Easy Homemade Everything Bagels

Are you a bagel lover looking to elevate your breakfast game? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of making delicious Easy Homemade Everything Bagels right in your own kitchen. These bagels are not only a joy to make but also a delight to savor, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

Ingredients

To prepare these Easy Homemade Everything Bagels, you will need the following ingredients:

1. 4 cups of bread flour

2. 1 tablespoon of sugar

3. 2 teaspoons of salt

4. 1 tablespoon of instant yeast

5. 1 ½ cups of warm water

6. 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

7. Everything bagel seasoning mix (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt)

Combine these simple ingredients, and you are on your way to creating your own batch of flavorful bagels.

Steps

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well.

2. Slowly add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Divide the dough into equal-sized portions and shape each into a bagel shape, ensuring the hole in the center is wide enough.

5. Let the shaped bagels rise for about 30 minutes, covered with a damp cloth.

6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil.

7. Boil each bagel for 1-2 minutes per side, then place them on a baking sheet.

8. Brush each bagel with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with the everything bagel seasoning mix.

9. Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and have a crispy crust.

Variations

While the classic everything bagel seasoning is a crowd favorite, feel free to experiment with different toppings to create unique variations of Easy Homemade Everything Bagels. Some popular options include:

– Cinnamon sugar topping for a sweet twist

– Asiago cheese and cracked black pepper for a savory option

– Dried cranberries and orange zest for a fruity flavor profile

Get creative in the kitchen and tailor your bagels to suit your taste preferences!

Tips

1. Ensure the water you use for boiling the bagels has added salt for enhanced flavor.

2. Do not skip the egg wash step, as it helps the seasoning stick to the bagels and gives them a beautiful shine.

3. Feel free to customize the seasoning mix to your liking by adjusting the quantities of each ingredient.

4. Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to make Easy Homemade Everything Bagels from scratch. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can now enjoy freshly baked bagels anytime you crave them. Whether you stick to the classic everything seasoning or explore different variations, these homemade bagels are sure to impress your taste buds.

FAQs

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour for this recipe?

A: While bread flour is recommended for its higher protein content, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, keeping in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

Q: How can I make these bagels vegan?

A: To make vegan Easy Homemade Everything Bagels, simply substitute the egg wash with a plant-based alternative like almond milk and brush it on the bagels before adding the seasoning.

Q: Can I freeze the bagel dough for later use?

A: Yes, you can freeze the bagel dough after shaping it into individual portions. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the boiling and baking steps.

Q: What is the best way to enjoy these bagels?

A: These Easy Homemade Everything Bagels are best enjoyed toasted and topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite spreads and toppings. Get creative and savor the delicious flavors!