Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Ratings: 5 from 2 votes
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 8
Calories: 270
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description
Homemade bagels are a delightful treat, and you can customize them with various toppings or add-ins for a unique twist. Enjoy your freshly baked bagels!
Ingredients
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 4 cup bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cup warm water
    • Toppings (optional)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds
  • Coarse salt
  • Everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
  1. 1
    In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle the yeast over the water-sugar mixture and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to use.
  2. 2
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the activated yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
  3. 3

    Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it's smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.

  4. 4
    Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center. Gently stretch and shape the dough into a ring. Make the hole slightly larger than you want it to be when the bagel is finished, as it will shrink during boiling and baking.
  5. 5
    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a tablespoon of sugar to the boiling water. Carefully place the bagels in the boiling water, a few at a time, and boil for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This gives the bagels their chewy texture. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a clean kitchen towel.
  6. 6

    If you want to add toppings like sesame seeds or poppy seeds, sprinkle them over the bagels while they are still wet from boiling.

  7. 7
    Place the boiled and topped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  8. 8

    Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. You can enjoy them with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite toppings.

Tips
  • Quality matters when it comes to flour. Bread flour works well for bagels because it has a higher protein content, which helps with gluten development and chewiness.
  • Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. Activate it in warm water with a touch of sugar to get a frothy reaction before adding it to the flour.
  • Kneading the dough for about 10-15 minutes helps develop gluten, giving the bagels their chewy texture. The dough should be smooth and elastic.
  • After kneading, let the dough rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps relax the gluten, making it easier to shape the bagels.
  • Divide the dough into equal portions to create uniform-sized bagels. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your fingers to create a hole in the center. Stretch and shape the hole to your desired size.
  • Boiling the bagels briefly before baking is essential for their characteristic chewiness. Add a tablespoon of sugar to the boiling water for extra flavor.
  • Add your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coarse salt, or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and texture.
  • When placing the shaped bagels on the baking sheet, ensure they have enough space to expand during baking without touching.
  • Make sure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking. This helps the bagels rise and bake evenly.
  • Bake the bagels until they turn golden brown on the outside. They should also sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Get creative with your bagels by adding ingredients like cinnamon, raisins, blueberries, or grated cheese to the dough for flavored bagels.
  • Store homemade bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day, or freeze them for longer storage. Toast or reheat them when ready to eat.
  • Homemade bagels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them with your favorite spreads, such as cream cheese, butter, or jam.
Keywords: bagel
Read it online: https://themoderncookbook.com/recipe/homemade-bagels-recipe/