With a soft and chewy texture and that classic sourdough tang, each bite of this Sourdough Bagels Recipe will have you wondering why you waited so long to make them. These bagels are perfect for breakfast or brunch and can be customized with various toppings. With only five simple ingredients, you’ll enjoy the delightful process of making your own sourdough bagels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Follow: This recipe simplifies the bagel-making process, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your bagels with toppings like sesame seeds, cheese, or everything seasoning.
- Delicious Flavor: The sourdough starter imparts a unique flavor that elevates these bagels above store-bought options.
- Perfectly Chewy Texture: Hand-kneading gives these bagels their characteristic chewiness and softness.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can shape and refrigerate the bagels ahead of time for fresh baking on busy mornings.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools ready. Having the proper equipment makes the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Danish Dough Whisk
- Bench scraper
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Large pot
Importance of Each Tool
- Danish Dough Whisk: This tool is excellent for mixing dough without overworking it, ensuring a perfect consistency.
- Bench Scraper: Ideal for cutting and shaping dough, it helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Sourdough Bagels Recipe:
- 150g active, bubbly starter
- 250g warm water
- 500g bread flour
- 40g sugar
- 11g salt
- 20g honey (for the boil bath)
How to Make Sourdough Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine 150g active starter, 250g warm water, and 40g sugar. Mix by hand (or use a Danish Dough Whisk) until it looks like a milky liquid.
- Add 500g bread flour and 11g salt to the mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Knead the dough by hand for about 5-6 minutes until it becomes stiff yet bumpy in texture.
- Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 60 minutes.
Step 2: Stretch and Fold
- After resting for an hour, perform a stretch, fold, and push routine with your hands for about 30 seconds.
- Notice how much smoother the dough feels! Cover it again with a reusable shower cap and place it in a warm area to rise.
Step 3: Bulk Rise
- Allow the dough to at least double in size; this typically takes about 8-12 hours depending on your kitchen temperature.
Step 4: Shape
- Once doubled in size, gently remove the dough from the bowl onto your work surface without adding flour.
- Shape it into a rectangle about half an inch thick and cut into eight equal pieces.
- For each piece, pull corners towards the center to form a ball shape, then punch a hole through the middle using your thumb.
Step 5: Second Rise
- Place shaped bagels on parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover with a damp tea towel to prevent drying out.
- Allow them to puff up in a warm spot for about 20-60 minutes.
Step 6: Boil Bath
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees while waiting for your bagels to rise.
- Fill a large pot with water, add honey, whisk until well mixed, then bring to a boil.
- Carefully drop in several bagels at once (2-3), boiling them for about 30 seconds on each side before moving them to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Toppings
- After boiling all bagels, consider adding toppings! Simply dip them in your favorite seasoning on a plate while they are still sticky from boiling.
Step 8: Bake
- Bake your sourdough bagels in preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool on wire racks before enjoying!
With this Sourdough Bagels Recipe, you’re set to create delicious homemade bagels that will impress family and friends alike!
How to Serve Sourdough Bagels Recipe
Sourdough bagels are a delightful breakfast treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, there’s a serving suggestion for everyone. Here are some ideas to elevate your sourdough bagel experience.
Classic Cream Cheese
- Cream cheese is a timeless choice. Spread a generous layer on your freshly baked bagel for a creamy, rich flavor.
Smoked Salmon Delight
- Top your bagel with slices of smoked salmon, capers, and red onion for a deliciously sophisticated breakfast.
Avocado Smash
- Mash avocado with lime juice and salt, then spread it over your bagel for a healthy, flavorful option.
Nut Butter Bliss
- Spread almond or peanut butter on your bagel and add banana slices or honey for a sweet and filling breakfast.
Everything Bagel Style
- Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top of cream cheese for an extra burst of flavor that’s sure to please.
Sweet Cinnamon Sugar
- Mix sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle over cream cheese or butter for a sweet morning treat.
