Classic Homemade Bagels

Making Classic Homemade Bagels is a rewarding process that gives you fresh, chewy, and delicious bagels right out of the oven. Here’s a simple recipe for making them from scratch:

Classic Homemade Bagels Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp instant yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
• 2 tbsp honey (for boiling water)
• Toppings (optional): sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion flakes, or salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Stir to dissolve, then sprinkle the yeast over the water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Pour in the yeast mixture and the vegetable oil. Stir until the dough comes together, then knead for about 8-10 minutes on a floured surface. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

1. First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels

1. Punch down the dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air bubbles.
2. Divide the dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces (or more if you prefer smaller bagels). Roll each piece into a ball.
3. Form the bagels: To shape each bagel, use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball, then gently stretch the hole to about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Be careful not to tear the dough.

Step 4: Boil the Bagels

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