Introduction
There’s something truly magical about homemade bagels. The wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake, the joy of shaping the dough, and that first bite of a warm, chewy bagel topped just the way you like it—it’s a delightful experience. With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to craft artisanal bagels right in your home, giving you the perfect start to your morning or a flavorful addition to your brunch spread. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on this tasty adventure!
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon barley malt syrup (or honey)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Toppings: Everything seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 8 bagels
Directions and Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar, mixing well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring until the dough begins to come together.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic to the touch.
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) while the dough is rising.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to remove air bubbles, then divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger and stretch it into a classic bagel shape.
- Let the shaped bagels rest for about 15-20 minutes on a floured surface.
- In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add the barley malt syrup (or honey) along with the baking soda, stirring to combine.
- Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, one or two at a time, and boil each side for 1 minute, allowing them to puff up slightly.
- Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Before baking, sprinkle your choice of toppings over the bagels, pressing lightly to help them stick.
- Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Place the finished bagels on a wire rack to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes or Tips
For extra flavor, try adding toppings like garlic powder, dried onion flakes, or sea salt before baking. If you find the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour on your work surface while kneading. These bagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
Cooking Techniques
Kneading the dough develops gluten, which is what gives bagels their characteristic chewiness. The boiling step is crucial in creating the bagel’s unique texture—don’t skip it! The baking soda and barley malt syrup (or honey) in the boiling water will help create a beautiful, shiny crust on your bagels.
FAQ
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour? While you can use all-purpose flour, bread flour will give your bagels a chewier texture due to its higher protein content.
How do I store leftover bagels? Once cooled, store your bagels in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. To enjoy them later, just pop them in the toaster!
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough after it has risen once. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and boiling.
Conclusion
Homemade bagels are a delightful treat that you can enjoy any time of the day. With a little time and love, you can create these golden brown wonders right in your own kitchen. Whether you prefer them plain or loaded with toppings, these bagels will surely become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients and get ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills. Happy bagel-making!