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Ultimate Homemade Bagels: A Step-By-Step Guide

Create bakery-style bagels at home with a chewy interior and golden crust. This straightforward recipe uses simple ingredients and minor technique tweaks for perfect results every time.
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Prep Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 8 bagels
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp instant or rapid-rise yeast
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1½ cups warm water
  • 2 –3 quarts water for boiling
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar for water bath
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar or honey for water bath
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Optional toppings: sesame seeds everything bagel seasoning, grated Parmesan, coarse salt, cinnamon sugar

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl or stand mixer, stir together yeast, flour, salt, brown sugar, and warm water. Mix until a firm dough forms.
  2. Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface or with the mixer’s dough hook for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. Lightly oil a bowl, place the dough inside, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1½ hours, until noticeably puffy.
  4. Turn the dough out, divide into eight equal pieces (about 4 oz. each), and roll into tight balls. Rest 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
  5. Poke a hole through each ball’s center with your thumb, then gently stretch to a 1½–2″ ring. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Meanwhile, bring 2–3 quarts of water, brown sugar, and granulated sugar (or honey) to a simmer in a wide pot.
  7. Boil 3–4 bagels at a time for 1 minute per side, gently turning once. Drain on a wire rack.
  8. Whisk egg white and water, brush each bagel top and sides, and sprinkle with chosen toppings.
  9. Bake 20–25 minutes until glossy and golden. Transfer to a cooling rack immediately to avoid sticking.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 8gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 598mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g
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