Discover how to make homemade bagels from scratch with this easy, step-by-step recipe. Perfectly chewy and golden, they’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or snacks. Try today!
The Magic of Homemade Bagels
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a fresh, warm, homemade bagel with just the right chew. Unlike store-bought bagels, these are made with love, a little patience, and simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re topping them with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or keeping it plain, this recipe will have your family and friends begging for more.
The Ingredients and Their Roles
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
● Perfect for Every Occasion: These bagels are a breakfast staple, a brunch favorite, and even a great midday snack.
● Customizable: From sesame seeds to everything seasoning, you can personalize each bagel.
● Foolproof Process: With clear instructions, even beginners can bake these to perfection.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Growing up, weekend mornings were incomplete without a warm, chewy bagel. This recipe brings back the nostalgia of cozy breakfasts shared with family. Now, you can recreate those special moments right in your kitchen.
The Ingredients and Their Roles
This bagel recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that work together to create the perfect texture and flavor. Bread flour provides the high gluten content needed for the chewy texture that defines bagels. Sugar helps activate the yeast and adds a subtle sweetness, while salt enhances the flavorand balances the sweetness. Instant yeast is the star of the show, responsible for making the dough rise and creating that airy interior. Warm water hydrates the dough, ensuring it’s easy to knead, and a little olive oil keeps the dough from sticking to the bowl during the rising process.
For the boiling process, honey is added to the water, giving the bagels a touch of sweetness and helping them develop their signature shiny crust. The egg wash adds a beautiful golden finish to the bagels when baked. Finally, sesame seeds and everything bagel seasoning are the go-to toppings, adding crunch, flavor, and visual appeal. These ingredients work in harmony to deliver bagels that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
Why These Bagels Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These homemade bagels are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, and even holidays. Their chewy texture and golden crust are a comforting way to start the day, whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning at home or hosting a festive brunch for friends and family. For holidays, these bagels add a personal touch to your spread, impressing guests with your baking skills. Serve them alongside smoked salmon and cream cheese for a sophisticated brunch or as part of a cozy breakfast with butter and jam. No matter the occasion, these bagels are guaranteed to elevate the meal.
Ways to Serve Homemade Bagels
The beauty of bagels lies in their versatility. For a classic breakfast, toast them and spread with cream cheese or butter. Add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty bagel sandwich. For a healthy option, top with avocado, a sprinkle of salt, and a squeeze of lemon. At brunch, pair them with smoked salmon, capers, and a dollop of crème fraîche for a luxurious treat. You can even serve them as part of a charcuterie board with various spreads and toppings, making them a hit for gatherings.
Alternatives to Customize the Recipe
This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation. Substitute whole wheat flour or add a touch of rye flour for a different flavor and texture. If you prefer a sweeter bagel, incorporate cinnamon and raisins into the dough. For a savory twist, mix in fresh herbs or shredded cheese. Gluten-free versions can be made using a quality gluten-free flour blend and adjusting the hydration levels. No matter your preference, this recipe is adaptable to suit every palate and dietary need.
The Trend of Stuffed Bagels
Stuffing bagels has become a popular trend, transforming this classic treat into a filled delight. By cutting slits into the top of the bagel before baking, you can create pockets perfect for holding delicious fillings. Sweet options like cream cheese mixed with berries or Nutella offer a decadent twist, while savory combinations like garlic and herb cream cheese, shredded cheddar, or even scrambled eggs and bacon make for a hearty meal. As the bagels bake, the fillings meld into the dough, creating a gooey, flavorful center that takes your homemade bagels to the next level. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, stuffed bagels are an innovative way to enjoy this timeless favorite.
Homemade bagels may take a bit of time, but the results are undeniably worth it. Each bite is a reminder that the best things in life are made from scratch. Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. We’d love to hear about your favorite toppings and creative twists!
Bagels From Scratch Recipe
Ingredients
For The Dough
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp olive oil for greasing the bowl
For Boiling
- 2-3 quarts water
- 1/4 cup honey
For the Egg Wash
- 1 egg whisked
For Toppings
- sesame seeds
- everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Prep the Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky, or more water if the dough is too dry.
- Grease the Bowl: After kneading, lightly grease a clean bowl with the olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides with the oil.
- Let the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Shape the Bagels: Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 8-12 equal pieces, depending on your desired size.
- Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger. Gently stretch the dough to form a ring. Place the shaped bagels on a lightly floured surface, cover loosely, and let them rest covered for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat and Prepare for Boiling: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bring the water to a boil in a large pot and add the honey.
- Boil the Bagels: Boil the bagels, a few at a time, for 1-2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg. Brush each boiled bagel lightly with the egg wash.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning over the bagels after applying the egg wash. Leave some plain if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool: Transfer the bagels to a wire rack and let cool before serving.
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