Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water; let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
Add the yeast mixture and oil to the flour; mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
Place the dough in a greased bowl; cover and let rise for 1 hour.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Shape each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center to form a bagel.
Let the shaped bagels rest for 10 minutes.
Boil a large pot of water; add bagels in batches for 1-2 minutes each side.
Transfer boiled bagels to a baking sheet; sprinkle with toppings if desired.
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack before serving.