Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish recently released its first retail product: Par-Baked, Frozen Bagels. The New York City bagel-artisan company brings its iconic bagels to homes in a new, ready-to-bake experience, with consumers finishing the partially baked bagels at home. Zucker’s Plain, Sesame and Everything bagels launched in March at online retailers Fresh Direct and Goldbelly, tristate retailers Butterfield Market, Westside Market and select ShopRite NJ stores, and more.

Zucker’s old-school baking process begins with the shop’s beloved bagel recipe, a favorite in New York City for nearly 20 years. Using unbromated, unbleached flours, New York City water and a hint of pure malt syrup, its legendary bagel-bakers kettle-boil, generously seed and partially bake bagels in rotating ovens, starting on burlap-covered boards and then flipping onto stone slabs. The bagels are then frozen to lock in their freshness. At home, consumers become the baker with minimal fuss: they refresh the frozen bagels with water and then finish baking them in an oven or air fryer for nine to 14 minutes.

The result: a golden-brown bagel on the outside with a dense, chewy inside that you can enjoy warm out of the oven or the next day. Spread your favorite schmear and create a sandwich worthy of a real New York City bagel – and bring the authenticity and quality that Zucker’s is known for to your home kitchen.

“You no longer need to be in New York City to have the best bagel experience,” said Zucker’s founder Matt Pomerantz, a lifelong New Yorker who’s been in the bagel business for more than 30 years. “Our par-baked bagels are not your average frozen bagel; with the finest, natural ingredients and traditional process, I’m proud of the bagel craftsmanship we established when we opened our first shop in Tribeca [a New York City neighborhood] in 2007 and thrilled to share our baking traditions.”

The company will work with Marc Forgione, founder of Respect Hospitality and chef/owner of Forgione and Peasant, as a partner and ambassador. As a longtime Zucker’s bagel lover and neighbor, Forgione will introduce a collab sandwich on the menu at Zucker’s seven shops this spring.

“Nothing beats a fresh New York City bagel, and a warm and delicious Zucker’s bagel right out of the oven is a must-have experience,” Forgione said. “Par-baking doesn’t have to be a chef’s secret any longer, and I’m excited to bring this ultimate convenience to bagel lovers near and far.”

Zucker’s Par-Baked Bagels are sold by the four-pack in Plain, Sesame and Everything flavors. The bagels ship nationwide by the dozen and in a classic brunch package on Goldbelly. A portion of sales will benefit The Bowery Mission, with the goal of ending hunger in New York City.

About Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish
Zucker’s Bagels & Smoked Fish is a beloved New York City bagel shop with seven locations across Manhattan, recognized by USA Today and Fox5NY as the borough’s best bagel. Starting with kettle-boiled bagels baked on the premises every morning, the company creates craveable, made-to-order sandwiches using high-quality ingredients from trusted vendors. Zucker’s ships bagels, brunches, and a bagel and schmears club nationwide with Goldbelly and offers local catering. The company also provides wholesome breakfasts daily to hungry New Yorkers in need with The Bowery Mission. Zucker’s shops can be found on New York City’s Upper West Side, Bryant Park, Midtown East, Chelsea, Flatiron, Tribeca and FiDi.