In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine water, honey, and salt. Add half of the flour and all of the yeast and mix well.
Next, add the remaining flour and knead the dough using the dough hook attachment for about 8 minutes. A slightly stiff dough will form.
Cover and allow the dough to rise until doubled.
Once the dough is ready, divide it into 12 pieces and shape each piece into a ball and allow them to rest.
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare to boil the bagels by filling a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add sugar and baking soda to the boiling water.
Take each ball and poke a hole in the middle using your thumb. Twirl the dough on your thumb to enlarge the hole allowing them to rest for about 5 minutes before placing them in the boiling water. Cook 3-4 bagels at a time so that the pot doesn't get overcrowded.
Boil the bagels for 1 minute on each side and remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 30 minutes turning them over at the halfway point.