Homemade Chewy Bagels
There's nothing quite like a freshly baked bagel! This easy recipe for homemade bagels gives you deliciously chewy, sweet bagels that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of day. The dough is simple to make in your bread machine, and you can customize your bagels with various toppings. Enjoy the satisfaction of crafting your own bagels that will stay fresh for days—or longer if they don't get eaten first!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lukewarm water
1 1/4 cups (N/A)
White bread flour
3 cups (N/A)
Brown sugar
3 1/3 tablespoons (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Fast rise yeast or active dry yeast
2 1/2 teaspoons or 3 1/4 teaspoons (N/A)
Egg
1 (Beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash)
Sugar (for boiling water)
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Cornmeal (for baking sheet)
As needed (N/A)
Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)
As desired (N/A)
Instructions
1
In your bread machine, combine the lukewarm water, white bread flour, brown sugar, salt, and yeast according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2
Select the 'Dough' cycle on your bread machine and start it. Once the first kneading cycle is complete (approximately 20-30 minutes), carefully remove the dough.
3
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
4
Shape each piece of dough into a ball. Use your thumb to make a hole in the center of each ball and gently stretch the dough to form a bagel shape.
5
Place the shaped bagels onto a floured surface or a baking sheet and let them rise until doubled in size, approximately 30-60 minutes.
6
While the bagels are rising, bring 3 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of sugar to a rapid boil in a large saucepan.
7
To test the readiness of the water, drop a small piece of reserved dough into the boiling water. If it rises to the top immediately, the water is ready.
8
Using a slotted spoon, carefully drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water. Boil each side for 1.5 minutes.
9
After boiling, remove the bagels and place them on a cooling rack for about 1 minute. Brush the tops with an egg wash made by whisking together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds.
10
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bagels on a baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown.
12
For variations, use the provided hints for making bagel sticks or chips as needed.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bagels does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes 8 equal-sized homemade bagels.
What kind of flour should I use for these bagels?
You should use 3 cups of white bread flour for the best results.
Which bread machine setting is recommended?
You should select the 'Dough' cycle on your bread machine.
When should I remove the dough from the bread machine?
Remove the dough once the first kneading cycle is complete, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
How do I shape the dough into a bagel?
Shape each piece into a ball, use your thumb to make a hole in the center, and gently stretch the dough to form the bagel shape.
How long should the shaped bagels rise?
Let the shaped bagels rise until they have doubled in size, which usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
What goes into the boiling water?
The boiling water consists of 3 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
How can I test if the water is ready for boiling the bagels?
Drop a small piece of reserved dough into the water; if it rises to the top immediately, the water is ready.
How long do you boil each side of the bagel?
Boil each side of the bagel for 1.5 minutes.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
The egg wash is used to brush the tops of the bagels before baking, allowing toppings like seeds to stick and giving the bagels a golden finish.
How do I make the egg wash?
Whisk together 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of water.
What are some recommended toppings?
You can sprinkle the bagels with sesame seeds or poppy seeds as desired.
What should be sprinkled on the baking sheet?
The baking sheet should be sprinkled with cornmeal to prevent sticking and add texture.
What is the required oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the bagels need to bake?
Bake the bagels for approximately 15 minutes.
How do I know when the bagels are finished baking?
The bagels are done when they have turned golden brown.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of fast rise yeast?
Yes, you can use either 2 1/2 teaspoons of fast rise yeast or 3 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
How much salt is required for the dough?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
What type of sugar is used in the bagel dough?
The dough uses 3 1/3 tablespoons of brown sugar.
How much lukewarm water is needed?
You will need 1 1/4 cups of lukewarm water for the dough.
What tool is best for removing bagels from the boiling water?
A slotted spoon is recommended for carefully removing the bagels.
How long should bagels rest after boiling?
Place the bagels on a cooling rack for about 1 minute after boiling before applying the egg wash.
Are there other variations for this bagel dough?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can use the dough to make bagel sticks or bagel chips.
How long do these homemade bagels stay fresh?
These bagels will stay fresh for several days after baking.
What is the primary texture of these bagels?
These bagels are designed to be deliciously chewy.
How many bagels should be boiled at once?
It is best to boil 2 to 3 bagels at a time in the saucepan.
What is the total amount of sugar used in the boiling process?
1 tablespoon of sugar is added to the 3 quarts of boiling water.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe for homemade bagels that utilizes a bread machine for convenience.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include bagel, bread machine, yeast bread, breakfast, chewy bagels, and homemade.
Can these be eaten for snacks?
Absolutely, they are perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of day.