Name: The Ultimate Homemade Bagels Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Golden, Chewy Bagels at Home
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tsp active dry yeast; 4½ tsp granulated sugar; 1¼ cups warm water (divided); 3½ cups high-gluten or bread flour; 1½ tsp salt; Large pot of water; 1 tbsp honey or barley malt syrup; Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, coarse salt, everything seasoning

Introduction: Homemade Bagels Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a warm, chewy bagel straight out of the oven. The golden, slightly crispy crust, combined with the soft interior, creates the perfect bite. But what if I told you that you could replicate that classic bagel experience right in your own kitchen? Yes, you can!

In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to walk you through a tried-and-true homemade bagels recipe, ensuring that you can make bagels that rival those from your favorite bakery. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, the steps will be easy to follow and will guarantee bagels that are chewy, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.

What Is This Homemade Bagels Recipe?

This homemade bagel recipe is a fantastic way to bring the delicious taste and texture of New York-style bagels into your own home. The chewy, golden crust, combined with a soft and airy interior, is achieved through a few simple steps, including a unique boiling process. By following this recipe, you’ll create bagels that are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of chew.

The bagels can be customized with a variety of toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning. With this guide, you’ll learn how to make the dough, the secret to achieving the chewy texture, and how to bake the bagels to perfection.

Origin of the Homemade Bagels Recipe

The bagel’s origins date back to the 17th century in Poland, where it was initially made as a gift for Polish royalty. The bagel was then brought to the United States by Eastern European immigrants in the late 19th century, particularly to New York City, where it became a beloved staple. Over time, bagels evolved into different regional varieties, with New York-style bagels emerging as one of the most popular versions due to their distinctive chewy texture, golden color, and delicious taste.

This homemade bagel recipe is inspired by the classic New York-style bagel, known for its slightly sweet flavor and the essential step of boiling the dough before baking. The addition of honey or barley malt syrup in the boiling water ensures that the bagels develop a shiny, crispy crust.

Ingredients

To make your perfect homemade bagels, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

2 tsp active dry yeast
4½ tsp granulated sugar
1¼ cups warm water (divided)
3½ cups high-gluten or bread flour
1½ tsp salt

For Boiling:

Large pot of water
1 tbsp honey or barley malt syrup

Optional Toppings:

Sesame seeds
Poppy seeds
Dried onion flakes
Coarse salt
Everything seasoning

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

Now, let’s walk through the step-by-step process to create your delicious homemade bagels:

Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of warm water with the granulated sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice that the yeast will become frothy, signaling that it’s activated and ready for use.
Make the Dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the high-gluten flour and salt together. Create a well in the center and pour in the activated yeast mixture, along with the remaining ¾ cup of warm water. Use a spoon or your hands to mix the ingredients until a firm dough forms.
Knead the Dough:
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, add a little more flour as needed. The key here is to knead long enough to develop the gluten, which will give the bagels their chewy texture.
First Rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size during this time, thanks to the yeast doing its magic.
Shape the Bagels:
- Punch down the dough to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions, and roll each portion into a ball. Using your finger, poke a hole through the center of each ball, then stretch and shape it into a ring. Try to make the hole large enough so it won’t close up as the dough rises again.
Rest the Shaped Bagels:
- Place the shaped bagels on a lightly oiled tray, cover them, and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This short rest period allows the dough to relax, making it easier to boil them later.
Boil the Bagels:
- In a large pot, bring a few quarts of water to a boil. Add the tablespoon of honey or barley malt syrup to the water. The sweetness helps develop that signature golden-brown crust. Gently drop the bagels into the boiling water, 2 at a time, and boil each side for 1 minute. This step is crucial for achieving the bagel’s chewy texture.
Top and Bake the Bagels:
- Once boiled, place the bagels back on the baking tray. At this point, you can add your desired toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt. Alternatively, brush the bagels with an egg wash (beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) for a glossy finish.
- Bake the bagels in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a crisp, shiny crust.

Variations of New York-style bagels

While this recipe is delicious as-is, you can also get creative with bagel toppings and dough variations. Here are some ideas to add your own twist:

Herb Bagels: Add dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to the dough for a flavorful bagel.
Sweet Bagels: Incorporate cinnamon and sugar into the dough to create sweet cinnamon sugar bagels that pair beautifully with cream cheese or butter.
Savory Toppings: Try adding dried onion flakes or a blend of spices like za’atar for a Middle Eastern-inspired twist.
Sweet Glaze: Drizzle your bagels with honey or maple syrup after baking for a sweet finish.
Mini Bagels: Make smaller versions of these bagels for a cute appetizer or snack, perfect for brunch.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

While bread flour is ideal for bagels because of its higher protein content, you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch. However, the bagels may be slightly less chewy.

Q2: How can I store homemade bagels?

After baking, let the bagels cool completely. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bagels and toast them when you’re ready to eat.

Q3: Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead, place it in the fridge, and let it rise slowly overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and boiling.

Q4: Why do I need to boil the bagels?

Boiling the bagels is a key step that gives them their chewy texture and shiny, golden crust. It also helps set the dough before baking.

Conclusion

There you have it—your complete guide to making homemade bagels from scratch! By following these easy steps, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, golden bagels right in your own kitchen. The perfect combination of chewy, slightly sweet dough with a crisp, golden crust is now within your reach. Plus, with the ability to customize with various toppings, these bagels can become a breakfast staple, a sandwich base, or even a snack to enjoy at any time.

Whether you’re a bagel enthusiast or just getting started with baking, this recipe is a fantastic way to impress your friends and family, or simply treat yourself to something special. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the delicious aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through your home!