Homemade Bagels

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 4 cups bread flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon barley malt syrup, or honey
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for greasing
• 2 quarts water, for boiling
• 2 tablespoons barley malt syrup, or honey, for boiling water
• 1 egg white, beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for wash
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning, for topping (optional)

Method

1. 1

   In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

   5:00 · Proof yeast
2. 2

   Add the bread flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon barley malt syrup to the yeast mixture. Mix and knead with a dough hook or by hand until a very stiff, smooth dough forms, about 8 minutes.

   8:00 · Knead dough
3. 3

   Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise at room temperature until slightly puffed, about 1 hour.

   1:00:00 · First rise
4. 4

   Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a smooth ball.

5. 5

   Poke a hole through the center of each ball with your finger and stretch gently to form a bagel shape with a 1 1/2-inch hole.

6. 6

   Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight, 8 to 12 hours.

7. 7

   The next day, preheat the oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

8. 8

   Bring the 2 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons barley malt syrup to a boil in a 6-quart saucepan.

   10:00 · Bring water to boil
9. 9

   Boil the bagels in batches of 2 to 3, 1 minute per side, then transfer to the prepared baking sheets.

   1:00 · Boil each batch
10. 10

    Brush the boiled bagels with the egg white wash and sprinkle with seeds or seasoning, if using.

11. 11

    Bake until deep golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating pans halfway through.

    20:00 · Bake bagels
12. 12

    Transfer bagels to a wire rack and cool at least 15 minutes before slicing.

    15:00 · Cool bagels