Homemade Bagels

$- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 2 teaspoons instant yeast - 1 ½ cups warm water - 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling) - Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning (for topping) - Optional: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) You can swap out certain ingredients if needed. For a gluten-free option, use alternative flours like almond or coconut flour. When it comes to sweeteners, feel free to use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. If you don't have instant yeast, active dry yeast works too. Just remember to activate it in warm water first before mixing it into the dough. These tips can help you make bagels that fit your needs. Be creative! Enjoy the process and find what works best for you. If you want to follow the complete steps, check the Full Recipe link. Happy bagel making! First, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the dry items: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 2 teaspoons instant yeast Stir these well until they blend. Next, gradually add warm water. You want about 1 ½ cups, at 110°F. Mix with your hands or a wooden spoon until the dough forms. It will be shaggy at first. Now, transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 10 minutes. You want it smooth and elastic. If it feels sticky, add a little more flour. Once the dough feels right, form it into a ball. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm spot to rise for 1 hour. It should double in size. After it has risen, gently punch it down to release air. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Then, poke a hole in the center of each ball. Stretch it gently to form the bagel shape. Place them on a baking sheet, spaced apart. Next, prepare to boil water. In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey. Carefully add each bagel to the water. Cook for 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the baking sheet. If you want a glossy finish, brush the tops with a beaten egg. Then, sprinkle your favorite toppings on them. Finally, bake the bagels in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and feel chewy. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen! Kneading your dough is key. It helps build gluten, which gives bagels their chew. Knead for at least 10 minutes until the dough feels smooth. If it’s sticky, add a little more flour. This will help you achieve a great crust. A chewy crust comes from boiling the bagels. Boil them in honey water for about 1 minute on each side. This step creates that classic bagel texture we all love. You can make your bagels special by adding spices or flavorings. Try garlic powder or onion powder in the dough for extra taste. You can also mix in herbs like dill or rosemary. Toppings are just as important. Classic sesame seeds and poppy seeds add crunch. For something different, use everything bagel seasoning. Be generous with your toppings; it makes your bagels look and taste amazing. Don't let your dough become too sticky. Use enough flour while kneading. If it sticks to your hands, it’s too wet. Also, watch out for overproofing. If you let the dough rise too long, it can lose its shape. Check for a good rise, but don’t wait too long. Perfect bagels need a balance of time and care. {{image_4}} You can add herbs and spices to the dough for extra flavor. Think garlic powder, onion powder, or dried basil. These mix well and make your bagels unique. You can also sprinkle cheese or meats on top after boiling. Shredded cheddar, bacon, or pepperoni can make your bagels even tastier. Bagels can be sweet or savory. For sweet options, try cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of honey. Savory choices include cream cheese, lox, or capers. Many love the classic combo of cream cheese and smoked salmon. Mixing different toppings can create fun flavors. The classic bagel shape is round with a hole in the middle. But you can get creative! Try making mini bagels or bagel bites for snacks. Shaping them differently can add fun to any meal. Just remember, the taste stays great no matter the shape! To keep your bagels fresh for a few days, store them in a paper bag. A paper bag allows air to flow while keeping moisture inside. This prevents your bagels from getting too soft or soggy. If you prefer, you can also wrap them in a clean kitchen towel. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and make the bagels chewy. For longer storage, freezing bagels is the best option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each bagel in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bagels in a freezer bag or airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you want to enjoy a bagel, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. For reheating, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bagel directly on the rack for about 10 minutes. This method revives the bagel’s crust and makes it warm and chewy again. You can also toast them if you like a little crunch. To keep toppings fresh, store them separately from the bagels. Use small airtight containers for toppings like cream cheese or spreads. You can keep them in the fridge for about one week. If you have fresh veggies or herbs, wrap them in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag. This keeps them crisp and full of flavor. Make sure to check your toppings often to avoid spoilage. Enjoy your homemade bagels with fresh and tasty toppings every time! For the full recipe, check out Bagel Bliss: A Chewy Delight 🥯. Homemade bagels can last about 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Store them in a paper bag to keep them fresh. If you want to save them longer, freeze them. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Yes, you can make bagels without yeast! Instead, use baking powder as a leavening agent. This method will give you a denser, yet still tasty, bagel. Just mix the dry ingredients, add water, and shape the dough. Bake as usual. You can pair homemade bagels with many toppings. Here are some ideas: - Cream cheese - Butter - Smoked salmon - Avocado - Hummus - Peanut butter - Jam or jelly Feel free to mix and match according to your taste! If your dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour while kneading. Kneading helps develop gluten, which is key for bagel texture. If your dough doesn’t rise, check if your yeast is fresh. Warm water should be around 110°F to activate the yeast. For the complete recipe for Homemade Bagels, check out Bagel Bliss: A Chewy Delight 🥯. Making bagels at home is fun and tasty. We covered the main ingredients and substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions, along with tips for perfect texture and flavor. We explored variations in shapes and toppings. You also got storage advice and FAQs to help you out. Now you can enjoy fresh bagels anytime. Happy baking!$

Discover the joy of homemade bagels with this easy recipe! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up chewy, golden bagels that are perfect for brunch or a snack. From mixing the dough to boiling and baking, follow these simple steps for bagel bliss. Don't forget to customize your toppings for a delicious twist.

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons instant yeast

1 ½ cups warm water (around 110°F)

1 tablespoon honey (for boiling)

Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning (for topping)

Optional: 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir until well mixed.

Gradually pour in the warm water, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough begins to form.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You can add a bit more flour if it feels too sticky.

Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, then set it in a warm area to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces, rolling each piece into a round ball.

Using your finger, poke a hole in the center of each ball, then gently stretch it to form a bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.

In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil, then stir in the honey. Carefully add each bagel to the boiling water, cooking them for 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and return them to the baking sheet.

If you choose, brush the tops of the boiled bagels with beaten egg for a glossy finish. Then sprinkle your desired toppings generously over them.

Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a lovely chewy texture.

Remove the bagels from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before enjoying.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 10 bagels

- Presentation Tips: Serve the warm bagels on a rustic wooden board, accompanied by cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite spreads to create an inviting brunch display.