Why Homemade Bagels Will Be Your New Breakfast Favorite

Nothing beats the joy of biting into a fresh, warm bagel, smeared with your choice of cream cheese or butter, especially when it’s been made right in your kitchen. Aside from the fantastic taste, there are numerous reasons why homemade bagels could become your go-to breakfast delight:

• Customizable: Get creative and personalize your bagels with various toppings and mix-ins like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, or even cinnamon and raisins for a sweet twist.
• Healthy Options: Take control over your ingredients for healthier alternatives, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour.
• Family Activity: Baking bagels is a wonderful way to bond with your children and teach them basic cooking skills, all while making lasting memories.

The Ultimate Bagel Recipe: Ingredients & Tools

Before we get our hands doughy, let’s make sure we have everything we need. This recipe is designed to make the process as streamlined as possible, requiring only a few essential ingredients that you likely already have at home!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of bread flour (for chewiness and structure)
• 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar (for a hint of sweetness and to feed the yeast)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt (for flavor enhancement)
• 1 tablespoon of instant yeast (for leavening)
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water (approximately 110°F, to activate the yeast)
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, cinnamon, raisins, etc.

Tools:

• Large mixing bowl
• Sturdy spoon or dough whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Kitchen scale (for precision)
• Damp cloth (for covering the dough)
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Large pot (for boiling the bagels)
• Slotted spoon (for removing bagels from water)

Bagel Basics: Preparing Your Dough

Now, let’s walk through the simple steps of making our bagel dough. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced baker, this part is kid-approved for its ease and fun factor!

5 Things Parents Should Know When Preparing Bagels

Before we get our hands doughy, it’s crucial to be aware of a few things to ensure your bagel-baking experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Timing is Key: Making bagels is a wonderful weekend project, as the process does include proofing time. Ensure you’re not in a rush—perhaps start the recipe in the morning to have fresh bagels for lunch!
2. Engage the Kids: Involve your children in simple tasks such as measuring ingredients or shaping the dough. It’s a fun way to incorporate learning and keep them engaged in an activity.
3. Prep is Important: Have all your ingredients and tools ready to go before starting. This ‘mise en place’ ensures the process goes without a hitch and the kids don’t lose interest.
4. Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is at the right temperature (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast; too hot and you’ll kill it, too cold and it won’t activate.
5. Boiling is Non-Negotiable: Boiling the bagels before baking is what gives them their distinctive chewy texture. Don’t skip this step—it’s the secret to bagel magic!

Bagel Basics: Step-by-Step Dough Preparation

The first step in our bagel-making journey is to create the perfect dough. Follow these easy instructions and you’ll be on your way to bagel heaven!

Creating the Dough:

1. In your large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Add the warm water gradually while mixing with your spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms. If too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
3. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic. This is a great step for kids to get involved—they love getting their hands in the dough!
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it back into the bowl, covering it with a damp cloth.
5. Allow the dough to rest and rise until it has doubled in size, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the warmth of your kitchen. This is a great time for a family break!

Shaping the Bagels:

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Turn it onto your surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces using a dough scraper or knife.
2. Roll each piece into a ball then gently press your finger through the center to form a ring.
3. Stretch the hole to about 1/3 the diameter of the bagel and place on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough.
4. Cover the shaped bagels with a lightly damp cloth and let them rest for an additional 10 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Boil and Bake:

While the shaped bagels are resting, fill your large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and gently lower bagels into the water using the slotted spoon. Boil each side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, remove, and place back on the baking sheet.

At this point, you can add your favorite toppings, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or cinnamon and sugar. Then, bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!