Everything Bagels Recipe

Bread flour: This type of flour has a higher protein content, which is essential for the chewy texture of bagels.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps activate the yeast.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bagels.

Instant yeast: Helps the dough rise quickly and efficiently.

Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.

Everything bagel seasoning: A flavorful mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt that tops the bagels.

When kneading the dough, ensure you use the heel of your hand to push it away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop the gluten structure, making the bagels chewy and giving them a better texture. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands and the work surface with flour, but be careful not to add too much, as it can make the bagels dense.

• bread flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used, but the texture might be slightly less chewy since it has a lower protein content compared to bread flour.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a slight sweetness and help with browning, but it will also add a bit of moisture to the dough.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and will provide a similar flavor profile.

• instant yeast - Substitute with active dry yeast: Active dry yeast can be used, but it needs to be dissolved in water before mixing with other ingredients. Use the same amount.

• warm water - Substitute with milk: Milk can add a richer flavor and softer texture to the bagels, but it will also make the dough slightly heavier.

• everything bagel seasoning - Substitute with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt: You can create your own everything bagel seasoning by mixing these ingredients in equal parts.

• Allow the bagels to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• For short-term storage, place the bagels in a paper bag. This helps maintain their crusty exterior while keeping the inside soft. If you prefer a softer crust, use a plastic bag instead.

• To keep bagels fresh for up to a week, store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Add a slice of apple or a piece of celery to the container to help retain moisture.

• For longer storage, wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped bagels in a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

• Label the freezer bag with the date to keep track of freshness. Bagels can be frozen for up to three months without losing quality.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw bagels at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. For a quicker option, use the defrost setting on your microwave.

• To restore the bagels' crispy exterior, toast them in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. If you prefer a softer texture, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.

• For a gourmet touch, consider topping your reheated bagels with fresh cream cheese, smoked salmon, or a spread of avocado.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Wrap each bagel in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  3. Place the wrapped bagels on a baking sheet.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through.
  5. For a crispier exterior, unwrap the bagels for the last 2-3 minutes of heating.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the bagel in half horizontally.
  3. Place the bagel halves directly on the toaster oven rack or on a small baking sheet.
  4. Toast for about 5-7 minutes, or until the bagel is heated through and the edges are crispy.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the bagel on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the bagel with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
  4. Check the bagel and continue to heat in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired warmth.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Slice the bagel in half horizontally.
  3. Place the bagel halves cut-side down in the skillet.
  4. Heat for 2-3 minutes, then flip and heat for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are warm and slightly crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Slice the bagel in half horizontally.
  3. Place the bagel halves in the air fryer basket.
  4. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't over-crisp.

• Steam Method:

  1. Bring a pot of water to a simmer and place a steamer basket over it.
  2. Place the bagel in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bagel is warmed through.
  4. This method helps retain moisture, making the bagel soft and chewy.

• Large mixing bowl: Used to combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast, and to mix the dough.

• Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the bread flour and warm water.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring the sugar, salt, and instant yeast.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for mixing the ingredients together before kneading.

• Clean surface: Needed for kneading the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Lightly oiled bowl: Used to place the dough in for rising.

• Plastic wrap or kitchen towel: To cover the bowl while the dough rises.

• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper to bake the bagels on.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the bagels from sticking to the baking sheet.

• Large pot: Used to boil the bagels before baking.

• Slotted spoon: Helps to remove the bagels from the boiling water.

• Oven: Preheated to 425°F (220°C) for baking the bagels.

• Cooling rack: Allows the bagels to cool down properly before serving.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Use a stand mixer: Knead the dough with a stand mixer to save time and effort.

Preheat oven early: Start preheating the oven while the dough rises to ensure it's ready when you are.

Boil water in advance: Have the water boiling as you shape the bagels to keep the process moving smoothly.

Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.