Description
Fresh, homemade bagels with a chewy inside and golden, crispy outside. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
- Dough:
- 1½ cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 4¼ cups bread flour (save ¼ cup for kneading)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- Water Bath:
- 8 cups water
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg white (beaten)
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and maple syrup. Sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and stir gently. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to activate until foamy. If it doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired or the water was too hot or cold.
- Make the Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix 4 cups of bread flour with the salt. Pour the activated yeast mixture into the flour and mix at low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and knead for about 5 minutes, or until the dough is firm and moist. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if dough is too dry. Dust a clean surface with the remaining ¼ cup of flour, remove the dough from the mixer, and knead for 3-5 minutes until smooth. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Bagels: Punch down the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and use your finger to create a hole in the center, making it about 2 inches in diameter. Place the shaped bagels on a separate baking sheet and cover them with a damp towel. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Water Bath: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water, honey, and baking soda to a boil.
- Boil the Bagels: Boil 2-3 bagels at a time (without overcrowding). Boil for 1 minute, flip them, and boil for another minute. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip and remove the bagels. Place the boiled bagels on the prepared baking sheets.
- Add Egg Wash: Beat together the egg white and 1 tablespoon of water to create the egg wash. Brush each bagel lightly with the egg wash. Add toppings like sesame seeds or coarse salt if desired.
- Bake the Bagels: Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer the bagels to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top the bagels with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning before baking.
- Ensure the water is at the right temperature (110-115°F) to activate the yeast effectively.
- For soft bagels, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
