Wake up to the rich, mouthwatering aroma of homemade Easy New York Style Bagels—an experience that brings the essence of a classic city delicacy right to your kitchen! These bagels, chewy on the inside and golden and crisp on the outside, are not just for New Yorkers; they are for anyone who craves a hearty, homemade breakfast. With this easy bagel recipe, you can create perfect bagels that rival those from your favorite deli, all while enjoying the process of baking them yourself. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a fun weekend project, or healthy snack prep, this recipe has it all!
This Easy New York Style Bagel recipe is a delightful combination of simple ingredients. It’s vegetarian-friendly and creates a satisfying breakfast or snack that you can enjoy any time of the day. Bagels are incredibly versatile and serve as a great base for a wide range of toppings—whether you prefer classic cream cheese, smoked salmon, or even just a bit of butter and jam. Not to mention, they freeze beautifully so you can enjoy them fresh at any moment whenever the craving strikes. Whether you’re crafting these bagels for a special brunch or just to relish a simple pleasure, you’ll find that making bagels at home is a delightful and rewarding experience.
As you embark on this journey to create these artisanal bagels, remember that the secret lies in the process—boiling them before baking gives bagels their unique chewy texture and lovely crust. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to dive into a delicious baking experience that the whole family will remember!
Why You’ll Love This Easy New York Style Bagel
- Authentic Flavor: Get the genuine taste of New York bagels right in your home.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires only a few staple items such as bread flour and yeast.
- Fun Activity: Perfect for weekend baking with family or friends.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds or everything seasoning.
- Freezes Well: Bake a batch and keep them ready for a quick breakfast any day.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the bagel-making process, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure success. Start by clearing your countertop to allow ample space for kneading and shaping the dough. You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining your ingredients, a clean surface for kneading, and a rolling pin if you prefer. Make sure to have a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready to go, and a pot large enough for boiling the bagels—this is an essential step for achieving that iconic bagel crust. Also, keep a slotted spoon handy for transferring the bagels from boiling water to the baking sheet.
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon barley malt syrup (or honey/brown sugar)
- 1 egg (for optional egg wash)
- Assorted toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning)
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and combining the bread flour, instant yeast, salt, and warm water. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to mix these ingredients until they come together to form a rough dough. The warmth of the water activates the yeast, which is crucial for achieving fluffy bagels. Don’t worry if the dough looks messy at this stage; it’s just the beginning of the process!
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Once the dough comes together, transfer it onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, using the palms of your hands to push and fold the dough. This step is vital as it develops the gluten in the bread flour, ensuring that your bagels will turn out chewy and soft on the inside. Don’t rush it—feel the transformation as the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Let it Rise
Once your dough is kneaded to perfection, place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm environment for about 60–90 minutes. You want the dough to double in size, which occurs when the yeast ferments and produces carbon dioxide. This is what gives your bagels their lift!
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, shaping each piece into a ball. With your finger, poke a hole in the center of each ball and gently stretch the dough to form your bagel shape. Be careful not to make the hole too big—you want it to maintain its form as it rises and bakes.
Step 5: Second Rise
Once shaped, let the bagels rest for 10–15 minutes. This brief period allows the gluten to relax again, making the bagels easier to handle during the boiling phase.
Step 6: Boil the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Stir in the barley malt syrup for extra flavor and shine. Gently place 2–3 bagels at a time into the boiling water—avoid overcrowding. Boil each side for 45 to 60 seconds; this step is crucial for creating the traditional bagel crust. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the water.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the boiled bagels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is the perfect time to sprinkle your favorite toppings over the bagels. Whether you prefer the classic sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or an everything bagel mix, this is where you can get creative!
Step 8: Egg Wash (Optional)
For an added touch of gloss and color, you can brush the tops of the bagels with a beaten egg. This step is optional but enhances the visual appeal and gives a beautiful crust.
Step 9: Bake the Bagels
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown. Remember to rotate the baking tray halfway through to ensure even baking. The fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely delightful!
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, transfer your bagels to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re not serving them right away, allow them to cool down to room temperature before storing. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be easily frozen for future breakfast find.
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked bacon or lox on top for a delightful breakfast addition.
