How to Microwave Bagels – Easy Steps

To microwave a bagel, slice it in half, cover it with a damp paper towel on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave on high for 15-20 seconds until warm. I reach for this trick on mornings when I’m too rushed to wait on the toaster, and it gets me a warm, soft bagel without any real effort.

I’ve microwaved everything from fresh bakery bagels to the sad, half-stale one hiding at the back of my bread box, so below is the full method I actually use, plus how I heat a bagel without a toaster, defrost frozen ones, and rescue a bagel that’s gone rock-hard.

Key Takeaways

• Slice the bagel first, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave in short bursts of 15-20 seconds so it doesn’t turn tough.
• No toaster? A 350°F oven, toaster oven, or skillet all work just as well.
• Microwaving softens a bagel rather than crisping it, so toast it first if you want a crunchy exterior.
• To soften a rock-hard bagel without a microwave, soak it briefly in water and bake it at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

How to Microwave Bagels

This is the step-by-step method for microwaving a bagel:

1. Start with a fresh bagel, whatever flavor you like: plain, sesame, poppy seed, everything, or anything else.
2. Slice it in half horizontally with a sharp knife, and place the halves on a microwave-safe plate, spaced apart so they don’t touch. If you like a toasted finish, lightly butter each half first.
3. Cover the halves with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out or turning tough.
4. Microwave on high for 15-20 seconds.
5. Check the bagel. If it’s still too cold, microwave for another 5-10 seconds. Once it’s warm, carefully remove it, since the bagel and plate may be hot.
6. Add your toppings and enjoy: cream cheese, butter, jam, whatever you’re in the mood for.

How to Heat a Bagel Without a Toaster

No toaster on hand? An oven, toaster oven, skillet, or grill pan all work well too.

1. Preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C), or heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat if you’re going that route.
2. Slice the bagel in half horizontally with a serrated knife or bread knife.
3. Lightly butter or oil the cut sides. This keeps the bagel from drying out and gives it a nice crispy texture.
4. In the oven or toaster oven, place the halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. In a skillet or grill pan, place them cut-side down.
5. Let them heat until warm and slightly toasted, about 3-5 minutes in the oven or toaster oven, or 1-2 minutes in a skillet or grill pan.
6. Remove from heat and let cool for a minute or two before eating so you don’t burn yourself.
7. Add your favorite toppings, like cream cheese, jam, or butter, and enjoy.

Can You Reheat a Bagel in the Microwave?

Yes, and it’s one of the fastest ways to enjoy a warm bagel in a hurry. Wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds. The moisture from the towel keeps the bagel from drying out and turning tough while the microwave warms it through.

If your bagel already has cream cheese on it, check out our article on how to reheat a bagel with cream cheese for the best way to handle that.

Will Microwaving a Bagel Make It Softer?

Yes, microwaving a bagel makes it softer. The heat warms the bagel and makes it less dry and tough, giving you a soft, fluffy result rather than a crispy one.

How much it softens depends on a few things, like the bagel’s starting texture, how long you microwave it, and your microwave’s power. The heat causes the dough to expand and moisture to shift, and the microwave energy makes water molecules in the bagel vibrate and produce heat, which softens it further.

How Long to Microwave Bagels?

How long a bagel needs depends on your microwave’s power, the size and density of the bagel, and how toasty you like it.

A standard-sized bagel usually needs just 15-20 seconds on high power to come out warm and toasty. A larger or denser bagel may need a bit more time.

Keep an eye on it as it microwaves so it doesn’t get too hot or start to burn. Some microwaves have a dedicated bagel setting that handles this automatically. A little experimentation gets you to the ideal time for your favorite bagel.

How to Make Hard Bagels Soft Without Microwave

If you don’t want to use the microwave, a quick soak and a trip through the oven brings a hard bagel back to life:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and give it enough time to heat up fully.
2. Fill a bowl with room-temperature water, or slightly warm, but not hot. Water that’s too hot starts cooking the bagel, which you don’t want.
3. Soak the bagel for 20-30 seconds, then flip it and soak the other side for another 20-30 seconds. This hydrates the bagel and makes it soft and chewy again.
4. Remove it from the water and shake off the excess, but don’t dry it completely.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat so the bagel doesn’t stick, and repeat the soaking process with any additional bagels.
6. Bake for 5-10 minutes, checking regularly so it doesn’t overcook or dry out.
7. Want a crispy exterior? Leave it in the oven for an extra minute or two after it softens to toast it slightly. Totally optional, and up to your personal taste.

How to Defrost Bagels in Microwave

Defrosting bagels in the microwave is quick and gets them ready to toast in no time. Here’s how:

1. Check the packaging first for any specific defrosting instructions, since some bagels may call for a different method.
2. Line a microwave-safe plate with a damp paper towel or napkin to create a moist environment that keeps the bagels from drying out.
3. Place the bagels on the plate, spaced evenly so they defrost and heat evenly.
4. Set your microwave to the defrost setting for 30 seconds, then check whether they’re soft and defrosted. If they’re still frozen in the middle, continue in 10-second increments until fully defrosted.
5. Once defrosted, remove them from the microwave and discard the damp paper towel. Be careful, since the plate and bagels may be hot.
6. Toast them to your desired crispiness and enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Tips to Microwave Bagels

• Keep the two halves as even as possible when slicing, so they heat at the same rate.
• Press a finger gently on the bagel after microwaving to check if it’s warm all the way through, not just on the surface.
• If you’re microwaving more than one bagel at a time, space them apart so they heat evenly.
• For a crispy texture, toast the bagel after microwaving rather than before, since microwaving alone only softens it.

My Take

Microwaving is genuinely my go-to on busy mornings when I just need something warm before I’m out the door. It won’t give you the crackly, toasted crust I’ll admit I love on a lazy Sunday, but for a soft, warm bagel in under a minute, I reach for the microwave more often than the toaster these days. Follow the steps above and you’ll have a warm bagel ready for whatever you’re spreading on it. Give it a try next time you’re short on time.

FAQs