Description
Learn how to make fluffy homemade plain bagels with this easy and ultimate recipe. Perfect for breakfast or any meal, these bagels have a soft, chewy texture and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F or 45°C)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling solution)
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
- Sesame seeds or poppy seeds (for topping, optional)
- Coarse sea salt (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour and salt.
- Mix Dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the yeast mixture to the well, stirring to create a dough.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Let It Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Shape Bagels: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center. Stretch it gently to shape each bagel.
- Boil the Bagels: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add honey to the water. Carefully drop the bagels in batches and boil for about 1 minute on each side.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the boiled bagels onto the sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Egg Wash: If desired, whisk the egg in a bowl and brush it over the bagels. This will give them a nice golden color.
- Top the Bagels: Sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds, if using, along with sea salt on top of the bagels.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
Notes
- Use bread flour for the best chewy texture.
- Ensure water temperature is correct for yeast activation.
- A warm place helps the dough rise faster.
- Honey in boiling water adds color and flavor.
- Allow bagels to cool completely for optimal texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cooled bagels in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Baking, Breakfast
- Method: Boiling and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg