This homemade bagel bread recipe will guide you through the process of making your own fresh and delicious bagel bread. The bagel bread is soft on the inside with a chewy crust on the outside. It's perfect for toasting and can be enjoyed with various spreads or used as a sandwich base. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can now enjoy the taste of freshly baked bagels right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 egg, beaten
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a clean kitchen towel. Allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball.
- To form the bagel shape, poke a hole in the center of each ball with your thumb and gently stretch the hole to about 1-2 inches in diameter. Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover the shaped bagels with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the bagels, 2-3 at a time, into the boiling water and cook for about 1 minute per side.
- Remove the boiled bagels from the water using a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the bagels with the beaten egg and sprinkle with your desired toppings, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning.
- Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
- Remove the bagels from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Interesting Facts
Bagels originated in Poland and were traditionally boiled before baking, giving them their unique texture.
The hole in the center of the bagel is not just for aesthetics; it helps the bagel cook more evenly and prevents it from becoming too dense in the middle.
Bagel shops in New York City are known for their wide variety of cream cheese flavors and bagel sandwich combinations.