There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through your kitchen. You know that feeling when you walk into your favorite bagel shop, and the scent of warm bread envelops you? With this Everything Bagel Recipe, you can recreate that experience right at home. These bagels are a perfect blend of chewy texture and savory toppings, making them ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a delightful snack. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the joy of homemade everything bagels!
The Upside of Everything Bagel Recipe
Making your own bagels at home not only gives you control over the ingredients but also allows for creativity in flavor combinations. The everything bagel is a favorite for many, thanks to its unique blend of toppings that include sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt. Plus, they’re versatile! You can enjoy them plain, toasted with cream cheese, or even as a base for a delicious sandwich. Let’s not forget the satisfaction that comes from crafting these delightful rings of goodness from scratch.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ teaspoons packed light brown sugar
- 4 ⅔ cups bread flour (plus extra, if needed)
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water (to mix with egg white for egg wash)
- 1 ½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
What’s in the Gear List
- Baking sheet: For placing your bagels before baking.
- Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Large mixing bowl: To combine your ingredients effectively.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
- Kitchen thermometer: To ensure your water is at the right temperature for yeast activation.
- Slotted spoon: For transferring bagels into and out of boiling water.
Step-by-Step: Everything Bagel Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Once the yeast is activated, add the bread flour and salt to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You want a dough that’s slightly tacky but not overly sticky.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Step 5: Shape the Bagels
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the center with your finger. Gently stretch the hole to form the classic bagel shape.
Step 6: Boil the Bagels
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop in the bagels, a few at a time. Boil for 1-2 minutes on each side. This step is crucial for achieving that chewy texture. Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Season
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the boiled bagels to give them a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously on top.
Step 8: Bake the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bagels for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or store them for later!
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
- Almond flour: Use almond flour instead of bread flour for a low-carb version.
- Flaxseed meal: A great addition for added fiber and nutrients.
- Cheese dough: Consider using mozzarella cheese and cream cheese for a keto-friendly bagel base.
Cook’s Notes
- For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding spices such as garlic powder or onion powder directly into the dough.
- Keep the dough covered while you shape the bagels to prevent it from drying out.
- Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try adding dried herbs or different seeds.
- Boiling the bagels is critical for texture; don’t skip this step!
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your everything bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply toast them directly from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature.
Ask the Chef
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise. After shaping, you can refrigerate it overnight. Just allow it to come to room temperature before boiling and baking.
What if my bagels don’t rise?
If your bagels are not rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your water temperature is warm (not hot) when activating the yeast. If it doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it’s best to start over with fresh yeast.
Can I add flavors to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to mix in herbs, spices, or even cheese into the dough for a personalized twist on your bagels.
How do I achieve a shiny crust?
The egg wash is key for a shiny crust. Ensure you apply it evenly before baking. You can also add a bit of honey to the boiling water for extra shine!
You Might Also Like
Next Steps
Now that you have your very own Everything Bagel Recipe, it’s time to get creative! Experiment with different toppings, fillings, and even spreads. Share your creations with friends and family, and make bagel-making a fun weekend tradition. Happy baking!
Everything Bagel Recipe
Ingredients
For the Bagels:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast
- 2 ½ teaspoons packed light brown sugar
- 4 ⅔ cups bread flour (plus extra, if needed)
- 1 ¾ teaspoons salt
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon water (to mix with egg white for egg wash)
- 1 ½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Once the yeast is activated, add the bread flour and salt to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
- Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape them into bagels.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Boil the bagels for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Brush the boiled bagels with the egg wash and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the bagels for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen Thermometer
- Slotted Spoon
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic or onion powder to the dough.
- Keep dough covered while shaping to prevent drying out.
- Experiment with different toppings and herbs!
- Boiling is crucial for achieving the bagel's chewy texture.
