A great bagel should look just as good as it tastes. That smooth, golden crust you expect from a classic New York-style bagel isn’t random. When small blisters appear on the surface, they can make the bagel look patchy and make parts of the crust feel a bit chewy or uneven.

Bagel dough can be tricky. One moment you're feeling confident, and the next it’s dry, tearing apart, or just plain refusing to form a proper dough. If you’ve ever stood over your mixing bowl wondering what went wrong, you’re definitely not alone. When dough doesn’t come together, it throws a wrench in your whole process and can be discouraging.

Fix bagels with big air pockets using tips from Abel’s Bagels in Las Vegas. Learn how proper dough work and boiling lead to perfectly dense bagels.

Discover why some bagels feel too chewy and how to find the best bagels open in Las Vegas. Enjoy authentic NY Style bagels at Abel's Bagels.

"At Abel’s Bagels, our passion for crafting authentic, New York-style bagels goes beyond great taste—it’s rooted in faith, stewardship, and a commitment to excellence. Our faith-based approach shapes everything we do, from using high-quality, mindful ingredients to fostering a warm and uplifting atmosphere. Just like our hand-rolled, slow-fermented bagels, our mission is built on patience, dedication, and care. Join us as we explore how our beliefs inspire our business and create a meaningful experience for every guest who walks through our doors."

There's nothing quite like biting into a bagel with that glossy, golden-brown finish on the outside. That shine isn’t just for looks.

If your bagels drop straight to the bottom when they hit boiling water, there’s probably a reason.