Homemade Classic Bagels with Sesame or Poppy Seeds Recipe

Introduction

Homemade bagels offer a delightful experience that beats store-bought versions every time. With a chewy texture and golden crust, these bagels are perfect for breakfast or a satisfying snack. Let’s dive into making these classic bagels from scratch.

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir them together until evenly mixed.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Step 3: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the vegetable oil and honey.
4. Step 4: Stir the mixture until it begins to form a rough dough. Then, turn it out onto a floured surface.
5. Step 5: Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
6. Step 6: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn it once to coat. Cover with a towel or plastic wrap.
7. Step 7: Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
8. Step 8: Punch down the dough gently, then divide it into 8 equal pieces on a floured surface.
9. Step 9: Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger and gently stretch to form a ring.
10. Step 10: Place the bagels on a lightly greased baking sheet spaced apart. Cover and let rise for 20 minutes.
11. Step 11: Bring a large pot of water to boil, then reduce to a simmer. Boil bagels one or two at a time for 1-2 minutes per side.
12. Step 12: Remove bagels with a slotted spoon and place back on the baking sheet.
13. Step 13: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
14. Step 14: Beat the egg and brush over bagels for a shiny, golden finish. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
15. Step 15: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
16. Step 16: Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use bread flour instead of all-purpose for a chewier texture.
• Add cinnamon and raisins for a sweet twist.
• Boil bagels with a tablespoon of baking soda for a traditional slightly tangy crust.
• Try different toppings like everything bagel seasoning or coarse salt for variety.

Storage

Store bagels in a paper bag at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the crust crisp. For longer storage, slice and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Reheat by toasting or warming in the oven to restore freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast. Use slightly less and add it directly to the dry ingredients without dissolving in water. Adjust rising times as needed.

Why do I need to boil the bagels before baking?

Boiling sets the crust and gives bagels their signature chewy texture while preventing them from rising too much in the oven. It’s a crucial step for authentic bagels.

Homemade Classic Bagels with Sesame or Poppy Seeds Recipe

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Homemade bagels are chewy, golden, and freshly baked bread rings made from a simple dough of flour, yeast, and water. These bagels are boiled briefly before baking to achieve their signature dense texture and glossy crust. Topped optionally with sesame or poppy seeds, they make a perfect breakfast or snack.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 bagels 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon honey

Topping and Finish

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together 4 cups of flour, sugar, and salt until evenly mixed.
2. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast in 1 1/2 cups warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. Mix Dough: Make a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the yeast mixture, add vegetable oil and honey, then mix until a rough dough forms.
4. Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. First Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in size.
6. Shape Bagels: Punch down dough, divide into 8 pieces, roll each into a ball, poke a hole through center, and stretch into rings.
7. Second Rise: Place bagels on greased baking sheet, cover, and let rise 20 minutes.
8. Boil Bagels: Bring water to a boil, reduce to simmer, boil bagels 1-2 minutes per side, then remove and return to baking sheet.
9. Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C).
10. Egg Wash and Toppings: Beat egg, brush over bagels, and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired.
11. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
12. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven, cool on wire rack, then serve fresh.

Notes

• Boiling the bagels before baking is crucial to achieve their characteristic chewy texture and shiny crust.
• Use room temperature water to activate yeast properly.
• You can experiment with different toppings such as everything bagel seasoning or omit seeds for plain bagels.
• Ensure the holes in the bagels are large enough as they will shrink during baking.
• For softer bagels, brush with melted butter after baking while still warm.

Keywords: Homemade bagels, bagel recipe, chewy bagels, boiled bagels, baking bread