Homemade Bagel Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own bagels at home. The chewy texture, the glossy finish, and that delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s an experience that store-bought bagels simply can’t replicate. This Homemade Bagel Recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring that you create bagels that are not only delicious but also perfectly customizable to your taste preferences. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the magic of baking!

Why You’ll Keep Making It

Once you sink your teeth into a freshly baked bagel, you’ll understand why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Homemade bagels are:

• Fresh: No preservatives or artificial flavors—just pure, wholesome ingredients.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, from everything seasoning to a sweet cinnamon sugar dusting.
• Fun to Make: The process is hands-on and rewarding, perfect for a weekend baking project.
• Budget-Friendly: Making bagels at home can save you money compared to buying them from a café or bakery.

What to Buy

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 375 grams warm water (about 1 3/4 cups) at 115 to 118°F
• 16 grams barley malt syrup or brown sugar, plus an additional 1/3 cup for boiling
• 10 grams active yeast (or 1 tablespoon)
• 660 grams bread flour (approximately 4 1/4 cups)
• 6 grams sea salt (or 1 teaspoon)

These simple ingredients come together to create the perfect bagel dough that’s sure to impress!

Equipment & Tools

Having the right tools can make the bagel-making process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mixing bowl: For combining your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key in baking.
• Dough scraper: Helpful for handling sticky dough and shaping bagels.
• Baking sheet: To hold the bagels during their final rise and baking.
• Large pot: For boiling the bagels before baking.
• Cooling rack: Allows the bagels to cool evenly after baking.

Homemade Bagel Recipe in Steps

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get started on making our Homemade Bagel Recipe!

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water and barley malt syrup (or brown sugar). Sprinkle the active yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that your yeast is active and ready to work its magic.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the bread flour and sea salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of salt throughout the dough.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or a dough scraper until a shaggy dough forms. It should be somewhat sticky but manageable.

Step 4: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed, but be careful not to add too much.

Step 5: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 6: Shape the Bagels

After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal pieces, approximately 8-10 portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center. Gently stretch the hole to form the classic bagel shape.

Step 7: Second Rise

Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them lightly and let them rest for another 30 minutes while you preheat the oven.

Step 8: Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the additional 1/3 cup of barley malt syrup or brown sugar. This adds flavor and helps create that beautiful chewy crust. Carefully drop in a few bagels at a time, boiling for about 30 seconds on each side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.

Step 9: Bake the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once all the bagels have been boiled, bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Transfer the baked bagels to a cooling rack and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy them plain, with cream cheese, or your favorite toppings.

Nutrition-Minded Tweaks

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to this Homemade Bagel Recipe for a healthier twist, consider the following options:

• Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of barley malt syrup or brown sugar to suit your taste.
• Seeds and Nuts: Add chia seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts for added nutrition and texture.
• Herbs and Spices: Incorporate dried herbs or spices into the dough for extra flavor.

Mistakes That Ruin Homemade Bagel Recipe

Even seasoned bakers can encounter pitfalls when making bagels. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Using cold water: Ensure your water is at the right temperature (115 to 118°F) to activate the yeast.
• Skipping the boil: Boiling the bagels is crucial for that signature chewy texture and shine.
• Over-kneading: Knead just until smooth; overworking can lead to dense bagels.
• Not allowing for proper rising: Give your dough enough time to rise; this is essential for a light texture.

Save It for Later

If you find yourself with too many bagels, don’t worry! Here are some tips for storing and enjoying them later:

• Freezing: Bagels freeze well. Place them in a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Toasting: Frozen bagels can be toasted directly from the freezer for a quick breakfast.
• Refrigerating: Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Popular Questions

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While bread flour is preferred for its higher protein content, you can substitute all-purpose flour. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different.

How do I know when my bagels are done baking?

Bagels are done when they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. A good internal temperature is around 200°F (93°C).

Can I add toppings to my bagels before baking?

Yes! After boiling, you can sprinkle your favorite toppings, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning, before baking for added flavor.

What’s the best way to eat a bagel?

Bagels are incredibly versatile! Enjoy them with cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, or even as a base for a breakfast sandwich.

Similar Recipes

If you love this Homemade Bagel Recipe, you might also enjoy these:

• Homemade Bread Recipe
• Easy Cinnamon Rolls
• Soft Pretzel Bites
• Homemade Pizza Dough

The Takeaway

Creating your own bagels at home is a rewarding experience that brings the delightful taste of freshly baked goods straight to your kitchen. With this Homemade Bagel Recipe, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to make delicious bagels that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you share them with family, serve them at brunch, or savor them all to yourself, homemade bagels are sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Happy baking!