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To make easy homemade bagels, you only need a few key ingredients: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 tablespoon salt - 1 tablespoon instant yeast - 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F) - 2 tablespoons honey (for boiling) Each ingredient plays a vital role. The all-purpose flour gives the bagels their structure. Sugar helps the yeast grow and adds a slight sweetness. Salt adds flavor and controls yeast activity. Instant yeast makes the dough rise fast. Warm water activates the yeast. Honey gives the bagels a nice shine and flavor when boiled. Add some flair to your bagels with toppings. Here are some great options: - Sesame seeds - Poppy seeds - Everything bagel seasoning These toppings make your bagels more fun and tasty. You can mix and match them as you like. Try adding them while the bagels are still wet. This helps them stick better. For the full recipe, you can check out the detailed steps to make these delicious bagels. To start, you need to combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Use about 1 ½ cups of warm water, around 110°F. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of instant yeast. Mix it well and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You will see it become frothy. This froth shows that the yeast is alive and ready to help your bagels rise. Next, it’s time to make the dough. Gradually add 4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of salt to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Now, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic. This step is key to a good bagel texture. Once your dough is ready, let it rise. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour. It should double in size. After it rises, punch it down gently. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. Then, use your thumb to create a hole in the center, forming a bagel shape. Now, prepare to boil the bagels. In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the water. This will give your bagels a nice sheen. Lower each bagel into the boiling water one at a time. Boil them for 1 minute on each side. This step is crucial for that chewy texture we love in bagels. Next, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. After boiling, remove the bagels with a slotted spoon. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. While they are still wet, you can sprinkle your choice of toppings. Bake the bagels for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Enjoy the smell as they bake! To get bagels with the best texture, kneading is key. Knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes. This builds gluten, making the bagels chewy and strong. Use a light touch when kneading. Make sure your work surface is not too sticky. A little flour helps keep things moving smoothly. Rising conditions are also vital. Find a warm spot in your kitchen. I like to place the bowl near a sunny window or in a slightly warm oven. Cover the dough with a damp cloth. This keeps it moist and helps it rise faster. The dough should double in size within an hour. One big mistake is overproofing the dough. If you let it rise too long, the bagels can collapse. Watch the dough closely. When it’s doubled, it’s ready to shape. Another mistake is using the wrong water temperature for boiling. The water should be just boiling, not too hot. Adding honey to the water gives your bagels a nice shine and flavor. This step is key to a great bagel. For mixing, use a large bowl. Glass or stainless steel works best. These materials help you see the dough rise. A sturdy wooden spoon is great for mixing the ingredients. When it comes to baking, use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy. For kneading, a smooth surface like a countertop or a large cutting board is ideal. This gives you room to work and shape the dough well. {{image_2}} Bagels can be fun to change. You can make garlic and herb bagels by adding minced garlic, dried herbs, and olive oil to the dough. This mix gives you a tasty twist. For cheddar cheese bagels, fold in shredded cheese before shaping them. The cheese melts and creates a rich flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free flour. Look for a blend that works for baking. You should also adjust the yeast ratios. Gluten-free flour often needs more yeast for the right rise. You can make bagels that match the season. For fall, try pumpkin spice bagels. Add pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough. This gives a warm flavor. For the holidays, create holiday-themed bagels. Top them with festive seeds or even colored sprinkles. You can find the full recipe for the basic bagel dough earlier. Enjoy experimenting! To keep your bagels fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in a paper bag or a bread box. This keeps moisture away and prevents them from getting soggy. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and make the bagels soft. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bagel in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze bagels for up to three months without losing flavor. When it’s time to enjoy your bagels, reheating is key to keeping them fresh. You can use an oven or a toaster. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bagels on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crusty on the outside and warm inside. If you want a quicker option, use a toaster. Slice the bagel in half and toast it until golden brown. This method gives a nice crunch, perfect for enjoying with your favorite spread. Making bagels in advance can save you time. You can prepare the dough and shape the bagels. Then, let them rise and freeze them before boiling. This way, you can boil and bake them fresh later. Alternatively, you can freeze bagels after baking them. Just be sure to let them cool completely first. This ensures they stay fresh and tasty. When you’re ready, just reheat them as mentioned above. For the full recipe, check out the section on how to make these delicious bagels. Making bagels from scratch takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes total. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep Time: 15 minutes - Rising Time: 1 hour - Boiling and Baking Time: 20-25 minutes You can enjoy fresh bagels in just over an hour and a half! You must boil bagels before baking. Boiling gives bagels their chewy crust. It helps set the shape and enhances the texture. Without boiling, bagels will not have that classic bite. The secret to chewy bagels lies in the ingredients and technique. Use high-protein all-purpose flour. This flour creates a strong gluten structure. Knead the dough well for 8-10 minutes. This builds the gluten and improves the texture. You can use bread flour, but there are pros and cons. - Pros: - Higher protein content - Chewier texture - Cons: - May require more water - Can make dough tougher Both flours work, but all-purpose flour is best for beginners. For the full recipe, check out the details in the earlier section! Making homemade bagels is simple and fun. You only need a few essential ingredients, some time, and a bit of effort. By following clear steps, you can create bagels that impress everyone. Remember to think about variations and storage to keep your bagels fresh. Avoid common mistakes to ensure the best results. With practice, you will master the art of bagel making and enjoy delicious treats anytime. Now, get baking and savor the joy of your homemade bagels!

Easy Homemade Bagels

Discover the joy of making homemade bagels with love! This easy recipe guides you through every step, from the perfect dough to boiling and baking. With simple ingredients and options for tasty toppings, you'll impress friends and family with your delicious creations. Ready to elevate your breakfast or snack game? Click through now to explore this delightful bagel recipe and start your baking adventure today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon instant yeast

1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)

2 tablespoons honey (for boiling)

Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.

    Gradually add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

      Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

        Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

          Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

            Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and create a hole in the center using your thumb to form a bagel shape.

              In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil, and add the honey. Lower the bagels into the boiling water one at a time, boiling for 1 minute on each side.

                Remove the bagels using a slotted spoon and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with your choice of toppings while they are still wet.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

                    Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy fresh or toasted with your favorite spreads!

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins | Servings: 8