Ever wondered how to make bagels that rival your favorite bakery’s? This Breadman bagel recipe is your ticket to chewy, golden perfection right from your kitchen. No fancy skills required, just a love for delicious, homemade bread.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a hassle-free baking experience.
- Perfect Texture: Achieves that coveted chewy interior with a crisp exterior.
- Customizable: Easily adapt with your favorite toppings or mix-ins.
- Fun Process: From kneading to boiling, it’s a rewarding baking project.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1.5 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 egg white, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer with dough hook (or a large bowl and your hands)
- Large pot
- Slotted spoon
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water (110°F is the sweet spot) with the sugar and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s frothy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to make your dough rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In your stand mixer’s bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Knead with the dough hook on medium speed for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, this might take a bit longer, but think of it as your arm workout for the day.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size. A pro tip: your oven with the light on creates the perfect warm environment for rising dough.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger and stretch to form a bagel shape. Let them rest for 10 minutes; they’ll puff up slightly.
Step 5: Boil and Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Boil each bagel for 1 minute per side, then transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with egg wash, add toppings if desired, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their bagel game, consider these advanced tips. First, the boiling step is crucial for that classic bagel texture; don’t skip it. Second, if you prefer a shinier crust, add a tablespoon of honey to the boiling water. Third, for even more flavor, try substituting some of the water in the dough with beer or adding malt powder. Lastly, storing your bagels in a paper bag at room temperature will keep them fresh longer than plastic, which can make them soggy.
Recipe Variations
- Everything Bagel: Top with a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt before baking.
- Cinnamon Raisin: Knead in 1/2 cup raisins and 2 tsp cinnamon into the dough for a sweet twist.
- Whole Wheat: Substitute half the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Cheese Bagel: Mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese into the dough and top with more cheese before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! After the first rise, you can punch down the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. This actually enhances the flavor. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and proceeding with the recipe.
Why do bagels need to be boiled before baking?
Boiling sets the crust before baking, which gives bagels their distinctive chewy texture. It also helps the toppings stick better. Skipping this step would result in a more bread-like texture, which isn’t what we’re going for with bagels.
Can I freeze homemade bagels?
Yes, homemade bagels freeze beautifully. Slice them first for easy toasting, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Toast straight from the freezer for a quick and delicious breakfast.
Summary
This Breadman bagel recipe delivers bakery-quality bagels with a perfect chew and golden crust. Simple ingredients, customizable toppings, and a fun baking process make it a must-try for any bread lover.