If you're looking to enhance your breakfast game, you've come to the right place. You can whip up a batch of homemade bagels that rival any bakery. Start with the classic New York bagel, renowned for its chewy texture, then investigate the savory allure of everything bagels. Feeling adventurous? There's a delightful twist with cinnamon raisin bagels that you won't want to miss. And if you're a fan of heat, cheesy jalapeño bagels will surely satisfy your cravings. Curious about the healthiest option? Stick around to discover the perfect whole wheat bagel recipe that fits any meal.
Classic New York Bagels
Classic New York Bagels are a beloved staple of New York City cuisine, known for their chewy texture and shiny crust. Making these bagels at home is a rewarding process that involves mixing, boiling, and baking to achieve that perfect bagel bite. With just a few basic ingredients, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating these delicious treats in your own kitchen, perfect for breakfast or a savory snack.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon malt syrup (or honey)
- Water (for boiling)
- Additional toppings (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast, allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy. Gradually add the bread flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center with your finger, then stretch it to form a bagel shape.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the malt syrup. Boil the bagels for about 1 minute on each side, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, sprinkle with toppings before baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor and texture, use bread flour as it has a higher protein content that contributes to the chewiness of the bagels.
If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding ingredients like garlic powder or onion flakes to the dough. Additionally, you can make the bagels ahead of time; simply boil them, then freeze before baking.
When you're ready to enjoy them, bake them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Everything Bagels
Everything bagels are a delightful and flavorful twist on the classic bagel. Topped with a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and flaky sea salt, these bagels are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. They pair wonderfully with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or simply enjoyed on their own.
Here's a simple recipe to make your own everything bagels from scratch, ensuring a fresh and delicious bagel experience.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)
- 2 tablespoons each of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion
- Flaky sea salt (to taste)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Gradually add the warm water, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size. Once risen, punch it down and divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center and stretch it into a bagel shape. Allow the bagels to rest for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add honey. Boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side, then remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the everything seasoning mixture and flaky sea salt on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, let your bagels cool completely before slicing, as this allows the texture to set properly.
If you want to improve the topping, feel free to adjust the amounts of the seeds and spices according to your preference. You can also experiment with adding other toppings like grated cheese or herbs.
If you want to make a batch ahead of time, everything bagels freeze well; just pop them into the toaster straight from the freezer when you're ready to enjoy!
Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Cinnamon raisin bagels are a delightful and sweet variation of the classic bagel, perfect for breakfast or a snack. The combination of warm spices and plump raisins creates a comforting flavor profile that's hard to resist.
These bagels are surprisingly easy to make at home and can be enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a spread of cream cheese. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of cinnamon raisin bagels that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling)
- Additional cinnamon and sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast, allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.
Gradually add the flour, salt, and ground cinnamon, mixing until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Gently fold in the raisins, cover the dough with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough, divide it into 12 equal pieces, and shape each piece into a round bagel form, making sure to create a hole in the center.
Let the bagels rest for 10 minutes while you bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding honey.
Boil each bagel for about 1-2 minutes per side, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top before baking.
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Extra Tips:
When making cinnamon raisin bagels, it's crucial to allow the dough to rise properly for the best texture.
If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in an oven with just the light on to create a warm environment.
Additionally, feel free to experiment with different mix-ins such as chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.
For a chewier texture, verify you boil the bagels long enough, but avoid overboiling to keep them from becoming too dense.
Enjoy your homemade bagels fresh or freeze them for later enjoyment!
Cheesy Jalapeño Bagels
Cheesy Jalapeño Bagels are a delightful twist on the classic bagel, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat and a lot of flavor. These bagels combine the chewy texture of traditional bagels with the creamy richness of cheese and the spicy kick of jalapeños, making them an irresistible treat for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack.
Whether you serve them plain or with cream cheese, they're sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning
To prepare the Cheesy Jalapeño Bagels, begin by activating the yeast: combine warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Incorporate the shredded cheese and diced jalapeños into the dough. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a bagel by forming a ball and creating a hole in the center. Let them rest for another 20-30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Boil a large pot of water and gently drop in the bagels, cooking for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon, brush with beaten egg, and sprinkle with optional toppings if desired.
Finally, bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
For the best results, make sure your water is at the right temperature when activating the yeast—too hot can kill the yeast, while too cold will prevent it from activating properly.
If you want an extra cheesy flavor, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the dough or topping the bagels with additional cheese before baking.
Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeños to suit your spice preference, and experiment with different cheese varieties for a unique twist.
Enjoy your homemade Cheesy Jalapeño Bagels fresh out of the oven for the ultimate experience!
Whole Wheat Bagels
Whole wheat bagels are a nutritious and hearty alternative to traditional bagels, packed with fiber and flavor. Making them at home isn't only rewarding but also allows you to customize them to your taste.
With a crispy exterior and a chewy interior, these bagels can be enjoyed plain, topped with your favorite spreads, or used as a base for sandwiches. Follow this simple recipe to create delicious whole wheat bagels that are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape. Let the bagels rest for another 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large pot, bring water and honey to a gentle boil. Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side, then transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool before serving.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider adding spices or herbs to the dough, such as garlic powder or dried herbs.
You can also experiment with different toppings by brushing the bagels with water before sprinkling on seeds. If you prefer a softer bagel, reduce the boiling time slightly.
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container, or freeze them for up to three months—just toast them when you're ready to enjoy!