Bagels are a classic breakfast staple that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer them toasted with cream cheese or topped with lox and capers, making your own fresh bagels at home can take your breakfast to the next level.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of making delicious bagels from scratch using simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
How to Make Fresh and Delicious Bagels at Home
Preparing the Dough
First off, in the bowl of your stand mixer, add one and a half cups or 360 mL of warm water between 110 and 100 degrees. Add one packet of active dry yeast (two and a quarter teaspoons or a quarter ounce) and let it sit for a minute. You can also make this recipe by hand if you don’t have a stand mixer. Next, add one tablespoon of brown sugar to give the bagels a signature flavor. Stir this mixture and let it sit for ten minutes until it becomes foamy.
Now it’s time to add four and a half cups or 540 grams of bread flour to the mixture. Bread flour has a higher protein content and a nice chewy texture, which makes it perfect for bagels. Mix the flour by hand first to avoid making a big mess. If you’re using a mixer, pop it on and get your dough hook. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it’s silky and smooth. You can also let your kids knead the dough if you want to make it a fun activity.
Adding Salt
Before we move on, we need to add salt to the dough. Add two teaspoons of salt and mix it well.
Letting the Dough Rest
After mixing the dough, we need to let it rest. This will allow the dough to rise and become fluffy. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover it up. Let the dough rest in a warm place for about an hour.
Shaping the Dough
After the dough has rested, it’s time to shape the bagels. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal parts. Roll each part into a ball, and then poke a hole in the center with your thumb. Stretch the hole until it’s about two inches in diameter.
Boiling the Bagels
Once you have shaped the bagels, it’s time to boil them. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add one tablespoon of brown sugar. Boil the bagels in batches for two minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bagels from the water and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking the Bagels
Now that the bagels have been boiled, it’s time to bake them. Preheat your oven to 425°F or 218°C. Brush the bagels with an egg wash made from one egg yolk and one tablespoon of water. Sprinkle the bagels with your favorite toppings, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning.
Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let the bagels cool for a few minutes before slicing them in half and serving them with your favorite toppings.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment:
- Stand mixer (optional)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen scale (optional)
- Rimmed baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Wire cooling rack
Tips and Variations:
- To add some extra flavor, you can mix in some everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds into the dough before boiling.
- For a sweeter bagel, you can add some cinnamon and raisins to the dough.
- Instead of boiling the bagels, you can also bake them in the oven. Brush the bagels with egg wash before baking to give them a shiny crust.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make the bagels without a stand mixer?
A: Yes, you can make them by hand. Just mix the ingredients by hand until you get a shaggy dough, then knead it on a floured surface for 10-15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Q: How long does it take for the dough to double in size?
A: It takes about an hour for the dough to double in size.
Q: Can I freeze the bagels?
A: Yes, you can freeze the bagels after they have cooled down. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them come to room temperature or reheat them in a toaster oven or oven.
Closing remarks
Making bagels from scratch is easier than you might think. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can make fresh and delicious bagels at home that will rival those from your local bakery. Whether you prefer plain bagels or those with toppings, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy your homemade bagels for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack anytime.
