Homemade Bagels

Homemade bagels are a delightful treat that can elevate your breakfast game from ordinary to extraordinary. With a crispy crust, chewy interior, and endless topping possibilities, these bagels are perfect for enjoying on their own or with your favorite spreads. Making bagels at home may require some steps, but the process is simple and rewarding, leading to a delicious result that your whole family will love.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Servings: 8 bagels
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: Approximately 245
• Protein: 10 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams per serving
• Fat: 1 gram per serving
• Fiber: 2 grams per serving
• Sugar: 1 gram per serving
• Sodium: 350 mg per serving

Why Make This Homemade Bagels

Making homemade bagels allows you to enjoy warm, fresh bread straight out of the oven, something store-bought bags can’t compete with. Baking bagels at home is not only fun, but it also gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can customize your bagels with various toppings or create unique flavors. Plus, they make for impressive breakfast dishes that delight family and friends!

How to Make Homemade Bagels

## Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon malt syrup or honey (optional)
• Toppings (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, salt)

## Directions:

### Step 1: Preparation

In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. This step activates the yeast, making your bagels rise beautifully.

### Step 2: Mixing

Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms. You want a thick, slightly sticky dough that will hold together as you knead it.

### Step 3: Kneading

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth. This step is crucial for developing the gluten, giving your bagels that characteristic chewy texture.

### Step 4: Rising

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. This rise will help your bagels be light and airy.

### Step 5: Shaping

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center, stretching it slightly to ensure a nice bagel shape.

### Step 6: Resting

Let the shaped bagels rest for about 10 minutes. This allows them to relax, making them easier to boil later.

### Step 7: Boiling

Boil a large pot of water with malt syrup or honey (if using). Add the bagels in batches and boil for 1-2 minutes on each side. This step creates a unique texture and helps them develop a beautiful crust when baked.

### Step 8: Baking

Remove the bagels and place them on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with toppings if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

How to Serve Homemade Bagels

Homemade bagels are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways! Serve them with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a classic breakfast option, or create a breakfast sandwich with eggs and avocado. You can also slice them open and toast them, spreading a bit of butter or your favorite jam for a delightful treat.

How to Store Homemade Bagels

To keep your bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them in a zip-top bag. They will stay fresh for about 1-2 months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw and toast or reheat in the oven.

Expert Tips for Perfect Homemade Bagels

• Make sure your water is warm but not hot; it should feel comfortable to the touch. Too hot can kill the yeast.
• For a chewier texture, use bread flour rather than all-purpose flour.
• Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combinations. Try everything bagel seasoning, dried herbs, or even a sweet topping like cinnamon sugar.
• If you find the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour while kneading. Just be careful not to add too much.

Delicious Variations

You can customize your bagels easily! Consider adding:

• Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough for a delicious sweet treat.
• Cheddar Jalapeño Bagels: Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Herb and Garlic Bagels: Mix in minced garlic and your favorite chopped herbs for savory bagels.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
  Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the bagels may be less chewy. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which contributes to that classic bagel texture.

• What if my dough does not rise properly?
  Make sure your yeast is fresh and your water is at the right temperature. If it’s too cold or hot, the yeast may not activate. If your dough doesn’t rise, it’s best to start over.

• Can I add toppings before boiling?
  It’s best to wait until after boiling and baking to add toppings for better adhesion and flavor.

• How can I tell when my bagels are done?
  They should be golden brown when you take them out! Additionally, if you tap the bottom of a bagel and it sounds hollow, it’s likely done.

• How do I get a shiny crust on my bagels?
  Boiling the bagels before baking helps achieve that shiny crust. You can also brush them with an egg wash before baking for extra gloss.

Conclusion

There you have it—a comprehensive guide to making delicious homemade bagels right in your kitchen! The satisfaction of pulling fresh bagels out of the oven is second to none, and they’ll quickly become a family favorite. So, roll up your sleeves, follow the steps, and enjoy each scrumptious bite of your homemade creations. Happy baking!

Homemade Bagels

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• Author: mia-harper
• Total Time: 85 minutes
• Yield: 8 bagels 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in warm, fresh homemade bagels with a crispy crust and chewy interior. Customize with your favorite toppings!

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon malt syrup or honey (optional)
• Toppings (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, salt)

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Instructions

1. Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces, shaping each into a bagel.
6. Let the shaped bagels rest for about 10 minutes.
7. Boil a large pot of water with malt syrup or honey. Boil bagels for 1-2 minutes on each side.
8. Remove bagels, sprinkle with toppings if desired, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for up to 1-2 months.

• Prep Time: 60 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bagel
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg