From-Scratch Bagels

Why go to a bakery when you can make delicious homemade bagels right in your own kitchen? Surprise your family with these from-scratch bagels that are sure to impress. The recipe, shared by Rebecca Phillips from Burlington, Connecticut, offers a twist by suggesting a cinnamon-sugar topping instead of the traditional sesame or poppy seeds. Whether you stick to the classic toppings or add a touch of sweetness, these homemade bagels are a delightful treat for any occasion.

The recipe requires 30 minutes of preparation time, a rising period of 1 hour, and 20 minutes of baking time. It yields 1 dozen freshly baked bagels. The process begins by dissolving active dry yeast in warm milk, then adding butter, sugar, salt, and egg yolk to create a soft dough. The dough is kneaded, allowed to rise until doubled in size, and shaped into 12 balls with a hole in the center. The bagels are briefly boiled in water before being baked in the oven. They can be topped with sesame or poppy seeds, or for a twist, a cinnamon-sugar mixture.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1¼ cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg yolk
• 3¾ to 4¼ cups all-purpose flour
• Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

PREPARATION:

1. Dissolve the yeast in warm milk in a large bowl. Add softened butter, sugar, salt, and egg yolk. Mix well.
2. Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. Punch down the dough and shape it into 12 balls. Create a hole in the center of each ball by pushing your thumb through the center. Stretch and shape the dough to form an even ring. Place the bagels on a floured surface, cover, and let them rest for 10 minutes. Flatten the bagels slightly.
4. Fill a Dutch oven two-thirds full with water and bring it to a boil. Drop two bagels at a time into the boiling water. Cook for 45 seconds, then turn the bagels and cook for an additional 45 seconds. Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
5. Sprinkle the bagels with sesame or poppy seeds, if desired. Place the bagels 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the pans and let the bagels cool on wire racks.

YIELD: 1 dozen bagels

PREP TIME: 30 minutes

RISE TIME: 1 hour

BAKE TIME: 20 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For a variation in flavor, sprinkle the bagels with cinnamon-sugar instead of sesame or poppy seeds.
• Experiment with different toppings or add-ins such as everything bagel seasoning, cheddar cheese, or blueberries.
• Enjoy the bagels fresh out of the oven or toast them for a delicious breakfast or snack.

TIPS:

• Customize your bagels by adding your favorite toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced garlic, or dried onion flakes.
• To freeze the bagels, let them cool completely, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. Thaw and toast as desired.
• Use these homemade bagels to create your own sandwiches, like a classic lox and cream cheese bagel or a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and bacon.

Ditch the bakery and create homemade bagels right in your own kitchen with this recipe for from-scratch bagels. Shared by Rebecca Phillips from Burlington, Connecticut, these bagels are a delightful treat that can be customized to your liking. The recipe offers a twist by suggesting a cinnamon-sugar topping instead of the traditional sesame or poppy seeds, adding a touch of sweetness to the classic bagel.

With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can enjoy the satisfaction of making your own bagels from scratch. The dough, made with yeast, warm milk, butter, sugar, salt, and egg yolk, is kneaded until smooth and elastic. After a rising period, the dough is shaped into balls with a hole in the center and briefly boiled before being baked to perfection. The bagels can be topped with sesame or poppy seeds for a traditional touch or with a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweeter variation.

These homemade bagels are perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of the day. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or toasted to your liking. Customize your bagels with your favorite toppings, such as cream cheese, lox, minced garlic, or dried onion flakes. You can even freeze the bagels for later enjoyment.

Take pride in creating these delicious homemade bagels that will impress your family and friends. Experience the joy of biting into a warm, freshly baked bagel with your preferred toppings. Enjoy the process of making these beloved treats from scratch and savor the delightful taste that only homemade bagels can provide.