Making bakery-style bagels at home is easier than you might think. By following a few simple steps, you can achieve that perfect chewy texture, golden-brown crust, and delicious flavor that you find in your favorite bakery. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make authentic bagels right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
-
4 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 ½ teaspoons salt
-
2 tablespoons sugar
-
2 teaspoons instant yeast
-
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F/43°C)
-
1 tablespoon barley malt syrup or honey (optional, for water)
-
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)
-
Toppings of your choice (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.)
Equipment
-
Large mixing bowl
-
Stand mixer or wooden spoon
-
Large pot for boiling
-
Slotted spoon
-
Baking sheet
-
Parchment paper
-
Pizza stone (optional)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Stir the ingredients together to ensure even distribution of the yeast. Then, add the warm water and barley malt syrup (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix until the dough begins to form.
If you’re using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead on low speed for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you’re kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes.
Once the dough has been kneaded, cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Step 2: Shape the Bagels
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions, depending on the size of the bagels you prefer. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
To form the bagels, poke a hole through the center of each dough ball with your finger and gently stretch the hole to about 2 inches in diameter. The dough should be thick enough to hold its shape but still have a soft center.
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and let them rest for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the boiling water.
Step 3: Boil the Bagels
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the barley malt syrup or honey to the boiling water (this helps the bagels develop that signature shine and flavor). Reduce the heat to a simmer.
Carefully drop the bagels into the simmering water, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Boil the bagels for about 1 minute on each side, then remove them using a slotted spoon and return them to the baking sheet. The bagels will puff up during boiling and develop a slight sheen.
Step 4: Add Toppings
At this point, you can customize your bagels by adding toppings. Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning are popular choices. Simply sprinkle your desired topping over the wet surface of each bagel after boiling. You can also skip this step if you prefer plain bagels.
Step 5: Bake the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats up for a crispy crust. If you don’t, a regular baking sheet will work just fine.
Place the boiled and topped bagels on the baking sheet (lined with parchment paper) and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. For an extra crispy crust, you can bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once your bagels are golden and crisp, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Freshly baked bagels are best enjoyed warm, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to a few days or freeze them for longer storage.
Tips for Perfect Bakery-Style Bagels
-
Use Bread Flour: While all-purpose flour works well, bread flour will give your bagels the best chewy texture and strength.
-
Boiling is Key: The boiling step helps develop the signature chewy crust and texture. Don’t skip it!
-
Use Barley Malt Syrup: This is the secret to getting that authentic bagel flavor. It’s a sweetener commonly used in commercial bagel-making, but if you can’t find it, honey is a suitable alternative.
-
Experiment with Toppings: You can customize your bagels by adding toppings before baking. Some other popular choices include onion flakes, garlic, or even cheese.
Conclusion
Making bakery-style bagels at home is a rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with the delicious smell of fresh baked goods. With a little time and effort, you can enjoy chewy, flavorful bagels just like the ones from your local bakery. Whether you top them with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or enjoy them plain, these homemade bagels will soon become a family favorite. Happy baking!