Intro to New York Bagel Baking

Learn how to make New York style bagels with this on-demand course! Expert baker Reva Castillenti teaches the basics of baking great bagels. Learn three different doughs, and how to mix, roll, boil, seed, and bake to get that characteristic crispy outside, and chewy interior that makes New York bagels so beloved.

$49

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Your Instructors

Three women in a kitchen holding large sesame seed-topped bagels.

Reva Castillenti: Sculptor Turned Master Baker

  • Reva Castillenti's journey into the world of bread-making is as unique as it is inspiring. Initially beginning her career as a talented sculptor, Reva's artistic skills and keen eye for detail quickly found a new canvas - the world of artisan bread-baking. It wasn't long before she discovered that her passion for creating art could be beautifully expressed through the craft of baking.

    Diving into the realm of bread-making, Reva dedicated years to mastering her craft. She developed a particular fondness for bagels and baguettes, seeing in them an opportunity to blend her artistic background with her culinary pursuits. Her approach to baking is deeply rooted in tradition, yet innovative in execution. Reva's commitment to quality saw her traveling extensively to source the finest native and heritage flours, ensuring that each bagel she baked was not just food, but a piece of art.

    Her dedication and skill were soon recognized on a global scale. Reva's bagels, known for their perfect balance of chewiness and flavor, earned her second place at the prestigious World Bread Awards in 2018 and 2019. These accolades only scratched the surface of her talent, as she became a sought-after figure in the culinary world, with both home bakers and professional chefs alike seeking her expertise.

    Beyond her baking accolades, Reva has become a beloved teacher and mentor. Her classes and workshops are more than just lessons in bread-making; they are immersive experiences where she shares her passion, techniques, and the artistry behind every loaf and bagel. Her students often speak of her infectious enthusiasm and the inspiring way she blends the precision of sculpting with the science and heart of baking.

    Today, Reva continues to inspire and innovate in the world of artisan bread-making. With her unique background as a sculptor and her undying passion for baking, she brings an artistic flair to the kitchen that transforms ordinary bread-making into an extraordinary culinary experience.

A man with glasses and a beard smiling and holding a sandwich outside a bakery. The bakery has a large green sign with yellow and pink lettering.

Sam Silverman: New York’s Bagel Ambassador

  • Sam Silverman, the founder of BagelUp and the creative force behind NYC Bagel Tours, is a true connoisseur and advocate of New York's iconic bagel culture. His journey in the world of bagels is a testament to his passion for this quintessential New York food and his dedication to sharing its story with the world.

    Sam brings a unique blend of business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to the bagel industry. His transition from the corporate world to the culinary scene was driven by his love for bagels and a realization that New York lacked a platform to celebrate its most beloved food item.

    In 2017, Sam's vision came to fruition with the launch of the New York BagelFest, an event that quickly became the Mecca for bagel enthusiasts and industry professionals. His determination to create a comprehensive platform for bagel appreciation led to the birth of BagelUp, which has since become a hub for everything bagel-related — from festivals and tours to baking workshops and digital content.

    Sam's dedication to promoting and preserving bagel culture is evident in every aspect of his work. He's not just the organizer of events but an ambassador for the bagel community. He has tirelessly worked to bring bagel artisans, enthusiasts, and professionals together, creating a vibrant community that shares, learns, and celebrates the rich legacy of bagels.

    Under Sam's leadership, BagelUp has not only honored the traditional aspects of bagel-making but also embraced innovation and new trends. He has been instrumental in spotlighting small businesses and unsung heroes in the industry, aiding in their growth and recognition on New York’s gastronomic stage.

    Recognized as one of Brooklyn's 50 Most Fascinating People, Sam's influence extends beyond the bagel world. He is a visionary entrepreneur, a community builder, and most importantly, a storyteller who brings the humble bagel's tale to life for people around the globe.

What you’ll learn

Group of people on a bakery tour listening to a woman explaining, in a bakery kitchen with industrial equipment and supplies.

  • What is a bagel and what makes it unique? Learn the ingredients and equipment you’ll need for success

A person with tattoos on their arms is kneading bread dough on a wooden countertop. More dough and a knife are visible on the surface.

  • Learn how to shape with the traditional rope and loop method

Commercial dough mixer with flour and liquid ingredients inside, situated on a tiled kitchen floor.

  • The foundational step in any bagel recipe.

A woman wearing glasses, a black cap, a white t-shirt, and a black apron holds a large piece of dough on a pizza peel in a commercial kitchen.

  • The step that makes New York-style bagels distinct

Multiple trays of freshly baked bagels topped with sesame and poppy seeds, cooling on wire racks.

  • Learn the differences between Plain, Cinnamon Raisin, and Pumpernickel

Two women preparing and steaming bagels in a commercial kitchen.

  • Finish things off strong!

Course FAQ

  • Our online bagel baking course is tailored for beginners who are interested in learning the traditional methods of making authentic New York-style bagels. Whether you're a home baker taking your first steps in the world of baking or someone who simply loves bagels and wants to know how to create them from scratch, this course will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge you need. No prior baking experience is required – just a passion for bagels and a willingness to learn!

  • You'll learn the entire process of making authentic New York City-style bagels, including dough preparation, shaping, boiling, and baking. The course also covers selecting the right ingredients, understanding different flour types, and various topping and flavoring options.

  • Basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, oven and ingredients like flour and barley malt are required. A detailed list of ingredients and any specialized equipment will be provided at the start of the course.

  • The course comprises several modules that you can complete at your own pace. Total video content is approximately 1 hour, plus additional time for practice and assignments.

  • Yes, once enrolled, you have lifetime access to the course material, allowing you to learn at your convenience and revisit lessons as needed.

  • We offer a satisfaction guarantee with a 30-day refund policy. If the course doesn't meet your expectations, you can request a full refund within this period.

Level up with Our In-Person Artisan Bagel Classes

Elevate your bagel-making skills from the comfort of your own home to the hands-on, immersive experience of our Artisan Hands-on Bagel Classes.

Located in the heart of New York City, these classes are designed for enthusiasts who want to take their passion for bagels to the next level.

Learn more