Ingredients

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2¼ tsp instant yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1½ tsp salt
• 1¼ cups warm water
• 1 tbsp oil

• 8 cups water
• 1 tbsp sugar or honey

• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Garlic flakes
• Coarse salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and oil. Knead into a stiff, smooth dough.
2. First Proof: Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
3. Shape the Bagels: Divide dough into equal portions. Roll into balls and poke a hole in the centre to shape bagels.
4. Rest the Bagels: Place shaped bagels on a tray and rest for 15 minutes.
5. Boil: Boil water with sugar. Drop bagels into boiling water and cook 30–40 seconds per side.
6. Add Toppings: Remove bagels and sprinkle toppings while still wet.
7. Bake: Arrange bagels on baking tray and bake until golden brown.
8. Serve: Cool slightly, slice, toast if desired, and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic chewy bagel texture
• Fresh bakery-style taste
• Customisable toppings
• No preservatives
• Perfect for breakfast or brunch

Common Mistakes

• Skipping boiling process
• Using too soft dough
• Overproofing bagels
• Cutting while hot

Variations

Whole Wheat: Replace half flour with wheat flour.
Cheese: Add grated cheese topping.
Sweet: Add cinnamon and raisins.

Personal Note

Homemade bagels were a game-changer for me. The first bite of a freshly baked, warm bagel made all the effort worthwhile. Once you try these, store-bought bagels will never feel the same.