Homemade Bagels Recipe – Perfectly Soft and Chewy
If you’ve ever wanted to make your own bagels at home, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating delicious, chewy, golden bagels. They’re the perfect breakfast or snack, and with the addition of sesame seeds, you can give them that classic look and flavor. This step-by-step guide will show you how to make homemade bagels from scratch, ensuring that every bite is fresh and full of flavor.
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 bagels
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 205g |
| All-Purpose Flour (00) | 350g |
| Fine Salt | 6g |
| Dry Active Yeast | 4g |
| Malt (optional) | 10g |
| Sesame Seeds (for topping) | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
To start, sift the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl. This will help aerate the flour, ensuring that your dough will be light and easy to work with. Next, add the dry active yeast and fine salt to the flour. If you like, you can also add malt at this stage, which will give your bagels a slightly richer flavor and color.
Gradually pour the water into the flour mixture, stirring gently with your hands or a spoon to combine. Be sure to add the water slowly to help prevent lumps from forming. Once all the water is incorporated, transfer the mixture to a clean, flat surface (like a countertop or a large wooden board). Knead the dough for about 5-6 minutes. You should end up with a smooth, elastic dough.
Step 2: Let the Dough Rise
Once your dough is kneaded, cover it with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for about 40-50 minutes, or until it has tripled in size. If you prefer, you can place the dough in an oven with just the light on, as this will maintain a warm environment that helps the dough rise.
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Once the dough has risen, transfer it to a clean surface. Using a dough scraper or sharp knife, divide the dough into 6 equal pieces, each weighing approximately 90 grams. Roll each piece of dough into a small ball using the palms of your hands, gently pressing down against the surface as you rotate. This technique will help the dough become smooth and round.
Step 4: Form the Bagels
Now, it’s time to shape the bagels. Take each dough ball and, using your fingers, create a hole in the center of each ball. Gently stretch the dough outward to form a ring, aiming for a diameter of about 10 cm. Repeat this step with all six pieces of dough. Place the shaped bagels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Let the bagels rest and rise for another 40-50 minutes, until they have nearly doubled in size.
Step 5: Boil the Bagels
While the bagels are rising, prepare a large pot of water for boiling. Bring it to a gentle boil on the stovetop. To make the process easier, cut squares of parchment paper slightly larger than your bagels. These will help you transfer each bagel into the boiling water one by one without losing their shape. Once the water is boiling, drop the parchment square with the bagel into the pot. Allow each bagel to boil for about 20 seconds on each side. This step is essential to achieve that dense and chewy texture that bagels are famous for.
Step 6: Add the Sesame Seeds
After boiling, carefully lift the bagels out of the water using a slotted spoon. Place the bagels back on the parchment-lined baking tray. While they are still damp, sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds. This is the classic topping, but you can also add poppy seeds or any other toppings you prefer.
Step 7: Bake the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Once preheated, bake the bagels for about 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are crisp on the outside. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as you want the inside to remain soft and chewy.
Step 8: Let Cool and Serve
Once the bagels are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. You can enjoy them plain or with your favorite spreads, like cream cheese, butter, or jam.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Tips for Perfect Bagels
- Knead Thoroughly: Proper kneading is key to getting a smooth, elastic dough that will rise properly. Knead until the dough is soft and tacky but not sticky.
- Boil before Baking: The boiling step is crucial to getting that signature bagel texture, so don’t skip it! The water should be gently boiling, not at a rapid boil, to prevent the bagels from becoming too dense.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different toppings like garlic, onion, or everything bagel seasoning. You can also add toppings to the dough before shaping the bagels for a more integrated flavor.
Making bagels at home is a rewarding process, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself baking them again and again. These bagels are perfect for breakfast sandwiches, served with your favorite spread, or even toasted and dipped into soups. Enjoy your homemade bagels, and share the love with friends and family!
