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.

Ever bite into a bagel expecting a firm outer crust and a soft chew inside, only to be met with something more like a rock? You’re not alone. Bagels that come out too hard are a common frustration for both home bakers and anyone in Las Vegas trying to figure out why their favorite bagel just doesn’t feel right.

If your bagels are coming out of the oven pale, dull, or just plain sad-looking, you're not alone. Browning is one of the biggest challenges when baking bagels, especially for anyone aiming for that deep golden glow that makes the crust pop. You do everything right, or so you think, but the color just doesn’t show up.

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.

Bagels not floating when boiled? That’s a red flag for fermentation issues. In this baker’s guide, Abel’s Bagels explains why float matters, what causes sinking, and how to fix it fast. Learn the key to perfect texture, glossy crusts, and that classic NY-style chew—even in dry climates like Las Vegas.

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.

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.