add their desired toppings, and enjoy it while it is fresh. 

We believe it is entirely a matter of your preference, as well as a matter of what type of bagel you are eating. Some bagels taste better after they have been toasted, while others are simply delicious fresh. 

When eating a bagel, it is typical to slice your bagel in half, so that you have two equal halves. Then add delicious toppings to the bagel, such as cream cheese, butter, jelly, peanut butter, or other toppings that you enjoy. Then simply enjoy eating your bagel. 

How To Store Bagels

The best way to store bagels is in a cool dry location. Typically, we recommend that you place bagels into an airtight container, and either store them in the fridge, or on your countertop. 

Be careful that they are not kept in a location where they will easily grow mold or dry out quickly. Keep them away from excess humidity, and store in a cool dry spot. 

What to Serve with Toasting Bagels

Toasted bagels are often considered to be a breakfast food. If you go to a bakery, most often they will be served for breakfast or brunch. However, you can also make sandwiches out of bagels, and enjoy them for lunch or any other meal.

Bagels are quite versatile and can be enjoyed for a variety of meals or a. snack. Here are a few of our favorite dishes to serve alongside a toasted bagel. 

FAQs of How to Toast Bagels in Oven

Can I toast a frozen bagel?

Yes, you can absolutely toast a frozen bagel. To do this you can simply follow the above instructions for toasting a bagel in the oven. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the bake time. 

What’s the best way to toast a bagel?

There are many different ways you can toast a bagel. If you are toasting several bagels at a time, it is ideal to toast them in the oven so that they are all done at the same time. 

How long do bagels last?

How long bagels last depends on how they are stored. If the bagels are stored properly in a cool dry location, then they should last around one week. 

How do you reheat bagels?

If you wish to reheat a bagel, it can easily be done in the oven, toaster, on the stove top, or in the air fryer. Simply heat to a low temperature such as 350°F, then add your bagel and warm it until it is done to your liking.

Can You Eat Bagels Without Toasting?

Yes, bagels are already cooked, and toasting them is completely optional. Bagels maybe eaten without toasting them if you prefer. 

Can you toast a whole bagel, or do you have to cut it?

Toasting a whole bagel in the oven is an option, this will help warm your bagel, without giving it the toast like texture in the center. If you wish to toast a whole bagel before cutting it, this may be done. 

Can you store toasted bagels in the fridge?

Yes, you may store toasted bagels in the fridge if desired. Storing bagels in the fridge is a decent option because it will help prevent mold from growing for a few days.  

Can you toast a bagel in a microwave oven?

Technically, you can toast a bagel in the microwave, but we do not recommend it as it often results in the bagel not turning out quite right. 

How long does it take to toast a bagel in the oven at 350?

On average, it will take between 9 and 11 minutes to toast a bagel in the oven at 350°F. Please keep in mind that every oven is different, and the times may very slightly. 

How long to toast a bagel in the oven at 400?

On average, it will take between 5 and 7 minutes to toast a bagel at 400°F in the oven. Please note that the time may vary depending upon your specific oven. 

Vertical toasted bagel cover

How to Get Your Bagel to Toasty Perfection in the Oven

The best way to get your bagel to toast perfectly in the oven is to first preheat the oven. Then add your sliced bagel directly onto the wire racks.

Toast your bagel, flip it halfway through so that it toasts evenly on both sides. It’s important to keep a close eye on the bagel so that it does not overcook, but instead, it’s perfectly done to your preference.

Once done to your liking, you are ready to add your desired topping, and enjoy your perfectly toasted bagel in the oven. 

Now that you have learned how to toast a bagel in the oven it’s time to get started and try toasting a bagel yourself! We hope that you have found this helpful, and we hope that you enjoy your deliciously toasted bagel in the oven! 

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Faith
Faith Has been cooking and baking for many years! she loves to share her recipes with the world, and hopes you will enjoy them too!

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