Master Homemade Everything Bagels: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Picture this: A warm, toasted bagel fresh out of the oven, its crisp exterior giving way to a soft, chewy interior, generously studded with an irresistible medley of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic, and onion. The smell wafting through your kitchen is nothing short of heavenly, promising a delightful flavor explosion with every bite. Homemade Everything Bagels are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re a way to transform your mornings into something special, an invitation to savor the little things in life.

Now, let me take you back to my first attempt at making these iconic bagels. It was a rainy Saturday afternoon, and I was determined to impress my friends with something homemade. Flour and water were flying everywhere, but the laughter and excitement in my kitchen made it all worthwhile. With each rise, I anticipated how my friends would marvel at my baking prowess. They’re perfect not just for breakfast but also for brunch gatherings, leisurely weekends, or simply when you need a tasty pick-me-up. I still remember those warm bagels flying off the cooling rack?let?s say it was a glorious moment, worth the flour explosion!

Ingredients for Homemade Everything Bagels

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Homemade Everything Bagels:

1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water ? The warmth of the water activates the yeast, but be careful not to scald it!

2 and 3/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast ? This is the magic ingredient that brings your bagels to life, making them wonderfully chewy.

4 cups (520g) bread flour ? Opt for high-protein bread flour to achieve that perfect chewy texture.

1 Tablespoon packed light or dark brown sugar ? This adds a touch of sweetness and helps in caramelization during baking.

2 teaspoons salt ? Essential for flavor that makes your bagels truly sing.

Nonstick spray or 1 Tablespoon olive oil ? For coating your bowl and preventing the dough from sticking.

2 quarts water ? Used for the water bath; it?s crucial for achieving that classic bagel texture.

1/4 cup (85g) honey ? A natural sweetener that adds depth to your bagels when boiling them.

2 Tablespoons poppy seeds ? A traditional topping that adds a nutty crunch.

2 Tablespoons sesame seeds ? They lend a delightful texture and complement the flavor of your bagels.

1 Tablespoon dried minced onion ? This adds a savory kick to your everything bagel mix.

1 Tablespoon dried garlic flakes ? Because everything?s better with garlic, right?

1 Tablespoon coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt ? For that finishing touch, enhancing all the flavors.

1 egg white beaten with 1 Tablespoon water ? Used for an egg wash, giving your bagels a golden, shiny appearance.

How to Make Homemade Everything Bagels

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Homemade Everything Bagels:

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the warm water and yeast. Cover the bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly?this means your yeast is alive and kicking!

Step 2: Mix the Dough
Add the bread flour, brown sugar, and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed for about 2 minutes until everything is combined and starts to come together.

Step 3: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 6-7 minutes. It should feel soft and stretchy. To see if it?s ready, try the windowpane test?pull a small piece of dough; it should stretch thin enough to let light through without tearing.

Step 4: Let It Rise
Lightly grease a large bowl with oil or nonstick spray. Place the dough inside, turning it to coat all sides. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes or until it has doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape Your Bagels
Once risen, punch down the dough. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Then, poke a hole in the center of each ball and gently stretch it to form the bagel shape.

Step 6: Boil and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425?F (218?C). In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to boil, whisking in honey. Boil the bagels, 2-4 at a time, for 1 minute on each side. Then, transfer them onto a baking sheet. Brush with the egg wash, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Once the bagels are perfectly baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful homemade everything bagels fresh, or toast them up and spread with cream cheese for a breakfast treat that will have you smiling from ear to ear!

Perfecting Homemade Everything Bagels Cooking Process

The cooking sequence for Homemade Everything Bagels should start with preparing the dough, letting it rise, boiling the bagels, and finally baking them to perfection. This approach not only saves time but ensures each step contributes to that delightful chewy texture we all love.

Add Your Touch to Homemade Everything Bagels

Feel free to customize your Homemade Everything Bagels by experimenting with different toppings like everything spice blend, cheddar cheese, or even sundried tomatoes. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist or add seeds and spices of your choice for extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating Homemade Everything Bagels

To store your Homemade Everything Bagels, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or toaster for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

I remember the first time I made Homemade Everything Bagels; my friends couldn?t stop raving about how they tasted just like our favorite bagel shop! We devoured them all in one sitting, and it turned into one of those unforgettable evenings filled with laughter and second helpings.

