Easy Bagels
Discover the joy of making homemade bread with this foolproof recipe for Easy Bagels! Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires just a handful of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. With minimal prep time and a simple boiling technique that gives these bagels their signature chewy texture, you’ll have bakery-quality results right from your own oven. Customize each batch with your favorite toppings, from sesame seeds to everything seasoning, or keep them plain for a classic touch. Ready in under two hours, these golden-brown bagels are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you’re craving a fresh-baked treat.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 1 tablespoon Granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1.25 cups Warm water
- 10 cups Water (for boiling)
- 1 tablespoon Honey or brown sugar (for boiling water)
- as needed Optional toppings (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is sticky, add small amounts of flour as needed.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rest and rise for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball.
To form the bagels, take each dough ball and press your thumb through the center to create a hole. Stretch the hole gently to about 1.5 inches in diameter, as it will shrink slightly during boiling and baking.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
Carefully add 2-3 bagels at a time to the boiling water. Boil each side for 1 minute, then remove with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
If desired, sprinkle optional toppings onto the wet bagels immediately after removing them from the water to help them stick.
Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Transfer the bagels to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade bagels plain, with cream cheese, or any spread of your choice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1691 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.9 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g | 4% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4780 mg | 208% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 354.3 g | 129% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.6 g | ||
| Protein | 47.5 g | 95% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 71 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 20.5 mg | 114% | |
| Potassium | 560 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