How to Perfect Sourdough Bagels Recipe
To achieve the perfect sourdough bagels, consider these tips that can enhance both texture and flavor.
Use an active starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before beginning. This will help the dough rise properly and develop that signature tangy flavor.
Knead by hand: Kneading the dough by hand results in better texture. Take your time with this step to develop gluten effectively.
Monitor the rise: Keep an eye on the dough during the bulk rise. A warm environment will speed up fermentation; adjust rising times accordingly.
Boiling bath temperature: Ensure your water is at a rolling boil before adding the bagels. This step creates the chewy crust characteristic of great bagels.
Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Try different toppings like seeds, cheese, or herbs to personalize each batch of sourdough bagels.
Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Bagels Recipe
Pairing side dishes with sourdough bagels can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that complement their flavors beautifully.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and sweetness to your meal.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that balances out the richness of the bagels.
Scrambled Eggs: Lightly scrambled eggs provide protein and make for a hearty breakfast alongside your sourdough bagels.
Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad with vinegar dressing offers crunch and lightness as a refreshing counterpoint.
Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables bring depth and satisfy those craving something savory.
Potato Hash: Crispy potato hash adds comfort to your meal while enhancing its heartiness.
Soup of the Day: Pairing with a warm soup makes for a cozy brunch option that’s especially nice in cooler weather.
Pickles or Olives: A small serving of pickles or olives can add briny contrast to the fluffy goodness of sourdough bagels.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making sourdough bagels can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final product.
- Using an inactive starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before using it. An inactive starter will lead to dense bagels.
- Skipping the kneading process: Kneading is crucial for developing gluten. Avoid cutting corners; knead by hand for the best texture.
- Not allowing enough rise time: Rushing the fermentation can result in flat bagels. Be patient and allow the dough to double in size.
- Over-boiling the bagels: Boiling for too long can make them tough. Stick to 30 seconds per side for a perfect chewy texture.
- Ignoring toppings: Toppings can elevate your bagels. Don’t skip this step; experiment with different flavors like sesame seeds or everything seasoning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store sourdough bagels in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Sourdough Bagels Recipe
- Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Sourdough Bagels Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
- Microwave: Heat on high for 15-20 seconds, but be cautious not to overdo it, as they may become chewy.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the key to a perfect Sourdough Bagels Recipe?
The key lies in using an active starter and allowing sufficient rise time. Proper kneading also contributes significantly to the texture.
Can I make these Sourdough Bagels Recipe without honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with sugar or omit it entirely from the boiling water if desired.
How long does it take to make this Sourdough Bagels Recipe?
The total time is roughly 9 hours and 20 minutes, which includes resting and rising times. The hands-on preparation is relatively short!
Can I customize my Sourdough Bagels Recipe toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like poppy seeds, garlic powder, or even cheese for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Sourdough Bagels Recipe offers both a delightful homemade experience and endless customization options. Whether you prefer classic toppings or want to get creative with flavors, these bagels are sure to impress. Try making them today and enjoy their warm, chewy goodness right out of the oven!
Sourdough Bagels Recipe
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade sourdough bagels with this easy-to-follow recipe. With a soft and chewy texture complemented by that signature sourdough tang, each bagel is a culinary joy that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. This Sourdough Bagels Recipe requires just five simple ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Customize your bagels with toppings like sesame seeds or everything seasoning to suit your taste. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating artisan-quality bagels right in your own kitchen!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 150g active sourdough starter
- 250g warm water
- 500g bread flour
- 40g sugar
- 11g salt
- 20g honey (for the boil bath)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the active starter, warm water, and sugar until combined.
- Add bread flour and salt; stir until incorporated.
- Knead the dough by hand for 5-6 minutes until stiff yet bumpy, then let rest for 60 minutes.
- Perform a stretch and fold routine, cover, and let rise until doubled (8-12 hours).
- Shape the dough into bagels and let them puff up for 20-60 minutes.
- Boil in honey water for 30 seconds on each side before transferring to a baking sheet.
- Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
