Homemade Bagels
Ingredients:
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Toppings such as everything bagel seasoning, shredded cheese and/or flaked sea salt
Instructions:
- Activate the yeast by combining the yeast, warm water and brown sugar in a small dish. Give it a quick stir with a fork and let sit until the mixture is foamy, and the yeast is dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the activated yeast mixture with the flour and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Knead with the dough hook on medium speed for about 10 minutes until you have a smooth, dense dough. Note that you can also do this by hand on a floured surface, but it will probably take closer to 15 minutes.
- Brush a bowl with olive oil and transfer the dough to the bowl. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let sit in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. I like to turn the oven on to its lowest setting and then turn it off and put the dough in the oven with the door cracked open to proof.
- Punch the dough down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 8 equal pieces. Use the palm of your hand to cup each piece of dough and roll it in a tight circle, pressed against the counter. Gradually decrease the pressure until you have a round, smooth ball. Repeat for all 8 pieces.
- Use your finger to press a hole into the center of each ball of dough and stretch it until it is about 1 inch around. Place bagels on a lightly floured cookie sheet and cover lightly with plastic wrap. Let them rise for another 10 minutes while you prepare the water bath and heat the oven.
- Preheat the one to 425 degrees F. and bring a large, wide pot of water to a rolling boil.
- Boil the bagels for 2 minutes per side before removing with a slotted spoon and setting on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Use a fork to whisk together the egg and water and then brush the tops of the bagels with the egg wash. Add your toppings, pressing lightly to make sure they stick.
- Bake at 425 degrees F. for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. If you are using 2 oven racks, just make sure you switch the trays between the racks halfway through so the bottom ones don't get burnt.