Bagels
Bagels are chewy, golden-brown bread rings with a dense texture and shiny crust, perfect for breakfast or snacks. Their slightly sweet and yeasty flavor makes them a versatile choice for toppings or spreads, appealing to both traditionalists and those seeking a homemade bakery treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar into a large mixing bowl.
- Soften the yeast in 1/3 of the lukewarm potato water.
- Add the softened yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Combine the remaining potato water with salad oil and stir into the flour mixture.
- Add the beaten eggs and stir briskly until a ball of dough forms.
- Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a ring.
- Boil water in a large pot, and briefly boil each bagel for about 1 minute per side.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a chewier texture, try adding a tablespoon of malt syrup to the boiling water. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with bread flour for added structure. If you don’t have fresh yeast, use 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast instead. Make sure to knead the dough thoroughly for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve bagels warm with a spread of cream cheese and toppings like smoked salmon, capers, or fresh herbs. They also pair wonderfully with homemade jams or honey. For a twist, try them with the flavors of Light Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding as a dessert option, or enjoy them alongside a light salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bagels in a paper bag at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them by wrapping individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a zip-top bag. To reheat, toast directly from the freezer or warm them in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bagels contains roughly 503 calories, with 14g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (97% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1189mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bagels without using fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast as a substitute. To do this, dissolve 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast in warm water before adding it to the dry ingredients. This will yield similar results to using fresh yeast.
What can I do if my bagel dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle small amounts of flour into the mixture while kneading until it reaches a smooth, elastic consistency. Be careful not to add too much flour, as it can lead to dense bagels.
How can I add flavor to my bagels?
You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like garlic powder, onion powder, or everything bagel seasoning to the dough before kneading. Additionally, topping them with sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking can add extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).