Homemade Bagel Recipe

Experience the joy of freshly baked bagels with this easy homemade recipe. These bagels are perfectly chewy, full of flavor, and customizable with your favorite toppings. They’re great for breakfast, brunch, or as a midday snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Chewy Perfection: Achieve that classic bagel texture with ease.
• Simple Ingredients: Requires only pantry staples.
• Customizable: Top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or your favorite seasonings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake a batch and enjoy fresh bagels all week.
• Cost-Effective: Save money by making bakery-quality bagels at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 1/2 cups water
• Sesame seeds (or other toppings, optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar. Gradually add water and honey, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
   Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
3. Let It Rise
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Bagels
   Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger. Stretch the hole to create the bagel shape.
5. Boil the Bagels
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of sugar. Boil the bagels, a few at a time, for 1 minute on each side.
6. Add Toppings
   Place the boiled bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle sesame seeds or other desired toppings on each bagel.
7. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 bagels
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Whole Wheat Bagels: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour.
• Everything Bagels: Sprinkle a mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and salt.
• Sweet Bagels: Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free bread flour blend.
• Vegan Bagels: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat bagels in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or toast in a toaster until warm and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but bread flour gives bagels their signature chewy texture.

2. Do I have to boil the bagels?

Boiling is essential for the bagel’s chewy texture and shiny crust.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough overnight after the first rise. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

4. How do I make smaller or larger bagels?

Divide the dough into smaller or larger portions before shaping to adjust the size.

5. What other toppings can I use?

Try poppy seeds, coarse salt, dried onion flakes, or cheese.

6. Why didn’t my bagels rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and the water isn’t too hot, which can kill the yeast.

7. Can I skip the sugar in the boiling water?

The sugar helps develop the crust, but it’s not strictly necessary.

8. How can I make flavored bagels?

Mix flavorings like cheese, herbs, or dried fruits into the dough before shaping.

9. Can I bake bagels without toppings?

Yes, plain bagels are delicious on their own or with spreads.

10. Why are my bagels too dense?

Over-kneading or insufficient rising time can lead to dense bagels.

Conclusion

Homemade bagels are a delightful and rewarding baking project. With their chewy texture, customizable toppings, and fresh taste, these bagels are sure to impress. Whether you enjoy them plain, toasted, or topped with cream cheese, this recipe is a keeper. Happy baking!

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