why make this recipe
Making homemade bagels allows you to enjoy fresh, chewy, and warm bagels right from your own kitchen. It can be a fun and rewarding experience, and you’ll know exactly what goes into your bagels. Plus, the aroma of baking in your home is delightful!
how to make Homemade Bagels
Ingredients :
- 1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (between 100-110°F, 38-43°C)
- 2 and 3/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
- 4 cups (520g) bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for work surface and hands
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar or packed light or dark brown sugar (or barley malt syrup)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- coating the bowl: nonstick spray or 2 teaspoons olive oil
- egg wash: 1 egg white beaten with 1 Tablespoon water
- 2 quarts water
- 1/4 cup (60g) honey (or barley malt syrup)
Directions :
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Prepare the dough: Whisk the warm water and yeast together in the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment. Cover and let it sit for 5 minutes. If you don’t have a stand mixer, use a large mixing bowl and mix the dough with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula.
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Knead the dough: Add the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes. The dough will be stiff and somewhat dry. Keep the dough in the mixer and beat for an additional 6-7 minutes, or knead by hand for the same amount of time. If the dough gets too sticky, add a teaspoon of flour at a time. After kneading, the dough should feel a little soft.
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Let the dough rise: Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides. Cover the bowl and let it rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
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Prepare baking sheets: Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
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Shape the bagels: Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Press your index finger through the center of each ball to make a hole about 1.5 – 2 inches in diameter. Loosely cover the shaped bagels and let them rest for a few minutes.
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C).
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Make the water bath: Fill a large pot with 2 quarts of water and whisk in the honey. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-high. Drop the bagels in, cooking 2-4 at a time, for 1 minute on each side.
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Egg wash: Brush the top and sides of each bagel with the egg wash. Place 4 bagels on each lined baking sheet.
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Bake the bagels: Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through, until the bagels are dark golden brown. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Serve: Slice, toast, top your bagels as you like! Cover leftover bagels tightly and store at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
how to serve Homemade Bagels
Homemade bagels are delicious when served warm. You can add cream cheese, butter, smoked salmon, or any of your favorite toppings. They make a great breakfast or snack!
how to store Homemade Bagels
Store your homemade bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze bagels for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them tightly.
tips to make Homemade Bagels
- Make sure the water for the yeast is warm, not hot, to help it activate without killing it.
- Kneading is important. Make sure to knead until the dough passes the windowpane test.
- When boiling the bagels, try not to overcrowd the pot to ensure they cook evenly.
variation
You can add various toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning before baking. You can also add ingredients like blueberries or cinnamon for a sweet variation.
FAQs
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, but the texture may be less chewy since bread flour has more protein.
2. How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size. A simple test is to poke it; if it slowly bounces back, it’s ready.
3. Can I make bagels without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! You can mix and knead the dough by hand using a bowl and a spoon. Just follow the kneading instructions carefully.