FAQs About Homemade Everything Bagels

What is Homemade Everything Bagels?

Homemade Everything Bagels are freshly baked bagels topped with a savory blend of spices, including poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic flakes, and onion. They deliver a delightful crunchy exterior and a chewy interior, perfect for breakfast or as a sandwich base. You can easily make them at home using simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, and warm water. This recipe transforms ordinary bagels into something extraordinary, giving you the freedom to customize the toppings and flavors to your liking. They?re a hit at breakfast tables or brunch gatherings.

How do I store Homemade Everything Bagels?

To store Homemade Everything Bagels, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them inside a freezer-safe bag. When you?re ready to indulge again, simply reheat them in the oven or toaster for that hot and fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. This ensures that you?ll have delicious bagels available anytime, maintaining the great texture and flavor that make them so irresistible.

Can I customize my Homemade Everything Bagels?

Absolutely! Customizing your Homemade Everything Bagels is easy and fun. You can experiment with different toppings beyond the classic everything mix, such as shredded cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or even fresh herbs. For a healthier version, try using whole wheat flour instead of bread flour. Feel free to add your own mix of spices and seeds for a unique flavor profile that suits your taste. The beauty of bagel-making at home lies in its versatility.

Why are Homemade Everything Bagels better than store-bought?

Homemade Everything Bagels surpass their store-bought counterparts in taste, freshness, and customization. When you make them at home, you control the quality of ingredients, allowing for a richer, more flavorful product. Furthermore, baking at home gives you the pleasure of creating a chewy, crispy bagel that is simply unparalleled. Plus, the satisfaction of pulling them fresh from your oven is an experience that store-bought options just can?t replicate.

Conclusion for Homemade Everything Bagels

In summary, Homemade Everything Bagels are a delightful treat that brings the bagel shop experience right to your kitchen. By crafting these chewy, flavorful bagels, you not only enjoy a fantastic meal but also have the opportunity to personalize them according to your preferences. Remember, the joy of making Homemade Everything Bagels lies in the process and the sweet rewards it brings. So, gather your ingredients and start your bagel-making journey today!

Homemade Everything Bagels

Delight in homemade everything bagels topped with a savory spice blend for a perfect breakfast treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Cooling Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 bagels

Course: Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Dough

• 1.5 cups warm water between 100-110?F (38-43?C)
• 2.75 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 Tablespoon brown sugar packed light or dark (or barley malt syrup)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil for coating the bowl

Water Bath

• 2 quarts water for water bath
• 0.25 cups honey or barley malt syrup

Toppings

• 2 Tablespoons poppy seeds for topping
• 2 Tablespoons sesame seeds for topping
• 1 Tablespoon dried minced onion for topping
• 1 Tablespoon dried garlic flakes for topping
• 1 Tablespoon coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt for topping

Egg Wash

• 1 egg white beaten with water 1 Tablespoon water

Equipment

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

Method

 

Dough Preparation

1. Whisk the warm water and yeast together in the bowl of a stand mixer. Cover and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Beat on low speed for 2 minutes.
3. Knead the dough for 6-7 minutes until it feels a little soft and passes the windowpane test.
4. Lightly grease a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover and allow to rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes or until double in size.

Baking Preparation

1. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Punch down the dough, divide into 8 equal pieces, and shape into balls. Poke a hole in the center of each ball to shape the bagels.
3. Preheat oven to 425?F (218?C).
4. Fill a large pot with 2 quarts of water, whisk in the honey, and bring to a boil.
5. Cook bagels in boiling water for 1 minute on each side, 2-4 at a time.
6. Brush the egg wash on top and around the sides of each bagel. Dip into the everything bagel seasoning mix.
7. Place 4 bagels onto each lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until dark golden brown.
8. Allow bagels to cool on the baking sheets for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bagel

Notes

Feel free to customize these bagels with different toppings and flours to suit your preferences.

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