How to Make Homemade Bagels

Enjoy the satisfying taste of freshly baked bagels right from your own kitchen with this Easy Homemade Bagels recipe. Perfectly chewy and flavorful, these bagels are great for breakfast or any time of day.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Bagels:

• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ¼ cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for boiling)
• Toppings of choice: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt, etc.

How to Make Easy Homemade Bagels:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
• Gradually add warm water and mix until a dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

1. Shape and Rise:

• Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
• Flatten each ball slightly and poke a hole in the center with your finger.
• Gently stretch the hole to about 1/3 the diameter of the bagel.

1. Boil and Bake:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• Stir in honey (if using) to the boiling water.
• Boil the bagels, 2-3 at a time, for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

1. Add Toppings and Bake:

• Sprinkle bagels with toppings of choice (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.) while still wet from boiling.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
• Enjoy your homemade bagels plain or with your favorite spreads.

About the Main Ingredients:

• Bread Flour: Provides the necessary gluten structure for chewy bagels.
• Instant Yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly without needing to proof.
• Boiling Water with Honey: Gives bagels their characteristic chewy crust and adds a subtle sweetness.

These Easy Homemade Bagels are a rewarding baking project that yields delicious results. Customize them with various toppings and enjoy the freshness straight from your oven.