Delicious Sourdough Discard Bagels Made Easy at Home

Sourdough Discard Bagels are the delightful, chewy pastries that transform regular mornings into something extraordinary. Imagine pulling a fresh batch from the oven, their golden-brown tops glistening with a delicious egg wash while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. These bagels, made from unfed sourdough starter, are the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day—a perfect blend of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Picture, if you will, Saturday mornings spent leisurely sipping coffee, eagerly awaiting the first bite of a homemade bagel. The joy of creating these Sourdough Discard Bagels isn’t just in the baking; it’s in the ritual, the anticipation that builds as they rise and the memories crafted with each delicious bite. Ideal for brunch with friends or a cozy breakfast in bed, these bagels promise to elevate any occasion.

Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Bagels

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Sourdough Discard Bagels:

4 cups bread flour – This high-protein flour gives you those chewy, delectable bagels that are worth their weight in gold.

3 tablespoons granulated sugar – A little sweetness goes a long way in bringing out the flavor of the dough.

1 teaspoon instant yeast – This little powerhouse is essential for that perfect rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.

2 teaspoons kosher salt – It enhances the flavor profile and balances the bagels’ sweetness beautifully.

200 grams sourdough discard – This unfed sourdough starter is key for flavor and adds wonderful texture to your bagels.

1 ¼ cups warm water – The warm water helps wake up the yeast and creates a lovely dough consistency.

1 egg white for egg wash – This gives the bagels a beautiful, shiny finish.

1 tablespoon water for egg wash – Mixing with egg white makes for an easier application.

Toppings (optional) – Go wild! From sesame seeds to everything bagel seasoning, the choice is yours.

How to Make Sourdough Discard Bagels

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Sourdough Discard Bagels:

Step 1: Mix Your Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the bread flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, instant yeast, and salt. Mix on low speed before adding the sourdough discard and warm water. Increase the speed to medium and knead for 4-5 minutes until the dough forms a smooth ball. Adjust the flour or water as necessary to achieve the right consistency.

Step 2: Let It Rise
Grease a large bowl and place the dough inside, covering it with plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for about 90 minutes or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Turn the risen dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball and use your thumb to poke a hole in the center, forming a bagel. Cover them with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Boil the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper. In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of sugar to a boil.

Step 5: Dunk and Transfer
Carefully place the bagels in the boiling water for 15-30 seconds on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the pot and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Mix the egg white with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the bagels, adding your favorite toppings if desired. Bake the bagels for 18-22 minutes or until they are a glorious golden brown. Let them cool fully before slicing them open and enjoying!

Now remember, whether you slather them with cream cheese, layer on egg salad, or eat them plain, these Sourdough Discard Bagels are a delight. With each bite, the chewy texture and tangy flavor remind you that you’ve made something special at home. Enjoy experimenting with toppings and share your creations with friends—the joy of homemade bagels is best when shared!

Perfecting Sourdough Discard Bagels Cooking Process

To achieve perfect Sourdough Discard Bagels, mix your dry ingredients first, then add the wet ones. While the dough rises, prepare your boiling water. Once shaped, poach the bagels before baking them for a delightful texture that delights the senses.

Add Your Touch to Sourdough Discard Bagels

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Swap regular flour for whole wheat or add spices like garlic or onion powder to the dough. Top your bagels with sesame seeds, everything seasoning, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect bite.

Storing & Reheating Sourdough Discard Bagels

To store your Sourdough Discard Bagels, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them! Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that fresh-baked taste.

It was a chilly Saturday morning when I first attempted these Sourdough Discard Bagels. The aroma wafting through my kitchen had my family convinced they were from a gourmet bagel shop. Seeing their surprised faces made me chuckle.

FAQs About Sourdough Discard Bagels

What are Sourdough Discard Bagels?

Sourdough Discard Bagels are a delightful way to utilize the excess sourdough starter that accumulates during your baking adventures. Instead of tossing it out, you can transform it into bagels that are not only tasty but also rich in flavor. These bagels benefit from the natural fermentation and tanginess of sourdough, elevating them from ordinary bagels to extraordinary delights. Making them at home is a fun and rewarding process that yields delicious results perfect for breakfast or snacking.

How do you store Sourdough Discard Bagels?

To keep your Sourdough Discard Bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to keep them longer, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that just-baked goodness.

Can I customize my Sourdough Discard Bagels?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Sourdough Discard Bagels is their versatility. You can easily customize the dough by incorporating different spices, herbs, or even cheese for added flavor. If you enjoy variety, consider topping the bagels with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning before baking. You can also experiment with different flours, like whole wheat or spelt, to give your bagels unique characteristics and nutritional benefits.

Can I make Sourdough Discard Bagels gluten-free?

Yes, making gluten-free Sourdough Discard Bagels is possible, though it requires some adjustments. You’ll need a gluten-free flour blend to create a similar consistency. Adding xanthan gum can help mimic the elasticity of traditional dough. Also, ensure your sourdough starter is gluten-free, made from non-wheat grains like rice or buckwheat. While gluten-free versions might differ in texture, they can still be delicious and enjoyable.

Conclusion for Sourdough Discard Bagels

Sourdough Discard Bagels are a fantastic way to repurpose your sourdough starter while enjoying a delicious breakfast treat. By following a simple process involving mixing, rising, and boiling before baking, you can achieve bagels that are beautifully chewy and flavorful. Feel free to personalize these bagels with your favorite toppings or spices to make them your own. Whether fresh out of the oven or toasted, Sourdough Discard Bagels bring joy to any meal, proving that eliminating waste can be an incredibly tasty journey.

Sourdough Discard Bagels

Delicious Sourdough Discard Bagels made easy at home, utilizing leftover sourdough starter for a unique flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Rising Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 bagels

Course: Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 273

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Dough Ingredients

• 4 cups bread flour
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 200 grams sourdough discard unfed, at room temperature
• 1.25 cups warm water

Egg Wash Ingredients

• 1 egg white for egg wash
• 1 Tablespoon water for egg wash

Toppings

• Toppings (optional)

Equipment

• Stand mixer
• large pot
• Baking Sheets
• parchment paper

Method

 

Making the Dough

1. Combine flour, 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment. Mix to combine.
2. On low speed, add the sourdough discard and warm water until combined. Increase speed to medium and knead for 4-5 minutes until a smooth ball forms.
3. Adjust flour or water as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.

Rising the Dough

1. Grease a large bowl, transfer the dough to the bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for 90 minutes or until doubled in size.

Shaping Bagels

1. Turn the dough out onto a smooth surface and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces.
2. Roll each piece in your palm to form a smooth ball and use your thumb to press through the center of each ball to form a bagel.
3. Cover the bagels with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 20 minutes.

Boiling and Baking

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Prepare 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
2. Bring a pot with 2 quarts of water and 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar to boil.
3. Place bagels in boiling water for 15-30 seconds on each side. Remove from boiling water using a slotted spoon and transfer to the prepared baking sheets.
4. Whisk together the egg white and 1 Tablespoon water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the bagels with the egg wash and sprinkle with toppings if using.
5. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool fully before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bagelCalories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 9gFat: 1gSodium: 592mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

Feel free to experiment with toppings and spices to customize your bagels.

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