How To Knead Bagel Dough By Hand

Mastering the Art of Hand-Kneading Bagel Dough

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a freshly baked, chewy bagel that you made with your own hands. While there are many ways to make bagel dough, hand-kneading is a traditional method that allows you to truly connect with the dough and create a unique texture and flavor. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, here’s a step-by-step guide to kneading bagel dough by hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 cups of bread flour
• 1 ½ cups of warm water
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 packet of active dry yeast

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by activating the yeast. In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to be used.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Once the dough comes together, it’s time to start kneading. Lightly flour a clean work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Use the heels of your hands to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. Continue this motion for about 10 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Rest the Dough

After kneading, shape the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rest for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 5: Shape the Bagels

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a clean surface and punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal-sized pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Use your thumb to poke a hole through the center of each ball, then gently stretch the dough to form the classic bagel shape.

Step 6: Boil and Bake

Boil a large pot of water and preheat your oven. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop the bagels in, a few at a time, and boil them for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the bagels from the water and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the bagels in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and delicious.

Congratulations, you’ve successfully hand-kneaded and baked your own batch of delicious bagels! Whether you top them with classic sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or get creative with your own toppings, you can now enjoy the fruits of your labor and share your homemade bagels with family and friends.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. Keep honing your hand-kneading skills, and soon enough, you’ll be a bagel-making pro!