How To Make Delicious Homemade Bagels
Introduction
Bagels are a popular breakfast staple, and if you've ever tried making them at home, you know that the smell of freshly baked bagels is irresistible. Making bagels from scratch may seem intimidating, but with the right recipe and technique, it's a lot easier than you might think. In this article, we'll take you through the steps to make homemade bagels that are crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and absolutely delicious.Ingredients
To make bagels, you'll need the following ingredients:- 4 cups of bread flour
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 tablespoon of instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups of warm water
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon of water
- Optional toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well. 2. Add the warm water and stir until the dough comes together. 3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. 4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, until it has doubled in size. 5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 6. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. 7. Use your thumb to make a hole in the center of each ball, and stretch the dough to make the hole about 2 inches in diameter. 8. Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and let them rest for about 10 minutes. 9. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. 10. Add the bagels to the pot, one at a time, and simmer for about 1 minute on each side. 11. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bagels from the pot and place them back on the baking sheet. 12. Beat the egg and water together to make an egg wash, and brush the egg wash over the top of each bagel. 13. Add your desired toppings to the bagels, if using. 14. Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until they are golden brown. 15. Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.Nutrition
One homemade bagel (about 4 inches in diameter) contains approximately:- 250-300 calories
- 1-2 grams of fat
- 50-55 grams of carbohydrates
- 9-10 grams of protein
- 1-2 grams of fiber
- 300-400 milligrams of sodium
Tips for Success
Making bagels at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be frustrating if things don't turn out quite right. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results:- Use bread flour for the best texture.
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and active.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place to help it double in size.
- Don't skip the boiling step - this is what gives bagels their chewy texture.
- Brush the bagels with egg wash to help them brown and get crispy.
- Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combinations.