Homemade Bagels

Homemade bagels are a delightful treat you can easily make in your kitchen. The process of kneading dough, boiling the bagels, and then baking them creates an amazing aroma that fills your home with warmth and comfort. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a sense of satisfaction when you create them from scratch. Each bite is chewy and fresh and they can be customized in many ways.

Making bagels at home may seem challenging, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you will have success. This homemade bagel recipe guides you step by step to ensure your bagels turn out perfect every time. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This homemade bagels recipe is not only fun to make, but it also allows you to enjoy fresh bagels that are better than anything you can buy from a store. There are many reasons you will love this recipe:

• Freshness: There’s nothing quite like a warm, fresh bagel straight from the oven. You can enjoy them hot and ready to eat.
• Customization: You can add your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even everything seasoning to make them your own.
• Quality Control: You know exactly what goes into them. No preservatives or artificial ingredients.
• Learning Experience: The process of making bagels teaches you valuable baking skills that can enhance your future cooking adventures.
• Versatility: Bagels are perfect for any meal. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast with cream cheese, as a sandwich for lunch, or toasted with butter, they fit into any eating occasion.

HOW TO MAKE Homemade Bagels

Making bagels is easy when you follow the steps outlined in this article. Get your ingredients ready, and let’s dive in!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before you start making homemade bagels, gather the necessary equipment:

• Stand mixer with a dough hook (optional)
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Slotted spatula
• Pastry brush
• Pot for boiling
• Cooling rack

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 and 1/2 cups (360g/ml) warm water (between 100–110°F/38–43°C)
• 1 Tablespoon barley malt syrup, granulated sugar, or brown sugar*
• 2 and 3/4 teaspoons (8g) instant or active dry yeast*
• 4 cups (520g) bread flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed*
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Nonstick spray or 2 teaspoons butter or olive oil for coating the bowl
• 2 quarts (1.9L) water
• 1/4 cup (85g) barley malt syrup or honey
• Egg wash: 1 egg white beaten with 1 Tablespoon water

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Making bagels can be an enjoyable task when you follow these simple steps:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, whisk the warm water, barley malt syrup or sugar, and yeast together. Cover and allow to 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 in the next step.
2. Combine and Beat: Add the flour and salt. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the dough forms a rough mass. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
3. Knead the Dough: Beat on low speed with the dough hook for an additional 6–7 minutes, or knead by hand on a lightly floured surface. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle on a bit of flour as needed.
4. Let it Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat all sides. Cover with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Let it rise at room temperature for 1.5–2 hours until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Bagels: Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and make a hole in the center to form bagels. Arrange them on prepared baking sheets. Let them rest for 5–10 minutes.
6. Prepare the Water Bath: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Fill a large pot with 2 quarts of water and whisk in the barley malt syrup or honey. Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-high.
7. Boil the Bagels: Drop 2 or 3 bagels into the boiling water at a time. Boil for 1 minute, flip, and boil for another minute. Use a slotted spatula to lift them out and drain excess water.
8. Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the bagels with egg wash and add any desired toppings. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until dark golden brown. Allow them to cool on baking sheets for 20 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.
9. Enjoy Your Bagels: Slice, toast, top with your favorite spreads, or eat them plain!

 

HOW TO SERVE Homemade Bagels

Homemade bagels can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Plain with Cream Cheese: A classic choice that never disappoints.
• Sandwich Style: Use your bagel as bread for a filling sandwich.
• Bagel with Lox: Top your bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers.
• French Toast Bagels: Slice and dip in egg, then cook on a skillet for a fun twist.
• TOASTED: Simply toast and add butter, jam, or any spread you love.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Homemade Bagels

To store your homemade bagels, keep them tightly covered at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, you can thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or toast them directly from the freezer.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy your bagels:

• Top with various spreads like cream cheese, butter, or flavored cream cheese.
• Use them in breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon.
• Serve alongside a warm bowl of soup.
• Enjoy with a good cup of coffee or a hot beverage.

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize your bagels by trying one of these variations:

• Everything Bagels: Top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion.
• Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Add cinnamon and raisins into the dough for a sweet twist.
• Cheese Bagels: Add shredded cheese on top before baking for a cheesy flavor.
• Herb Bagels: Mix in herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour? Yes, but the texture may be different. Bread flour gives more chewiness to the bagels.
2. Can I make these bagels without a mixer? Yes, you can make them by hand. Use a large bowl and a wooden spoon to mix and knead.
3. What if my yeast does not froth? If your yeast doesn’t froth after 5 minutes, it could be old or expired. You’ll need to start over with fresh yeast.
4. How do I reheat frozen bagels? To reheat a frozen bagel, you can toast it straight from the freezer or microwave for a few seconds until warm.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Homemade Bagels

You can prepare the dough up to the first rise and store it in the fridge to slow down the rising process. When ready, let it come back to room temperature, shape, and continue with the boiling and baking steps. This makes for a quicker bagel-making experience when you’re short on time.

Print