Homemade New York Style Bagels

Ingredients

• 4 cups (480g) high-gluten flour 4 cups (480g) high-gluten flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) salt 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
• 2 teaspoons (8g) sugar 2 teaspoons (8g) sugar
• 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups (295ml) warm water 1 ¼ cups (295ml) warm water
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) malt syrup or honey 1 tablespoon (15ml) malt syrup or honey
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 59g, 2g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
2. 2.
   In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
3. 3.
   Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture and mix until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. 5.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the center with your thumb.
8. 8.
   Stretch the dough to create a ring shape and place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet.
9. 9.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the malt syrup or honey.
10. 10.
    Boil the bagels, 2-3 at a time, for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.
11. 11.
    If desired, sprinkle the bagels with your choice of toppings.
12. 12.
    Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
13. 13.
    Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• High-gluten flour — The high gluten content is essential for achieving the chewy texture of New York style bagels. If you can't find high-gluten flour, you can use bread flour as a substitute, although the texture may be slightly different.

Tips & Tricks

• For a shiny crust, brush the bagels with an egg wash before baking.
• Experiment with different toppings such as poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning to add variety to your bagels.
• To achieve a chewier texture, refrigerate the shaped bagels overnight before boiling and baking them.

Serving advice

Serve the Homemade New York Style Bagels sliced and toasted. They are delicious on their own or topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, sliced tomatoes, or any of your favorite bagel toppings.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced bagels on a platter, allowing their golden crusts to be visible. Serve them alongside a variety of spreads and toppings for guests to customize their own bagel creations.