Bagels

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making bagels at home offers the chance to enjoy the freshest, fluffiest bagels you can imagine, with the perfect balance of chewiness and crispiness. The process of boiling them before baking ensures a thick, golden crust that is characteristic of bagels from your favorite bakery. This recipe lets you customize your bagels with various toppings, from sesame seeds to everything seasoning. The process may take some time, but the results are well worth it. With this homemade recipe, you’ll be able to savor bagels just the way you like them!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 1/4 cups warm water

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)

• 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling water)

• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, etc.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to combine.

2. Add the warm water to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough begins to form. If the dough is too dry, add more water, a tablespoon at a time.

3. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment.

4. Lightly grease a clean bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough inside, and cover it with a damp towel. Let the dough rise for 1-1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball.

6. To shape the bagels, make a hole in the center of each dough ball with your finger and gently stretch it to form a ring. Place the formed bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

7. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the baking soda to the boiling water. Carefully drop the bagels into the water, one at a time, and boil them for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them back on the baking sheet.

8. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you want to add toppings, sprinkle them onto the bagels at this point.

9. Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and have a crisp crust.

10. Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 bagels

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Rise time: 1-1.5 hours

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 2 hours

Variations

• Whole Wheat Bagels: Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a heartier version of the bagel.

• Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 cup of raisins to the dough for a sweet variation.

• Garlic and Herb Bagels: Add minced garlic and dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme to the dough before boiling.

• Cheese Bagels: Incorporate shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese into the dough, or sprinkle it on top before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Bagels are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, slice the bagels and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast the frozen bagels or warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make bagels without boiling them?

Boiling bagels is a crucial step in creating their chewy texture and golden crust. Skipping this step will result in bagels that lack their signature texture.

2. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast. Just be sure to activate the active dry yeast in warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and boiling the bagels.

4. How can I get a shiny bagel crust?

For a shiny crust, you can brush the bagels with a mixture of water and honey or an egg wash before baking.

5. Can I freeze bagel dough?

Yes, you can freeze bagel dough. After the dough has risen, shape the bagels and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To bake, boil the frozen bagels and bake them as usual.

6. Can I make bagels without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand on a clean, lightly floured surface. Kneading by hand may take a little longer, but it will still yield great results.

7. How do I shape bagels perfectly?

To shape bagels, roll the dough into a ball and use your finger to poke a hole in the center. Gently stretch the hole and reshape the dough into a ring. It may take a few tries to get the perfect shape.

8. Can I add toppings before boiling the bagels?

It’s best to add toppings after boiling the bagels, just before baking. This ensures the toppings stick well and don’t get washed away during the boiling process.

9. How do I make bagels soft and chewy?

The key to soft, chewy bagels is the boiling process. Boiling the bagels before baking creates the characteristic chewy texture and thick crust.

10. Why are my bagels too dense?

If your bagels are too dense, it could be due to under-kneading the dough, not allowing the dough to rise long enough, or using too much flour. Be sure to knead the dough thoroughly and allow it to rise properly.

Conclusion

Homemade bagels are a rewarding and delicious project that will elevate your breakfast game. With a golden, crispy exterior and a chewy, soft interior, these bagels are sure to become a household favorite. From the simple, classic bagel to more adventurous variations like cinnamon raisin or cheese-filled bagels, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or to enjoy throughout the week, this bagel recipe will bring the taste of a bakery right into your home.

Bagels

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 bagels

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Description

Homemade bagels are the ultimate breakfast treat, with a chewy, golden crust and soft, airy interior. This recipe offers the perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness, thanks to the crucial step of boiling before baking. Whether you top your bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or just butter, these homemade bagels are sure to elevate your morning. Customize with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning to suit your taste.

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons instant yeast

1 1/4 cups warm water

1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)

1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling water)

Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, etc.

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Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir to combine.

• Gradually add the warm water and stir until the dough forms. Add more water if necessary, one tablespoon at a time.

• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic, or use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

• Grease a clean bowl with vegetable oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a damp towel. Let the dough rise for 1 to 1.5 hours, until doubled in size.

• Punch down the dough, divide into 8 equal pieces, and shape each piece into a ball.

• Use your finger to create a hole in the center of each ball, gently stretching it to form a ring. Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding baking soda. Drop the bagels into the boiling water, one at a time, and boil for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Add toppings if desired.

• Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

• Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

• You can store bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

• For a glossy crust, brush the bagels with a honey-water mixture or an egg wash before baking.

• If you want to freeze the dough, shape the bagels and freeze them before boiling. Boil and bake as usual when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 20min
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American