Easy Homemade Bagels

You won’t believe how easy it is to make this homemade Bagel recipe with only a few simple ingredients! You will fall in love with these bagels as they are so soft on the inside, with the perfect amount of chewiness along with a deliciously crisp exterior. This foolproof recipe will have you enjoying freshly baked bagels in no time. Homemade bagels are a delightful treat, and they're easier to make than you might think. Here's a simple recipe for easy homemade bagels:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 4 cups bread flour (you can also use all-purpose flour)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing)

For the boiling water bath:

• 2 quarts water
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

Optional toppings:

• Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, coarse salt, etc.

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir until the yeast and sugar have dissolved. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes frothy.
2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for this step.
4. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
5. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
7. Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball. Using your thumb, poke a hole through the center of each ball and gently stretch the hole to make a bagel shape. Ensure the hole is at least 1-2 inches in diameter.
8. Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them for expansion. Cover the bagels with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for an additional 15-20 minutes.
9. While the bagels are rising, prepare the boiling water bath. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the sugar and baking soda, stirring until they dissolve.
10. Carefully drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water bath, making sure they are not overcrowded. Boil them for about 1 minute on each side. Remove the boiled bagels using a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.
11. If you'd like to add toppings, sprinkle them onto the wet surface of the bagels now.
12. Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
13. Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

These homemade bagels are best enjoyed fresh and can be served plain or with your favorite spreads, such as cream cheese or butter. Get creative and add your favorite toppings or fillings to customize your bagels. Enjoy the delicious taste of homemade bagels with this easy recipe!