Homemade Everything Bagels

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a warm, homemade bagel. The chewy texture, the delightful crust, and the savory flavor of an Everything Bagel are hard to resist. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Homemade Everything Bagels, which are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. With a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create bagels that rival your favorite bakery.

Reasons to Love Homemade Everything Bagels

Homemade Everything Bagels are not just a breakfast staple; they embody the spirit of comfort food. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love making them at home:

• Freshness: Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked bagels wafting through your kitchen.
• Customizable: You can adjust toppings and seasonings to your liking.
• Quality Ingredients: You know exactly what goes into your bagels, allowing for healthier choices.
• Fun Activity: Making bagels can be a fun activity to do with family or friends.
• Satisfaction: There’s a unique sense of accomplishment in making your own bread.

What Goes In

To make these delicious Homemade Everything Bagels, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 cup water + 2 tablespoons, room temperature
• 1 cup high-gluten flour or bread flour
• 1 cup high-gluten flour + 1 to 3 tablespoons
• 2 tablespoons diastatic malt powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 teaspoons white sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons black sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
• 2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 cup Everything Bagel seasoning

Appliances & Accessories

Before diving into the method, here’s a quick list of appliances and accessories you’ll need:

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing and kneading the dough much easier.
• Baking sheet: For baking your bagels.
• Parchment paper: To line your baking sheet.
• Large pot: For boiling the bagels.
• Slotted spoon: To remove the bagels from the boiling water.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurements.

Method: Homemade Everything Bagels

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get started on making Homemade Everything Bagels!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a bowl, combine the warm water and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a stand mixer bowl, combine the high-gluten flour, diastatic malt powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix the dry ingredients on low speed until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the dry ingredients. Knead the dough on medium speed for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add in an additional tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 3: First Rise

Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Shape the Bagels

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and then poke a hole in the center with your finger. Gently stretch the hole to form a bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Second Rise

Cover the bagels with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes. During this time, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 6: Boil the Bagels

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the molasses and baking soda. Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, a few at a time, and boil for about 30 seconds on each side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Brush the bagels with a mixture of egg whites and water, then sprinkle generously with Everything Bagel seasoning. If you like, you can also add extra sesame seeds, garlic, or onion for added flavor.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

Here are some fun ways to enjoy your Homemade Everything Bagels throughout the year:

• Spring: Top with fresh avocado and radishes.
• Summer: Make a bagel sandwich with smoked salmon and cream cheese.
• Fall: Serve with pumpkin cream cheese for a seasonal twist.
• Winter: Pair with hearty soups for a comforting meal.

Pro Tips & Notes

• For extra chewy bagels, let the dough rest in the refrigerator overnight after the first rise.
• If you don’t have diastatic malt powder, you can substitute with regular malt powder or simply omit it.
• Experiment with different toppings like cheese or herbs to create your own signature bagel.
• Always use high-gluten flour for the best texture; bread flour can be a good substitute if necessary.

Prep Ahead & Store

If you want to prep ahead, you can shape the bagels and refrigerate them overnight. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature and boil before baking.

For storage, keep leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or oven until warm.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why are my bagels too dense?

This can happen if the dough isn’t kneaded enough or if you used too much flour. Make sure to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.

What if my bagels don’t rise?

Ensure your yeast is fresh and your water is at the right temperature (not too hot). If it’s too cold, the yeast won’t activate properly.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead?

While high-gluten or bread flour is recommended for chewy bagels, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

How do I store leftover bagels?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the toaster for the best texture.

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See You at the Table

Now that you have this delightful recipe for Homemade Everything Bagels, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started. Whether you enjoy them plain, toasted with cream cheese, or as part of a hearty sandwich, these bagels are sure to become a beloved addition to your kitchen. Happy baking!

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