Appetizers Breakfast Ideas Dinner Ideas Recipes

Homemade Bagels: A Delicious Journey of Baking

Allfood May 10, 2024

24 7 minutes read

Welcome to the exciting world of making bagels at home! I’m here to show you how to bake fresh, tasty bagels easily. Let’s start a baking journey that fills your house with the amazing smell of bagels right from the oven.

Bagels are a favorite for breakfast or a snack. They are chewy and can be topped with many things. But, making your own bagels is even better than buying them. You can make unique, homemade bagels yourself.

With a simple bagel recipe and a few basic ingredients, you can learn to make bagels. Picture eating a warm bagel fresh from the oven, with your top choice of spreads. Making such tasty food by yourself feels great.

Making bagels yourself lets you choose their taste and how they feel when you bite into them. You can stick with a traditional plain bagel, or try new flavors like everything bagel or cinnamon-raisin. The choice is yours to make.

Key Takeaways:

Homemade bagels give you a fun baking experience and let you pick your favorite flavors.
To start, all you need is an easy recipe and some common ingredients from your pantry.
When you bake bagels yourself, you’re guaranteed to enjoy fresh, delicious ones right out of your oven.
Feel proud making your own food and show off your baking talent to friends and family.
Try different toppings and spreads to make your bagel creations unique.

The Best Homemade New York-Style Bagel Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the chewy texture and flavorful crust of a New York-style bagel, you’re in luck! Today, I’m sharing with you my tried-and-true recipe. You can make the best New York-style bagels right in your own kitchen.

This recipe is authentic and uses common ingredients. It will make you feel like a professional baker. The best part? You can enjoy delicious bagels the same day, without a long wait!

To get that New York-style flavor and texture, we boil the bagels before baking. This step gives them their chewy middle and shiny crust. It’s what makes New York bagels so special.

Ingredients:

3 ½ cups bread flour
2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
1 ½ teaspoons fine-grain sea salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups lukewarm water

Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, active dry yeast, sea salt, and granulated sugar.
Add the lukewarm water to the dry ingredients and mix until a rough dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the mixing bowl. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into smooth balls.
Using your thumb, poke a hole in the center of each ball and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape.
Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with a damp cloth. Let them rise for 20-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Gently lower the risen bagels into the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side.
Transfer the boiled bagels back to the baking sheet. Optionally, you can sprinkle your favorite toppings on top of the bagels.
Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Now you have your very own batch of homemade New York-style bagels! All that’s left is to spread your favorite cream cheese on them. Or you could make a tasty bagel sandwich. There are so many choices!

Making bagels at home lets you customize them however you like. Try sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even cinnamon-raisin. Feel free to experiment and make these bagels truly your own.

Get ready to enjoy the true taste of the Big Apple with every bite. Happy baking!

Tips for Shaping and Boiling Homemade Bagels

Making bagels at home is fun and an art! Learning to shape and boil bagels right is key for great taste and texture. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get it just right.

Shaping the Bagels

You can shape bagels by rolling dough into logs and joining the ends. Or push a hole in dough rounds. Both ways give you yummy, chewy bagels. Pick the method you like best.

Tip: If using the log method, seal ends well to keep them from coming apart when boiled and baked. For the hole method, make the hole big enough. It shrinks when you boil it.

The Importance of a Short Rest

Bagels need a short rest after shaping. This lets the dough relax and rise a bit. Resting helps bagels keep their shape and taste great later on. Let them rest for about 10 minutes before boiling.

The Simple Boiling Process

Boiling bagels is a must. It gives them their classic crust and chewy inside. You just need water for this. Heat a big pot of water, drop the bagels in. Boil each side for about a minute. Now you’re closer to bagel bliss!

Toppings and the Schmear

Ready to add toppings to your bagels? Be creative! Use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or minced onions. Or add cinnamon-sugar or everything bagel seasoning for taste.

Pro-tip: A good schmear of cream cheese makes your bagel complete. Try different cream cheese flavors like plain, scallion, or bacon and cheddar. You can try many combinations!

With these tips, you’re all set to make amazing homemade bagels. Have fun making them. Enjoy eating them. And share your lovely bagels with your friends and family!

