Name: Everything Bagel Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups warm water; 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast; 2 1/2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar; 4 2/3 cups bread flour; 1 3/4 teaspoons salt; 1 whole egg white (for egg wash); 1 tablespoon water (to mix with egg white); 1 1/2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

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When it comes to breakfast staples, few things can rival the deliciousness of a freshly baked everything bagel. This homemade Everything Bagel Recipe offers that perfect blend of chewy texture and rich flavor, topped with a glorious mix of seeds and spices that will elevate your morning routine. There’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting these bagels from scratch, and the aroma wafting through your kitchen is simply divine. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Everything Bagel Recipe stands out because it takes the classic bagel and infuses it with a bounty of flavors. The combination of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt creates a savory topping that’s simply irresistible. Not only are these bagels perfect for breakfast, but they also make a fantastic base for sandwiches or a delightful snack on their own. Plus, making bagels at home means you can control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality.

What Goes In

Creating your own everything bagels is a rewarding experience! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups warm water – This helps activate the yeast for perfect rise.
1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast – Essential for that lovely, airy texture.
2 1/2 teaspoons packed light brown sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness and helps the yeast activate.
4 2/3 cups bread flour – The backbone of your bagel; bread flour gives them structure.
1 3/4 teaspoons salt – Enhances flavor and strengthens the dough.
1 egg white – Used for the egg wash, giving the bagels a shiny finish.
1 tablespoon water – To mix with the egg white for the wash.
1 1/2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning – The star of the show, providing that quintessential flavor.

Tools of the Trade

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.
Dough hook or wooden spoon – For kneading the dough.
Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key in baking!
Baking sheet – Where the bagels will bake to golden perfection.
Pot of boiling water – For the essential bagel boiling step.
Pastry brush – To apply the egg wash for a nice sheen.

Step-by-Step: Everything Bagel Recipe

Follow these straightforward steps to create your own everything bagels:

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

Once the yeast is activated, add the bread flour and salt to the mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Step 4: First Rise

Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Bagels

Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger. Gently stretch the hole to form a bagel shape.

Step 6: Second Rise

Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover, and let them rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare for Boiling

While the bagels are resting, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 8: Boil the Bagels

Once the water is boiling, carefully drop in a few bagels at a time. Boil for 1 minute on each side, then remove with a slotted spoon and return to the baking sheet.

Step 9: Egg Wash and Seasoning

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the bagels and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.

Step 10: Bake

Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bagels cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before slicing and enjoying. Toast them for an extra treat!

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

If you’re looking to make this Everything Bagel Recipe dairy-free or gluten-free, here are some simple swaps:

Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of any milk products if you decide to add any.
For a gluten-free version, substitute bread flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
Ensure all seasonings and toppings are gluten-free if necessary.

Chef’s Rationale

Creating your own bagels allows you to customize flavors and textures to your liking. The use of bread flour is crucial as it provides the necessary gluten structure that gives bagels their signature chewiness. Additionally, boiling the bagels before baking is a key step that contributes to their distinctive crust and texture. Lastly, the everything bagel seasoning is not just a topping, but an explosion of flavors that makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

How to Store & Reheat

To keep your homemade bagels fresh, follow these storage tips:

Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze bagels in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing.
To reheat, toast directly from frozen or thaw them overnight in the fridge and then warm in the toaster or oven for a few minutes.

Common Qs About Everything Bagel Recipe

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and boiling.

What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?

You can easily make your own by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and coarse salt.

Can I add other toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with toppings like cheese, different seeds, or even herbs to create your unique bagel flavor.

Why do you boil bagels?

Boiling bagels before baking helps to create their chewy texture and shiny crust, which are characteristic of traditional bagels.

See You at the Table

Now that you have your very own Everything Bagel Recipe, it’s time to gather your loved ones around the table to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Whether you enjoy them with cream cheese, avocado, or simply on their own, these homemade bagels are sure to impress.

The process of making your own bagels might seem daunting at first, but with each step, you’ll find joy in the art of baking. So next time you wake up craving that perfect bagel, remember that the best one is the one you make yourself. Happy baking!