Sourdough Bagels: A Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Perfection
Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game? Forget store-bought bagels – this recipe will guide you through making delicious, chewy sourdough bagels from scratch. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect sourdough tang and bagel chew, resulting in a truly satisfying experience. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones!
Why Make Sourdough Bagels?
The magic of sourdough lies in its unique flavor profile, thanks to the wild yeasts and bacteria in the starter. This gives your bagels a complex, tangy depth that surpasses anything you'll find in a commercial bakery. Plus, making bagels at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more satisfying treat. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 8-10 bagels. Adjust quantities as needed.
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For the Sourdough Starter (if not already active):
- 50g mature sourdough starter (fed 4-6 hours prior)
- 50g bread flour
- 50g water
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For the Dough:
- All of the activated sourdough starter
- 300g bread flour (or strong baker's flour)
- 100g whole wheat flour (for added depth of flavor and texture - optional)
- 250g lukewarm water
- 10g salt
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for enhanced crust color)
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For Boiling:
- 2 quarts water
- 2 tbsp barley malt syrup or honey (for that beautiful sheen and flavor)
- 1 tbsp baking soda
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For Topping:
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
- Activate your starter: If your starter isn't already active and bubbly, feed it (mix with equal parts flour and water) and let it rise until doubled in size (4-6 hours).
- Autolyse: Combine the flours and water in a large bowl and mix until just combined. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes (autolyse). This allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a smoother dough.
- Add ingredients: Add the activated starter, salt, and honey (if using) to the autolysed dough. Mix thoroughly until a shaggy dough forms.
- Bulk Fermentation: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 4-6 hours at room temperature, or until almost doubled in size. Perform a few sets of stretch and folds during this time (every 30-45 minutes for the first 2 hours). This develops gluten strength and adds to the chewiness.
2. Shaping the Bagels:
- Divide and shape: Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball.
- Poke a hole: Using your finger, poke a hole through the center of each ball. Gently stretch the hole to about 1.5-2 inches in diameter.
3. Proofing the Bagels:
- Place on parchment paper: Arrange the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Cold proof: Cover the baking sheet loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12-18 hours (or overnight). This slow fermentation will enhance the flavor and texture.
4. Boiling and Baking:
- Preheat oven & boil water: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Bring the water, malt syrup/honey, and baking soda to a boil in a large saucepan.
- Boil the bagels: Gently place 2-3 bagels at a time into the boiling water. Boil for 1 minute per side.
- Top and bake: Remove the bagels from the boiling water and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with your desired toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Cooling and Enjoying:
- Cool completely: Allow the bagels to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips for Sourdough Bagel Success:
- Starter activity: Ensure your starter is active and bubbly before starting the recipe.
- Hydration: The water amount might need slight adjustments depending on your flour.
- Gluten development: Proper stretch and folds are crucial for a chewy bagel.
- Proofing time: Adjust proofing times based on your room temperature.
Now you're ready to enjoy your homemade sourdough bagels! Experiment with different toppings and fillings to create your perfect bagel experience. Remember to share your creations and tag us – we'd love to see your baking masterpieces!