- Vegetables: Mix in chopped herbs or finely diced veggies into the dough for extra flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices in the dough such as garlic powder or onion powder to create your unique twist.
Cooking Notes
- Knead thoroughly for the best texture, making sure to stretch the dough for elasticity.
- Don’t skip the boiling step; it’s essential for that chewy bagel texture we all love.
- Experiment with different flavors of malt syrup or sweeteners while boiling for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a truly classic New York breakfast.
- Top with fresh avocado slices and a sprinkle of salt for a healthy alternative.
Tips
- For perfectly-shaped bagels, weigh the pieces of dough for uniformity.
- Allow your bagels to cool completely before freezing to avoid moisture build-up.
- You can customize bagels with various toppings—try everything from cheese to seeds.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per bagel
- Protein: 10 grams
- Sodium: 300 milligrams
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
While you can use all-purpose flour, bread flour is recommended for its higher protein content, which helps create a better texture in the bagels.
How do I store leftover bagels?
Store leftover bagels in a ziploc bag or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Why do I have to boil the bagels?
Boiling bagels is an essential step that creates the chewy texture and crispy crust associated with authentic bagels.
Can I make these bagels gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free bread flour substitute, but the texture may vary slightly from traditional bagels.
Conclusion
Making Easy New York Style Bagels can easily become a cherished weekend tradition in your home. With this simple and delightful recipe, you can enjoy fresh bagels straight from your oven that are perfect for breakfast or a casual snack. The process is straightforward, allowing for creativity and personalization with toppings to suit your taste. Whether topped with cream cheese or dressed simply with butter, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of fresh-baked bagels. Don’t hesitate to share your results in the comments below or experiment with different variations. Let the fragrant aroma of baking bagels fill your kitchen, and let every bite transport you to the bustling streets of New York!
Print
Easy New York Style Bagels
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Wake up to the rich, mouthwatering aroma of homemade Easy New York Style Bagels—an experience that brings the essence of a classic city delicacy right to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 1/2 cups warm water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon barley malt syrup (or honey/brown sugar)
- 1 egg (for optional egg wash)
- Assorted toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning)
Instructions
- Start by taking a large mixing bowl and combining the bread flour, instant yeast, salt, and warm water. Use a sturdy spatula or your hands to mix these ingredients until they come together to form a rough dough. The warmth of the water activates the yeast, which is crucial for achieving fluffy bagels. Don’t worry if the dough looks messy at this stage; it’s just the beginning of the process!
- Once the dough comes together, transfer it onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8–10 minutes, using the palms of your hands to push and fold the dough. This step is vital as it develops the gluten in the bread flour, ensuring that your bagels will turn out chewy and soft on the inside. Don’t rush it—feel the transformation as the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
- Once your dough is kneaded to perfection, place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm environment for about 60–90 minutes. You want the dough to double in size, which occurs when the yeast ferments and produces carbon dioxide. This is what gives your bagels their lift!
- After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, shaping each piece into a ball. With your finger, poke a hole in the center of each ball and gently stretch the dough to form your bagel shape. Be careful not to make the hole too big—you want it to maintain its form as it rises and bakes.
- Once shaped, let the bagels rest for 10–15 minutes. This brief period allows the gluten to relax again, making the bagels easier to handle during the boiling phase.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Stir in the barley malt syrup for extra flavor and shine. Gently place 2–3 bagels at a time into the boiling water—avoid overcrowding. Boil each side for 45 to 60 seconds; this step is crucial for creating the traditional bagel crust. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them from the water.
- Transfer the boiled bagels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is the perfect time to sprinkle your favorite toppings over the bagels. Whether you prefer the classic sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or an everything bagel mix, this is where you can get creative!
- For an added touch of gloss and color, you can brush the tops of the bagels with a beaten egg. This step is optional but enhances the visual appeal and gives a beautiful crust.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown. Remember to rotate the baking tray halfway through to ensure even baking. The fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely delightful!
- Once baked, transfer your bagels to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re not serving them right away, allow them to cool down to room temperature before storing. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be easily frozen for future breakfast find.
Notes
You can customize bagels with various toppings—try everything from cheese to seeds.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 10 g