Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›BirchTree Bread Company›Plain Bagel Recipe

Plain Bagel Recipe

Inspired by BirchTree Bread Company
Time2h
Serves8

Make Plain Bagel Recipe in just 2h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Dough Ingredients

Boiling Solution

Topping (Optional)

Method

Prepare the Dough

  1. 1

    Activate the Yeast

    In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt. Mix well with a whisk.

  3. 3

    Combine Ingredients

    Add the frothy yeast mixture and vegetable oil to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.

  4. 4

    Knead the Dough

    Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

  5. 5

    First Rise

    Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Shape the Bagels

  1. 6

    Divide the Dough

    Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.

  2. 7

    Shape the Bagels

    Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the center with your finger. Gently stretch the hole to form a ring.

  3. 8

    Second Rise

    Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a cloth and let them rest for about 20-30 minutes.

Boil the Bagels

  1. 9

    Prepare Boiling Solution

    In a large pot, bring 10 cups of water to a boil. Add baking soda and sugar to the boiling water.

  2. 10

    Boil Bagels

    Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the baking sheet.

Bake the Bagels

  1. 11

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. 12

    Add Toppings (Optional)

    If desired, sprinkle the tops of the bagels with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse sea salt before baking.

  3. 13

    Bake

    Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Cool and Serve

  1. 14

    Cool

    Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.

  2. 15

    Serve

    Slice the bagels and serve plain, or with your favorite toppings such as cream cheese or butter.

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