These are the simple instructions to making New York's famous rainbow bagels!

Step 1: Step 1: Ingredients

Per color:

1 cup warm water- 110º F

1/4-ounce packet active dry yeast

1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon gel paste color

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

You will need these multiplied by the number of colors you want!

Step 2: Step 2: Mix!

To make each color dough, combine the water, 1 packet of yeast, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of the sugar in the bowl of a stand-up mixer fitted with a dough hook. Stir and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. Gradually add 2 cups of flour, salt, and gel paste color. Mix until the ingredients comes together. Add the rest of the flour slowly until it forms a stiff dough.

Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until the dough is no longer sticky, adding flour as needed.Grease a large bowl with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and place the dough into the bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let slowly proof in the refrigerator as you repeat this step with the number of desired colors. I recommend 4-6!

When done with the final color, bring the bowls of dough out of the refrigerator and let come to room temperature for approximately 30 minutes.

Step 3: Step 3: Layer

Punch down the dough and re-roll into balls and then flatten into 1-inch-thick rectangles. Stack the colored dough on a lightly greased baking sheet. Let dough proof for another 30 minutes, until the layers meld together.

Step 4: Step 4: Cut and Spin

Flip the dough onto a cutting board and slice 1-inch-by-6-inch-thick strips (you can choose the size of your bagels, but these are the most manageable). Twist dough to create a spiral and join the ends. Repeat with remaining dough. Place on a lightly greased surface, cover with a clean cloth, and let rise until almost doubled in a draft-free spot, approximately 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Step 5: Boil and Bake

Preheat oven to 400ºF and grease a baking sheet with oil.In a large pot, bring 12 cups of water to a boil. In batches, boil the bagels for 30 seconds to 1 minute, turning once.

Place boiled bagels onto prepared sheet pan and bake for 5 minutes. Turn bagels over and bake for an additional 12-18 minutes. They will color slightly but not brown. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Step 6: Step 6: Top and Enjoy!

Complete bagels by adding your favorite toppings, or enjoy plain!

Thank you!