How To Bake Bagels Without A Bread Mixer

Are you craving a delicious, chewy bagel but don't have a bread mixer? Don't worry! You can still make mouthwatering bagels right in your own kitchen without the need for a fancy bread mixer. With a few simple ingredients and some elbow grease, you can enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bagels from scratch. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of baking bagels without a bread mixer.

Getting Started

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients and equipment:

• Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of bread flour
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
  • 1 tablespoon of instant yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups of warm water
  • Optional toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning

• Equipment:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Cooling rack

The Process

1. Mixing the Dough:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
   • Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
   • Once the dough comes together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.

2. Shaping the Bagels:

   • After kneading, divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
   • Roll each portion into a ball, then use your thumb to poke a hole through the center of each ball.
   • Gently stretch and shape the dough to form a ring, ensuring that the hole in the center is about 1-2 inches in diameter.

3. Boiling the Bagels:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
   • Once the water is boiling, carefully lower the bagels into the pot using a slotted spoon.
   • Boil the bagels for 1-2 minutes on each side, then remove them from the water and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Baking and Topping:

   • If desired, sprinkle the boiled bagels with your choice of toppings, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
   • Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have a slightly crisp exterior.

5. Enjoying Your Homemade Bagels:

   • Once the bagels are baked, transfer them to a cooling rack and allow them to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
   • Enjoy your freshly baked bagels with your favorite spreads or use them to make a delicious breakfast sandwich.

Conclusion

Baking bagels without a bread mixer is a rewarding and achievable task that anyone can master with a little time and effort. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own homemade bagels from scratch. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the delicious results of your labor. Happy baking!