Easy Homemade Bagels – Step by Step Tutorial 

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Hey there, friends! Let me just say, if you’ve ever thought homemade bagels were too complicated, I’m here to change your mind. I’ll admit it: the first time I made bagels, I was a little intimidated. But guess what? They’re WAY easier than you think, and the best part? Your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery. My kids love them fresh out of the oven, slathered with cream cheese or a little jam, and I love that I can whip them up with simple pantry ingredients. Let’s dive into the ultimate bagel-making adventure!

Why Make Bagels at Home?

Homemade bagels are fresh, customizable, and a lot healthier than store-bought options packed with preservatives. Plus, making bagels is surprisingly therapeutic. Kneading dough? Perfect stress relief. Shaping bagels? A fun little art project. And let’s not forget the pride you’ll feel when you pull these golden beauties out of the oven. Trust me, you’ll never look at store-bought bagels the same way again!

Tips for the Perfect Homemade Bagels

1. Don’t Skip the Boil!
   That quick boil before baking is the magic step for chewy, authentic bagels. It gives them that classic texture you know and love.
2. Use Bread Flour if You Can.
   Bread flour has a higher protein content, which gives bagels their signature chewiness. All-purpose flour works in a pinch, but bread flour is the real MVP.
3. Shape Matters!
   Make sure your bagel holes are big enough! The dough will puff up as it boils and bakes, so give yourself some room to avoid ending up with bagel “buns.”
4. Get Creative with Toppings.
   Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, cinnamon sugar—you name it. Have fun and let everyone in the family customize their bagels.

Easy Homemade Bagels Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Toppings of your choice (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
2. Make the Dough:
   Stir in the flour and salt until a shaggy dough forms. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise:
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Bagels:
   Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke your finger through the center to create a hole. Stretch the hole a little to make it about 1–2 inches wide.
5. Boil the Bagels:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of sugar. Boil the bagels for 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Add Toppings:
   Brush each bagel with an egg wash and sprinkle on your favorite toppings.
7. Bake:
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown. Let them cool slightly before enjoying.

FAQs About Homemade Bagels

Q: Can I freeze these bagels?
Absolutely! Once they’ve cooled completely, slice them and pop them into a freezer bag. They’re perfect for quick breakfasts—just toast them straight from the freezer.

Q: Do I have to use bread flour?
Bread flour is ideal for the best texture, but you can use all-purpose flour in a pinch. Your bagels will still taste amazing.

Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! After shaping the bagels, cover them tightly and refrigerate overnight. Boil and bake them fresh in the morning.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for yeast recipes, but the texture will be different. Experimenting is part of the fun!

Wrap-Up

Making homemade bagels is a lot like making memories in the kitchen—messy, rewarding, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a keeper. So, roll up those sleeves, gather the family, and enjoy the magic of fresh, warm bagels. You’ve got this!

And don’t forget to share your creations. Tag me on Instagram or Facebook—I’d love to see how your bagels turn out. Happy baking!