Classic Homemade Bagels

Making Classic Homemade Bagels is a rewarding process that gives you fresh, chewy, and delicious bagels right out of the oven. Here’s a simple recipe for making them from scratch:

Classic Homemade Bagels Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• 2 tbsp honey (for boiling water)
• Toppings (optional): sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion flakes, or salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve, then sprinkle the yeast over the water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and the vegetable oil. Stir until the dough comes together, then knead for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels

1. Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles.
2. Divide the dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces (or more if you prefer smaller bagels). Roll each piece into a ball.
3. Form the bagels: To shape each bagel, use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball, then gently stretch the hole to about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Be careful not to tear the dough.

Step 4: Boil the Bagels

1. Boil the water: In a large pot, bring about 4-5 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the honey (this gives the bagels a shiny, golden crust).
2. Boil the bagels: Once the water is boiling, carefully drop in the bagels, one or two at a time. Let them boil for 1-2 minutes on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake the Bagels

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Add toppings (optional): If you want to top your bagels with seeds or other toppings, gently brush each bagel with water and sprinkle on your choice of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or garlic.
3. Bake: Place the bagels in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Let the bagels cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Tips:

• Make ahead: You can prepare the dough the night before, let it rise in the fridge overnight, and then shape and boil the bagels the next day.
• Chewy bagels: If you want your bagels to be extra chewy, consider using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour, as it has more protein, which contributes to the chewiness.
• Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your bagel toppings! Some people love cinnamon sugar, while others prefer everything bagel seasoning (a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and salt).

Enjoy your classic homemade bagels, perfect for breakfast with cream cheese, lox, or just butter!