Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through your kitchen—a warm, chewy delight that you made right at home! Our "Fresh Mini Homemade Bagels" recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds; it's a culinary adventure that will have you feeling like a master baker in no time. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create 12 perfect bagels that are sure to impress family and friends. Whether you enjoy them plain, topped with cream cheese, or sprinkled with sesame seeds, these bagels are a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch table. Ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into this delicious journey? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and active dry yeast. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Gradually add warm water (around 110°F) to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball.
- Using your thumb, create a hole in the center of each dough ball, stretching to form a bagel shape. Ensure the hole is about 1-2 inches wide.
- Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let them rest for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
- Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, cooking for 1 minute on each side. This creates the characteristic chewy exterior.
- Remove bagels from water using a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.
- Brush each bagel with beaten egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your warm water is around 110°F for optimal yeast activation. Too hot, and you risk killing the yeast; too cold, and it won't rise properly.
- Knead for Success: Kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes is crucial for developing gluten, which gives bagels their signature chewy texture. Don’t rush this step!
- Perfectly Shaped Bagels: When forming the bagels, make sure the hole in the center is about 1-2 inches wide. The dough will puff up during boiling and baking, so a larger hole will ensure a classic bagel shape.
- Boiling Boost: Boiling the bagels in water with baking soda enhances their chewiness and gives them that authentic bagel crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Egg Wash for Shine: For a beautiful golden color, brush the bagels with egg wash before baking. This also helps toppings like sesame seeds adhere better.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Try everything from poppy seeds to everything bagel seasoning for a unique twist on the classic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
