Homemade Everything Bagels

Waking up to the aroma of freshly baked bagels brings me back to my childhood. Saturday mornings meant a visit to the local bagel shop. The warm, chewy goodness of everything bagels paired perfectly with cream cheese made those mornings special. As I grew older, I became curious about recreating that magic in my kitchen.

Homemade everything bagels turned out to be easier than I imagined. With just a handful of simple ingredients, I found a way to capture the essence of those cherished bagel shop treats. The flavor of everything bagel seasoning adds depth and character, making each bagel a delight to savor.

This recipe strips away the mystery of bagel-making, inviting you to craft these delicious treats at home. With a bit of patience and some hands-on fun, you can create a batch that rivals any local bakery. Get ready to enjoy the satisfaction of homemade everything bagels, ready to be enjoyed fresh out of the oven.

Fundamentals

Bagel-making combines science and art. The process begins with high-quality ingredients, mainly bread flour, which gives the bagels their desired chewiness. Instant yeast provides the necessary rise, while kosher salt enhances the flavors.

Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, lending strength and elasticity to the dough. This elasticity is essential for achieving that beloved bagel texture. Understanding these fundamentals paves the way for successful baking.

Preparation/Setup

Creating homemade everything bagels requires a few steps but is worth every moment. First, gather all the essential ingredients: 4 ⅔ cups of bread flour, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of instant yeast, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 ⅔ cup of warm water. You’ll also need an egg white mixed with a tablespoon of water for the egg wash and 3 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning for that iconic finish.

Ensure you have a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, a clean work surface for kneading, and baking sheets lined with parchment or silicone mats ready for the bagels.

Ingredients

• 4 ⅔ cups bread flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 ⅔ cup warm water
• 1 egg white + 1 tablespoon water (for the egg wash)
• 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

These straightforward ingredients come together to create the foundation of your bagels. Each component plays a role in delivering the perfect bagel experience.

Directions

Begin by combining the flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, instant yeast, and kosher salt in the bowl of your stand mixer. Turn the mixer on low and slowly add the warm water. This mixture should come together to form a shaggy dough.

Next, transfer the dough to a clean work surface and knead for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth and soft. At this stage, it should not feel sticky; adjust with additional flour or water as needed.

Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap to let it rise for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size. Once risen, divide the dough into 10 equal pieces. To achieve uniformity, consider using a kitchen scale.

Shape each piece into a ball, pressing your thumb through the center to create a hole, making it larger than you think necessary, as it will expand during baking. Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rest for 20 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water with 2 tablespoons of sugar to a boil. Boil each bagel for 45-60 seconds on each side, ensuring they float. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.

Finally, whisk the egg white and water for the egg wash. Brush each bagel lightly, sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning, and bake for 20-22 minutes or until golden brown. Allow them to cool fully before slicing.

Technique

Perfecting the bagel-making technique involves several crucial steps. The kneading process plays an important role in developing the dough’s elasticity, which is essential for achieving that desirable chew. Ensuring you knead the dough just right can significantly impact the final product.

Boiling the bagels creates a unique texture. It forms a crust that holds the bagel’s structure during baking. The ideal boiling time allows you to find that perfect balance between a chewy exterior and a soft inside.

Tips/Tricks

Keeping your work surface lightly floured while kneading helps prevent the dough from sticking excessively. Don’t rush the resting period; letting the dough rise properly is vital for flavor and texture development.

When shaping the bagels, remember that they will expand, so make the holes larger than you think they should be.

If you want an extra crunch, feel free to place the bagels in the oven at slightly higher heat for a few minutes at the end of baking. This ensures they gain that lovely golden-brown crust.

Perfecting Results

Achieving perfect homemade everything bagels may take practice, but with attention to detail, you can master it. Start with quality ingredients and ensure you’re using fresh yeast for the best rise.

Timing is essential when boiling. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot; this promotes even cooking and floating.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your bagels don’t float while boiling, it may indicate that the dough hasn’t risen enough. Give it more time to rise and try again.

Consider adding different toppings or flavorings to your bagels. Try sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a twist of garlic for variations that’ll keep breakfast exciting.

Serving/Presentation

Presenting your homemade everything bagels can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. Serve them warm, sliced, with cream cheese and your favorite toppings. Fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes elevate the experience, while smoked salmon can add a luxurious touch.

Cut them into halves, then arrange them on a platter for a beautiful spread that invites sharing.

Pairings/Storage

These bagels pair wonderfully with spreads like cream cheese, but you can also serve them with hummus or avocado for a healthier option. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just be sure to slice them beforehand for easy toasting later.

Homemade everything bagels provide the satisfaction of creating something hearty and beloved.

With practice, you’ll develop the techniques needed to enjoy delicious, homemade bagels on weekends or any day of the week. Embrace the process and let each batch become better than the last.

Happy baking and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

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