In a large bowl, whisk together 3 ½ cups flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
Then, add in the water.
Using a spatula, fold until mostly combined. Sprinkle a little more flour if needed to not be sticky and form a ball.
Cut the ball into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
Poke a hole through the center and stretch the hole a bit to make a center (see video for visual).
Place shaped bagel on a parchment lined baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.
Cover with a damp towel and let rise for 60 minutes
10 minutes before timer goes off heat water in a large pot over medium high heat. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Once boiling add in sugar and blend together until sugar has dissolved.
Add in baking soda.
Drop 2-3 bagels in at a time for 1 minute. Flip and cook for 1 more minute.
Remove bagels and place back on parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake bagels for 20 minutes or until golden brown on top, flipping halfway through.
Remove from oven and let cool before slicing and eating