Plain Bagel Recipe
Classic bagel, perfect for breakfast.
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Ingredients
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Dough Ingredients
Topping (optional)
Method
Dough Preparation
- 1
Activate Yeast
In a small bowl, combine the warm water (1.5 cups) and sugar (1 tbsp). Sprinkle the active dry yeast (2 tsp) over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
- 2
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour (4 cups) and salt (1 tbsp). Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
- 3
Combine Ingredients
Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- 4
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- 5
Shaping and Boiling
- 6
Shape the Bagels
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center and stretch it to form a bagel shape.
- 7
Second Rise
Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a damp cloth and let them rest for about 20 minutes.
- 8
Boil the Bagels
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop in 2-3 bagels at a time and boil for about 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Baking
- 9
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 10
Add Toppings (if desired)
If using, sprinkle sesame seeds (0.25 cups) or poppy seeds (0.25 cups) over the boiled bagels while they are still wet.
- 11
Bake the Bagels
Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
