Easy Homemade Bagels

Steps

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1. 1
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water (110–100°F), active dry yeast, and brown sugar. Stir and let sit for about 10 minutes until a foamy head forms on the surface, indicating the yeast is active.
   ≈0:06
2. 2
   Add bread flour to the foamy yeast mixture. Mix by hand first until shaggy, then use the stand mixer's dough hook on low speed for 10–15 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. Alternatively, knead by hand on the counter.
   ≈1:09
3. 3
   Add salt and continue mixing on low speed. The dough should gradually become smoother and more elastic. Perform a window pane test by gently stretching the dough—when it is thin enough for light to pass through, the kneading is complete.
   ≈2:20
4. 4
   Place the dough in an oiled bowl, turning it gently to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
   ≈3:57
5. 5
   Turn out the risen dough and divide into 8 equal pieces (or 12 for smaller bagels). Shape each piece into a smooth ball.
   ≈4:42
6. 6
   Gently flatten each ball and poke a hole in the center with your fingers. Stretch and lift the dough to enlarge the hole evenly to about 2 inches across, ensuring even thickness throughout.
   ≈5:25
7. 7
   Place the shaped bagels on parchment-lined and lightly greased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Loosely cover and let rest for about 20 minutes to puff up and relax.
   ≈6:33
8. 8
   Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a large pot, add 3 quarts of water and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add 3 tablespoons of brown sugar or barley malt syrup and a sprinkle of baking soda to increase alkalinity (this makes bagels chewier and gives them a beautiful golden colour).
   ≈7:22
9. 9
   Carefully and gently place each risen bagel into the simmering water. Boil for about 1 minute, then carefully flip with a slotted spoon or spider and boil for another minute. Maintain a gentle simmer throughout.
   ≈8:04
10. 10
    Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon, ensuring the pretty side faces up, and transfer back to the baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with desired toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onions, or cheese.
    ≈8:36
11. 11
    Bake in the preheated 425°F oven for about 15 minutes. Remove and flip the bagels so the other side browns evenly, then bake for a further 5–10 minutes until golden brown.
    ≈9:26
12. 12
    Remove from the oven. Serve warm with cream cheese and your favourite toppings. Fresh bagels are soft and airy inside with wonderful chewy, crisp edges.
    ≈9:52