Classic Bagel Recipe
A freshly baked bagel served with cream cheese.
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Ingredients
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Bagel Dough
Boiling Water
Toppings
Cream Cheese Spread
Method
Preparing the Dough
- 1
Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- 2
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and vegetable oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- 3
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- 4
First Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shaping the Bagels
- 5
Shape the Bagels
After the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center using your finger, and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape.
Boiling and Baking
- 6
- 7
Boil the Bagels
Carefully drop the shaped bagels into the boiling water, 2-3 at a time. Boil for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- 8
Preheat the Oven
While boiling the bagels, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 9
Add Toppings and Bake
Remove the bagels from the water, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and sprinkle your desired toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coarse sea salt) on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Making the Cream Cheese Spread
- 10
Prepare the Spread
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, chives (if using), and garlic powder (if using) until smooth and well combined.
Serving
- 11
Serve
Let the bagels cool slightly before serving with the cream cheese spread.