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Homemade Bagels

Emma Essence
Chewy dense homemade bagels that can be topped with whatever your heart desires.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rising Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Breakfast
Servings 8 bagels

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast 6 grams
  • 4 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar 19 grams
  • 1 ¼ cups lukewarm water
  • 3 ½ cups bread flour 440 grams, plus more for kneading
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • optional toppings

Instructions
 

  • In ½ a cup of lukewarm water, pour in the sugar and yeast, and gently stir. Let sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast completely dissolves and foam is at the top.
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Make a well in the middle and pour the yeast mixture.
  • Pour in the remaining ¾ cup of water and mix. Your dough should be moist during this step.
  • On a floured work surface, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until firm and smooth.
  • Lightly brush a bowl with oil and turn the dough in the bowl to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest in a warm area to rise until the dough has doubled in size.
  • After rising, punch the dough down and let rest for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Carefully divide the dough into 8 even pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball. This can be done by pinching small portions of the exterior and pulling them to the center. Then form your hand into a cup shape, place it on top of the dough and move in a circular motion to create a ball. Repeat with all portions of the dough.
  • Gently press your finger in the center of the dough ball to form a ring. Stretch the ring about ⅓ the bagel's diameter and place it on a lightly oiled sheet pan.
  • Cover with a damp hand towel to rest for 10 minutes—Preheat the oven to 425F.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, lower the bagels into the water. Boil as many as possible that can fit into the pot at a time. Working quickly, boil the bagels for about 45 seconds on each side. Then remove from the pot and return to a lightly oiled sheet pan.
  • As soon as they are done being boiled, brush in egg wash and sprinkle with any desired toppings. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with cream cheese or butter.

Notes

Some optional toppings are sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, cheese, or cinnamon sugar.
Keyword Bagels, Homemade