Nothing quite compares to the deliciously chewy, slightly crispy texture of a classic New York bagel. Whether you enjoy them with a simple smear of cream cheese, topped with lox, or as a sandwich, bagels are a beloved treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your own batch of authentic New York bagels.
Ingredients
To make a dozen classic New York bagels, you will need:
4 cups bread flour (plus more for dusting)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
1 tablespoon barley malt syrup (optional, for added flavor)
Toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, coarse salt, etc.
Equipment
Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Large pot for boiling
Slotted spoon
Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the warm water and sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture. Add the barley malt syrup if using. Stir until the mixture comes together into a shaggy dough.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be firm but not dry. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
Step 2: First Rise
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Divide the Dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces.
Shape the Bagels: Roll each piece into a ball. To form the classic bagel shape, poke your thumb through the center of each ball to create a hole. Gently stretch the hole to about 2 inches in diameter. Make sure the hole is large enough, as it will shrink during boiling and baking.
Step 4: Boil the Bagels
Prepare the Water Bath: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of barley malt syrup if desired. This gives the bagels their distinct chewy texture and golden color.
Boil the Bagels: Gently drop 2-3 bagels at a time into the boiling water. Boil for 1 minute on each side for a chewy texture or 2 minutes on each side for a denser bagel.
Drain and Add Toppings: Using a slotted spoon, remove the bagels and place them on a cooling rack to drain. If you want to add toppings, do so while the bagels are still wet to ensure they stick.
Step 5: Bake the Bagels
Bake: Transfer the boiled bagels to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Cool: Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Tips for the Perfect New York Bagel
Use Bread Flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content than all-purpose flour, giving the bagels their chewy texture.
Don’t Skip the Boiling: Boiling the bagels before baking is crucial. It sets the crust and gives the bagels their classic chewy texture.
Experiment with Toppings: Customize your bagels with different toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning. You can even mix some seasonings into the dough for flavored bagels.
Serving Suggestions
New York bagels are incredibly versatile. Serve them fresh out of the oven with a simple schmear of cream cheese, or make a classic bagel sandwich with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onions, and capers. For a sweet twist, try a cinnamon-raisin bagel topped with honey and cream cheese.
Storing and Freezing
Store the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To freeze, slice the bagels and store them in a freezer bag. Toast them straight from the freezer for a quick and delicious breakfast.
Making authentic New York bagels at home is a rewarding experience that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. With this recipe, you can enjoy the taste of New York from the comfort of your own home.
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic New York bagel recipe, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and add your own twist:
Flavored Dough: Add flavors directly into the dough. Try adding cinnamon and raisins, minced garlic and herbs, or even jalapeño and cheddar for a savory kick.
Stuffed Bagels: For a surprise inside, try stuffing the dough with cream cheese, chocolate chips, or a savory filling like sun-dried tomatoes and feta before shaping the bagels.
Sweet Bagels: Incorporate sweetness into the dough by adding honey or maple syrup. Top these bagels with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a delightful breakfast treat.
Advanced Tips for Perfection
For those looking to go even deeper into the art of bagel-making, here are some advanced tips:
Fermentation: For a more complex flavor, allow the dough to cold ferment in the refrigerator overnight. This slow rise develops deeper flavors and improves the bagel’s texture.
Use a Baking Stone: If you have one, bake the bagels on a preheated baking stone for an even crispier crust. Place the stone in the oven during preheating, and then carefully transfer the bagels onto the hot surface for baking.
Steam in the Oven: To achieve an extra-crispy crust, introduce steam into your oven while baking. Place a shallow pan of water on the lower rack or spritz the oven walls with water right after putting the bagels in.
Troubleshooting Common Bagel-Making Issues
Flat Bagels: If your bagels turn out flat, it’s likely that the dough over-proofed. Keep an eye on the rising time, especially during the first rise.
Dense Bagels: Dense bagels can result from under-proofing or over-kneading the dough. Make sure to give the dough enough time to rise and only knead until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Toppings Not Sticking: If toppings fall off, it might be because the bagels dried out before baking. Always add toppings right after boiling when the bagels are still wet.
Enjoy Your Homemade New York Bagels
Homemade New York bagels are a delight that can transform your breakfast routine. Their fresh, chewy texture and endless customization options make them a favorite for many.
Whether you prefer them plain with cream cheese or loaded with toppings, you’ll have a fresh batch of bagels ready to enjoy whenever the craving hits.
So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make your kitchen smell like a New York bagel shop. With this recipe in your culinary repertoire, you can bring a little taste of the Big Apple to your table anytime.
