How To Bake The Perfect Bagel In The Oven

Get Ready to Bake the Perfect Bagel in the Oven

Bagels are a delicious and versatile bread that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you like them plain, with cream cheese, or as a sandwich, there’s no denying the appeal of a fresh, homemade bagel. While traditional bagels are boiled before they are baked, you can achieve similar results by baking them in the oven. Here’s how to bake the perfect bagel in the oven right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 3 ½ cups of bread flour
• 1 ½ cups of warm water
• 2 ¼ teaspoons of instant yeast
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Optional toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start baking!

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy. Then, add the flour and salt, and mix until a dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. Rise the Dough: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
4. Shape the Bagels: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the center to form the bagel shape.
5. Boil the Bagels (Optional): If you want a more traditional texture, you can boil the bagels in a large pot of water for 1-2 minutes on each side. This step is optional but will give the bagels a chewier texture.
6. Bake the Bagels: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the shaped bagels on a lined baking sheet, brush them with the beaten egg wash, and sprinkle with your choice of toppings. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Once the bagels are done baking, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing and enjoying them with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Success

Baking the perfect bagel in the oven takes a bit of practice, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to bagel perfection:

• Use high-gluten bread flour for the best texture.
• Don’t skip the egg wash – it gives the bagels a shiny, golden crust.
• Experiment with different toppings to customize your bagels to your liking.
• Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Now that you know how to bake the perfect bagel in the oven, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. With a little time and effort, you’ll be enjoying fresh, homemade bagels whenever the craving strikes.