Bagels Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through your home. Whether you’re preparing a casual brunch for family or creating a cozy café-like atmosphere in your kitchen, bagels have a unique way of bringing people together. This recipe offers you the delightful experience of crafting your own bagels and personalizing them with various toppings. Bagels are not only a wonderful canvas for creativity but also a timeless treat cherished across generations. Join me in making these beautifully chewy delights that are perfect for any occasion!

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Servings: 8 bagels
• Skill Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt (optional for topping)
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon honey or barley malt syrup (for boiling water)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar in the warm water, then stir in the yeast. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is frothy.
2. Add the salt and 2 cups of bread flour to the yeast mixture. Stir until combined. Gradually add the remaining flour, mixing until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. After the dough has risen, punch it down and transfer it to a floured surface. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces.
7. Shape each piece into a ball and poke a hole through the center with your thumb. Gently stretch the dough to form a ring, then place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Cover the bagels with a towel and let them rest for 10 minutes.
9. While the bagels are resting, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Stir in the honey or barley malt syrup.
10. Carefully lower the bagels, one or two at a time, into the boiling water. Boil each bagel for 1-2 minutes per side, then remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.
11. Brush the tops of the bagels with beaten egg and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
12. Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Helpful Tips

• If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, though the texture may be slightly different.
• For a softer crust, place a pan of hot water in the oven while the bagels bake.
• Experiment with different toppings and fillings – from chocolate chips to dried fruit, the possibilities are endless!

Storage Instructions

Store baked bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Simply toast from frozen when ready to eat.

Ingredient Substitutions

• If you’re vegan, you can use a plant-based milk for the egg wash.
• Honey or barley malt syrup can be substituted with maple syrup if desired.

Pairings

Enjoy these bagels with a generous spread of cream cheese, slices of smoked salmon, fresh vegetables, or your favorite homemade jam. They are also wonderful with a cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice.

At Zynahz, we’re passionate about bringing joy and creativity into your kitchen, one recipe at a time. We hope this bagels recipe inspires you to gather your family around the kitchen and create delicious memories together. Don’t forget to share your results with us and spread the love by passing this recipe on to your friends and family. Keep exploring our site, follow us on social media, and sign up for our newsletter for more delightful recipes and kitchen inspiration. Happy baking!