Bagel Recipe (with Video)

Bagel Recipe: Bagels are a beloved type of bread known for their dense, chewy texture and signature ring shape. Originating in Jewish communities in Eastern Europe, bagels have since become a favorite worldwide, enjoyed plain or with endless toppings and flavors.

Making bagels at home may seem intimidating, but with the right steps, anyone can achieve that perfect bakery-quality bite. Plus, homemade bagels allow you to experiment with flavors, toppings, and textures.

Ingredients for Bagels

Basic Ingredients

To make traditional bagels, you’ll need:

• Bread Flour: 4 cups
• Instant Yeast: 2 ¼ teaspoons (one packet)
• Warm Water: 1 ½ cups (around 110°F)
• Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 2 teaspoons

Optional Add-ins

Enhance your bagels with optional ingredients:

• Honey (for boiling water, for a hint of sweetness)
• Toppings: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or coarse salt
• Flavor Mix-ins: Cinnamon and raisins, garlic, or onion flakes

Tools Needed to Make Bagels

While bagel-making doesn’t require specialized equipment, some tools make the process easier:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients and letting the dough rise
• Dough Hook or Hands: To knead the dough
• Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper: For baking
• Slotted Spoon: For removing bagels from boiling water
• Kitchen Thermometer: Optional, but helps ensure water is at the right temperature for yeast

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bagel

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the warm water and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast on top, stirring to combine, and let it sit for about five minutes until it’s foamy, which signals the yeast is activated.
2. Add Flour and Salt: Gradually mix in the flour and salt until it forms a shaggy dough. If using a stand mixer, switch to a dough hook attachment. Knead for 8-10 minutes (by hand or with the mixer) until you get a smooth, elastic dough.
3. Check for Elasticity: A well-kneaded dough should spring back when pressed gently and feel slightly tacky but not sticky.

Step 2: First Rise of the Dough

1. Prepare for Rising: Lightly grease a clean bowl and place the dough inside. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
2. Let It Rise: Set the bowl in a warm area and let the dough rise for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
3. Tips for Rising: Ideal rising temperature is around 75°F. If your kitchen is cool, place the bowl near a warm appliance or in an oven with the light on.

Step 3: Shaping the Bagels

1. Divide the Dough: Once doubled in size, punch down the dough to release air. Transfer it to a clean surface and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces.
2. Shape Each Bagel: For traditional shaping, roll each piece into a ball. Poke a hole in the center with your thumb and gently stretch the hole to about 2 inches in diameter. Alternatively, roll each piece into a log, then pinch the ends together to form a ring.
3. Even Size Tips: Keep all bagels uniform by using a kitchen scale if available to weigh each dough portion.

Step 4: Second Rise

1. Set on Parchment: Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spaced about 2 inches apart.
2. Cover and Let Rest: Cover the bagels with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let them rise for another 15-30 minutes. They should puff up slightly but not double in size.
3. Readiness Check: Bagels are ready for boiling when they look puffy and slightly expanded.

Step 5: Boiling the Bagels

1. Prepare Boiling Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or sugar to the water to enhance the bagel’s crust and give it a slightly sweet flavor.
2. Boil Bagels: Carefully add bagels to the water, boiling a few at a time for 1 minute on each side. This step gives bagels their chewy texture and shiny crust.
3. Drain and Place: Remove boiled bagels with a slotted spoon and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Topping the Bagels (Optional)

If you’d like to add toppings, now’s the time.

1. Brush with Egg Wash: For a golden finish, brush the tops with a beaten egg.
2. Sprinkle Toppings: While the egg wash is still wet, sprinkle your choice of toppings on each bagel.
3. Secure Toppings: Gently press toppings into the bagel’s surface so they stick while baking.

Step 7: Baking the Bagels

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F.
2. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bagels are golden brown and firm.
3. Check for Doneness: Bagels should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature, topped with cream cheese, butter, or any of your favorite spreads.

Storage Tips for Fresh Bagels

To keep bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them individually in ziplock bags, and toast them directly from frozen for best results.

Popular Bagel Flavor Variations

• Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and ½ cup of raisins to the dough.
• Everything Bagels: Top bagels with a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion, and salt.
• Cheddar Jalapeño: Mix shredded cheddar and chopped jalapeños into the dough.

Bagel Sandwich Ideas

Bagels make the perfect foundation for creative sandwiches. Try these ideas:

• Classic Lox and Cream Cheese: With smoked salmon, capers, and red onion.
• Egg and Cheese: A breakfast favorite with scrambled eggs and melted cheese.
• Veggie Delight: Cream cheese, cucumber, avocado, tomato, and spinach.

Troubleshooting Common Bagel-Making Issues

• Dense Bagels: Make sure you’re kneading the dough adequately, as insufficient kneading can lead to a dense texture.
• Flat Bagels: Avoid over-proofing the dough, especially during the second rise, as this can result in flat bagels.
• Toppings Falling Off: Apply egg wash to help toppings adhere better before baking.

FAQs about Bagel Recipe

Q: What ingredients are needed to make bagels?

A: Basic ingredients include flour, yeast, water, sugar, and salt. For flavor variations, you can add toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even cinnamon and raisins.

Q: How do you shape bagels?

A: After dividing the dough, shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and gently stretch it to form a ring. This will give the bagel its classic shape.

Q: Do bagels need to be boiled before baking?

A: Yes, boiling bagels briefly in water before baking helps achieve their chewy texture and shiny crust. This step is essential for authentic bagels.

Q: How long should bagels be baked?

A: Bagels typically bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Q: Can you make bagels without a stand mixer?

A: Absolutely! While a stand mixer can make kneading easier, you can also knead bagel dough by hand for around 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

Q: How do you store homemade bagels?

A: Once cooled, store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them to enjoy later.

Conclusion

Making bagels at home is a rewarding process that results in fresh, delicious bagels customized to your taste. With each step carefully followed, you’ll soon be enjoying chewy, flavorful bagels that rival any store-bought version. Give these variations a try, and experiment with different toppings to find your favorite!