Introduction
Have you ever wondered how to make bagels at home that rival those from your favorite bakery? Crafting your own bagels not only allows you to enjoy fresh, warm bread but also offers the satisfaction of creating a beloved classic from scratch. In this guide, we'll walk you through an irresistible homemade bagels recipe that's both easy and delicious, ensuring you can enjoy this treat again and again.
Ingredients List
Creating the perfect bagel starts with the right ingredients. Here's what you'll need:
- 4 cups bread flour: Provides the necessary gluten for a chewy texture.
- 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dough.
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise.
- 1½ cups warm water: Activates the yeast and forms the dough.
- 8 cups water: For the boiling bath.
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar: Sweetens the boiling water.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Alkalizes the water, contributing to a shiny crust.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Seasoning for the boiling water.
- Toppings of your choice: Such as everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds.
Note: If you prefer a whole-grain option, you can substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour.
Timing
- Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 23 to 27 minutes.
- Total Time: Around 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes.
This is comparable to many traditional bagel recipes, which often require similar time frames.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of bread flour, 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar, and 1½ teaspoons of kosher salt.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast in 1½ cups of warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and stir until a rough dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed for approximately 7 minutes.
3. First Rise
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Bagels
- Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 10 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the center, gently stretching it to form a ring.
- Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with a damp cloth, and let them rest for about 30 minutes.
5. Boil the Bagels
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, two at a time, and boil for 1 minute on each side.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the bagels and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Add Toppings and Bake
- If desired, sprinkle your chosen toppings onto the wet bagels.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Nutritional Information
Each homemade bagel contains approximately:
- Calories: 224
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 440mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Calcium: 12mg
- Iron: 1mg
These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this bagel recipe more nutritious without compromising on taste:
- Whole Grain Flour: Substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content.
- Reduce Sugar: Use less sugar in the dough and boiling water to lower calorie content.
- Lower Sodium: Use less salt in the dough and boiling water to reduce sodium intake.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your homemade bagels in various ways:
- Classic Spread: Toast and spread with cream cheese for a traditional treat.