Rainbow Bagels are whimsical, vibrant, and guaranteed to bring smiles to every breakfast or brunch table. These colorful bagels are made from a basic yeasted dough, dyed and twisted into a cheerful swirl of colors before being boiled and baked to perfection. They’re chewy, slightly sweet, and perfect with cream cheese, sweet spreads, or even fun sandwich fillings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Rainbow Bagels aren’t just a treat for the eyes—they’re soft, chewy, and made from scratch with love. The vibrant colors make them perfect for celebrations, kids’ birthdays, or just because you feel like brightening your day. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about crafting these stunning swirls by hand.
Rainbow Bagels – A Kaleidoscope You Can Eat
Rainbow Bagels are not your everyday breakfast fare—but maybe they should be. Their striking, multi-hued appearance is enough to make anyone smile. But behind their colorful shell lies a classic chewy bagel that holds its own in flavor and texture.
The first time you make rainbow bagels, it might feel a little extra. Kneading in food coloring, twisting, rolling—it’s hands-on, yes. But it’s also seriously fun. Like edible art that you can proudly share.
The dough starts with basic pantry ingredients—flour, yeast, sugar, water, and salt. But when you divide and dye the dough, it turns into a palette of possibilities.
These bagels are ideal for family projects, weekend baking fun, or anytime you want to make breakfast feel like a party. They look like something you’d buy in a fancy bakery, but they’re 100% doable at home.
And yes, you boil them before baking—just like traditional New York-style bagels. That step gives them their classic chewy crust and glossy finish.
No artificial flavorings here—just a pop of color and a bit of sweetness. You can even add vanilla or honey to the dough if you want a slightly sweeter taste.
They freeze well too! So if you’re putting in the effort, make a double batch and stash some for rainbow emergencies (you know, those days that need an instant mood lift).
For the coloring, we recommend gel-based food dyes for vibrant hues without overhydrating your dough.
Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect—rainbows rarely do. The uneven swirls are part of their handmade charm.
Kids absolutely love these, but so do adults. Serve them with plain cream cheese, strawberry spread, or get adventurous with sweet-savory combos like whipped feta and honey.
They’re also a great base for creative sandwiches. Imagine a rainbow bagel BLT (with turkey bacon!), egg and cheese, or even ice cream sandwiches for dessert.
Let the dough rise fully so they’re nice and fluffy. And don’t skip the short boil—that’s what makes a bagel a bagel.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for the joy of it, Rainbow Bagels are a magical way to bring some color (and carbs) into your life.
Servings: 8 bagels
Time:
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Dye & Shape Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rest Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Boil Time: 10 minutes
- Bake Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: About 4 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 6–7 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp canola oil (plus more for greasing)
- Gel food coloring: red, yellow, green, blue
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
- Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and oil. Mix to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead dough by hand or mixer for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Divide into 6 equal pieces. Tint each with food coloring, kneading each until color is evenly distributed (10–15 minutes).
- Cover each colored dough with plastic wrap while working.
- Roll each piece into a thin rectangle. Stack in rainbow order.
- Twist stack into a log. Cut into 8 equal portions.
- Form into balls, poke holes in center, and stretch into bagel shape.
- Cover and let rise for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Boil bagels 3–4 at a time, 30 seconds per side.
- Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Tips
- Use gel food coloring for best results.
- Knead each color thoroughly to prevent streaks.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when boiling.
- Cool completely before slicing.
- Store in airtight container or freeze up to 2 months.
Rainbow Bagels
Ingredients
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 6 –7 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp canola oil plus more for greasing
- Gel food coloring: red yellow, green, blue
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
- Sprinkle in the yeast and let sit for 10 minutes until frothy.
- Add flour, salt, and oil. Mix to form a shaggy dough.
- Knead dough by hand or mixer for 5 minutes until smooth.
- Divide into 6 equal pieces. Tint each with food coloring, kneading each until color is evenly distributed (10–15 minutes).
- Cover each colored dough with plastic wrap while working.
- Roll each piece into a thin rectangle. Stack in rainbow order.
- Twist stack into a log. Cut into 8 equal portions.
- Form into balls, poke holes in center, and stretch into bagel shape.
- Cover and let rise for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Boil bagels 3–4 at a time, 30 seconds per side.
- Transfer to prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for best results.
- Knead each color thoroughly to prevent streaks.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when boiling.
- Cool completely before slicing.
- Store in airtight container or freeze up to 2 months.
