Are you craving that chewy, delicious texture of a fresh bagel but don't want the hassle of kneading dough by hand? Then you're in the right place! This recipe will guide you through making perfectly delightful bagels using your bread machine, minimizing effort while maximizing flavor. Forget those store-bought bagels – prepare for a delicious homemade experience that's surprisingly quick and easy. This is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, perfect for a weekend brunch or a satisfying breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ - 4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (or sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, etc.)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Add the warm water, sugar, and yeast to your bread machine pan. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This indicates the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
- Add the olive oil, salt, and 3 ½ cups of flour to the bread machine pan.
- Select the dough setting on your bread machine. (Consult your machine's manual for specific instructions).
Step 2: Shaping the Bagels
- Once the dough cycle is complete, gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into 8-12 equal pieces (depending on the desired size of your bagels).
- Roll each piece into a smooth ball. Then, poke a hole through the center of each ball using your finger or a wooden dowel. Gently stretch the hole to create a bagel shape. This process allows for that signature chewy bagel texture.
Step 3: Boiling and Baking the Bagels
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to the boiling water. This step gives bagels their characteristic glossy crust.
- Gently place 2-3 bagels in the boiling water for 1 minute per side. This helps to set the shape and creates a firm, chewy texture. Remove the bagels and set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the boiled bagels generously with your chosen toppings (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning – get creative!).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 4: Cooling and Enjoying
- Let the bagels cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the inside to fully set and prevents a soggy bagel.
- Enjoy your homemade bagels with your favorite toppings – cream cheese, smoked salmon, avocado, or simply butter and jam.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Bagels:
- Water Temperature: Ensure your water is the correct temperature (105-115°F) to activate the yeast properly. Too hot will kill the yeast, and too cold will hinder its activity.
- Flour Adjustment: You may need to add a bit more flour depending on the humidity and the type of flour you are using. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.
- Boiling Time: Don't over-boil your bagels! One minute per side is perfect. Over-boiling can result in mushy bagels.
- Cooling: Patience is key! Allow your bagels to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from becoming gummy.
Variations:
- Whole Wheat Bagels: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Add ½ cup of raisins and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dough.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Use store-bought everything bagel seasoning for a flavorful and visually appealing bagel.
Nutritional Information (per bagel, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams
- Fat: 3-5 grams
(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on ingredients and serving size.)
This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are also delicious and easy to make. Enjoy your homemade bagels! They're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick and satisfying snack. Try this simple yet rewarding recipe and elevate your homemade cooking to new levels. You’ll quickly see why this is among the best recipes for achieving that perfect bagel texture right at home.