Perfecting the Homemade Bagel Dough

Homemade bagels are all about the dough. It’s what makes them so special. The perfect dough blends ingredients and technique. Let’s go through how to make bagel dough. Your loved ones will ask for it again and again.

Ingredients for Homemade Bagel Dough

To start, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what to gather:

Bread flour: Its high protein makes bagels chewy.
Granulated sugar: It sweetens and helps yeast work, making the dough rise.
Active dry yeast: This is key for rising, making bagels fluffy.
Lukewarm water: Warm water, around 110°F (43°C), activates yeast.
Fine-grain sea salt: Just a pinch enhances all the dough’s flavors.

The Art of Homemade Bagel Dough

Get your ingredients ready, then start making the perfect dough.

1. Mix bread flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

2. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm water in another bowl. Wait 5 minutes until frothy.

3. Add the yeast mix to the flour. Stir with a spoon or hands until dough forms.

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes. It should be smooth and stretchy.

5. Put the dough in a ball back in the bowl. Cover it and let it rise in a warm spot. It should double in about an hour.

With your dough ready, it’s time for shaping and boiling. These are key for tasty bagels.

Bread Flour High protein content for chewy texture Organic, stone-ground flour for added flavor Granulated Sugar Rich sweetness for enhanced flavor Raw cane sugar for a more natural alternative Active Dry Yeast Instantly activating for quick, consistent rise Specially cultivated yeast for enhanced flavor development Lukewarm Water Filtered water to ensure purity Natural spring water for a refreshing touch Fine-Grain Sea Salt Ethically sourced for superior taste Extra fine crystals for easy incorporation

Table: Bagel Dough Ingredients Comparison

Choosing the right ingredients matters for homemade bagel dough. Comparing two brands shows the difference they can make.

Mastering homemade bagel dough is key for delicious, fresh bagels at home. The right mix of ingredients ensures great results. Your bagels will amaze anyone who tries them.

Conclusion

We’re reaching the end of our bagel-making journey. I hope it inspires you to start your baking adventure. Making bagels at home is fun and rewarding. Plus, you get to enjoy super fresh and yummy bagels in your own kitchen.

By using our easy recipe, you can bake amazing bagels. You can stick to the classic New York-style or try new flavors and toppings. The best part of home baking is changing things up to make your perfect bagel.

So, put on your apron and warm up your oven. Get ready for the wonderful smell of bagels baking. Eating them, you’ll feel the love and effort you put in. Your homemade bagels will surely be a hit, whether for breakfast, brunch, or a tasty snack.

FAQ

How long does it take to make homemade bagels?

You can make and enjoy fresh bagels in just a few hours with this recipe.

Can I customize my homemade bagels with different toppings?

Absolutely! You’re free to experiment with toppings when you make bagels. Classic options include poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or everything seasoning. Or, you can create your own unique combinations.

What is the best method for shaping homemade bagels?

For shaping bagels, there are two main methods. First, roll the dough into logs and then connect the ends to make a circle. Alternatively, poke a hole in the center of a dough round and stretch it. Choose the method that feels right for you.

Why do I need to boil homemade bagels before baking them?

Boiling bagels before baking creates their chewy texture and shiny crust. This step is essential for New York-style bagels.

Can I use different toppings for my homemade bagels?

Definitely! Beyond traditional seeds or seasoning, your options are limitless. Try herbs, spices, cheeses, or fruits to make bagels that are uniquely yours.

What ingredients do I need to make homemade bagel dough?

For bagel dough, you’ll need bread flour, active dry yeast, granulated sugar, fine-grain sea salt, and lukewarm water. These ingredients combine to create the perfect dough.

How can I enhance the flavor of my homemade bagels?

Add honey, cinnamon, or garlic powder to your dough for extra flavor. These can make your bagels even more delicious.

Can I freeze my homemade bagels?

You can freeze bagels easily. After they cool, put them in a container or freezer bag. They stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast them for that fresh taste and texture.

Why should I try making homemade bagels?

Homemade bagels offer the joy of baking fresh, delicious bagels right at home. With simple ingredients and a straightforward recipe, you can enjoy artisanal bagels anytime. Dive into the world of baking with your own homemade bagels!