Homemade Everything Bagels

Homemade Everything Bagels are a delightful way to add a touch of authenticity to your breakfast or snack table. These chewy, flavorful bagels topped with a blend of savory spices will elevate your morning routine and bring a sense of satisfaction with every bite. Making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and ensure a fresh, warm bagel whenever you crave one.

Why Make This Recipe

There is something wonderfully satisfying about creating your own food at home, especially when it comes to popular staples like bagels. Homemade Everything Bagels are not only healthier than many store-bought varieties, but they also offer a personalized touch. You can customize the seasonings to your liking and avoid preservatives and additives. Plus, the smell of freshly baked bagels wafting through your kitchen is unbeatable!

By preparing these bagels at home, you also gain the joy of sharing them with family and friends. Picture a weekend morning gathering where everyone enjoys warm bagels, freshly sliced with cream cheese and lox or simply enjoyed with butter. This recipe is a wonderful way to make memories, teach kids kitchen skills, and impress your guests with your home-baked creations.

How to Make Homemade Everything Bagels

Ingredients

To make these delicious Homemade Everything Bagels, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 ⅔ cups bread flour
• 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
• 2 teaspoons instant yeast
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 ⅔ cup warm water
• 1 egg white + 1 Tablespoon water (for the egg wash)
• 3 Tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

Directions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Combine the bread flour, 1 Tablespoon of granulated sugar, instant yeast, and kosher salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment.
2. Add Warm Water: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the warm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a smooth work surface and knead until a soft, smooth dough forms, about 3-4 minutes. The dough should not be sticky. If necessary, add more flour or water, one tablespoon at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
4. Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a large, greased bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for 60-90 minutes, or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the Bagels: Once risen, transfer the dough to a work surface and divide it into 10 equal-sized pieces. If you prefer uniformity, use a kitchen scale to weigh the dough. Using one palm for friction, roll each piece into a ball with the seam against your palm. Then, use your thumb to press through the center to form the bagel shape. Remember to make the hole larger than you think necessary, as the bagels will expand.
6. Rest the Bagels: Cover the shaped bagels with a clean kitchen towel and allow them to rest for 20 minutes.
7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
8. Boil the Bagels: In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to a boil. Carefully place the bagels into the boiling water, cooking them for 45-60 seconds on each side. They should float; if they don’t, check the instructions to troubleshoot. Depending on the size of your pot, you can boil 2-3 bagels at a time.
9. Transfer to Baking Sheets: Remove the boiled bagels using a slotted spoon, shake off any excess water, and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
10. Apply the Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg white and 1 tablespoon of water to prepare the egg wash. Lightly brush the bagels with this mixture, then generously sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. For a more pronounced flavor, you can dip the bagels into the seasoning rather than sprinkling it.
11. Bake the Bagels: Bake the bagels for 20-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Flip and rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even color.
12. Cool and Serve: Allow the bagels to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Success Homemade Everything Bagels

1. Use High-Protein Bread Flour: Bread flour contains more gluten than all-purpose flour, giving your bagels a chewier texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the bagels may be slightly softer.
2. Variable Rising Time: The rising time can vary based on how warm your kitchen is. If it’s cooler, allow more time for the dough to double in size.
3. Avoid Over-Boiling: Boiling bagels for too long can make them tough. Stick to 45-60 seconds per side for a perfect balance of chewy and tender.
4. Experiment with Toppings: While everything bagel seasoning is delicious, feel free to try other toppings, such as sesame seeds or poppy seeds, to find your perfect blend.
5. Shape with Care: Make sure to create a sufficiently large hole in the center of each bagel, as they will rise and the hole will close up if too small.
6. Store Properly: If you’re not eating all the bagels right away, store them in an airtight container or freeze them for later.

Flavor Variations Homemade Everything Bagels

1. Cheddar and Jalapeño: Add shredded cheddar and finely chopped jalapeños to the dough for a spicy twist.
2. Cinnamon Raisin: Replace sugar with brown sugar and mix in raisins and cinnamon for a sweet alternative.
3. Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs into the dough—thyme, rosemary, or dill can lend a flavorful touch.
4. Garlic and Goat Cheese: Press garlic into the dough and top with crumbled goat cheese for a gourmet version.
5. Veggie Supreme: Add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers and onions into the dough for an extra veggie boost.

Serving Suggestions Homemade Everything Bagels

When it comes to serving your Homemade Everything Bagels, the options are practically endless:

• Classic Cream Cheese: Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on a freshly sliced bagel. You can also try flavored cream cheeses, such as chive or vegetable.
• Lox and Capers: For a traditional deli-style treat, layer smoked salmon, capers, and red onion slices on your bagel.
• Breakfast Sandwich: Use your bagel as a foundation for a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon or a veggie scramble.
• Avocado Toast: Top your sliced bagel with smashed avocado, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a trendy brunch option.
• Sweet Treat: Use them for dessert! Toast them and spread with cream cheese, powdered sugar, and berries for a delicious sweet treat.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Homemade Everything Bagels

Homemade Everything Bagels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers for later use:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled bagels in a paper bag for up to two days. Avoid plastic bags as they can create steam and make the bagels soggy.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze bagels in a freezer-safe bag after they have completely cooled. They can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or directly toast from the freezer.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

| Nutrient | Quantity |
|—————-|———–|
| Calories | 230 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 320mg |

FAQ About Homemade Everything Bagels

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, you can substitute active dry yeast for instant yeast. However, you will need to proof it first. Dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water (110°F or 45°C) with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy before adding it to the flour mixture.

What if my bagels don’t float when boiling?

If your bagels don’t float in the boiling water, they may not have risen enough. Make sure you allow adequate time for the dough to double in size. If they still don’t float, they might be over-kneaded, which can damage the gluten structure.

How can I make my bagels taste better?

For added flavor, consider using malt syrup in the boiling water or adding other spices to the dough. You can also increase the amount of everything bagel seasoning for a more pronounced flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! After the first rise, you can cover the dough and refrigerate it overnight. The following day, let it come to room temperature, shape, and boil as usual.

How do I reheat bagels?

To reheat bagels, you can toast them directly for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and place them in a slow oven (300°F or 150°C) for around 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Everything Bagels are not only delicious but also an enjoyable baking experience! With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create these delightful treats that are perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying them with cream cheese and salmon or simply toasted with butter, these bagels are sure to become a staple in your home. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

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