We've always wanted to try making bagels. It's hard to find good ones outside of Brooklyn, and they seemed like such a simple project (and they were). Not a lot of effort for the pleasure gained from a crusty, chewy piece of carb heaven. So, yesterday we finally did it. We followed this recipe. It was good. More than good. Doughgasmic? Maybe. Give them a try and let us know what you think.
Rating: 3/4 assed (only because you're using yeast and there's a fair amount of waiting)
Here's what you need and how you do it
4 cups flour
1 Tablespoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1-1/4 to 1-1/2 cups warm water
Mix all ingredients to form a stiff(ish) dough. Knead for ten minutes by hand or with dough hook on mixer.
Cut the dough into 8 equal-sized balls and let sit for 20 minutes (no longer). Roll each ball into a six- to eight-inch rope. Wrap each rope around your hand and squeeze ends together. Let bagels sit for another 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Start water boiling. Drop each bagel into boiling water (don't overcrowd) and let boil for a couple minutes per side. Remove from water and set on greased cookie sheet.
Top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt or whatever else your bagel-loving heart desires.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before digging in.
For a printable version of this recipe, click here.
The only time I tried bagels they just got soggy and flat in the water. Any tips?
Posted by: Brenton | January 23, 2010 at 12:01 AM
"Conquer Bagels" is an entry on my never ending new year's resolution list. Why am I so daunted by them? I must give this recipe a try!
Posted by: carolyn | January 23, 2010 at 05:16 AM
A friend of mine adds an egg to her bagel mix-it makes them more chewy. So good.
Posted by: Linda | January 23, 2010 at 11:25 PM
Brenton,
You have to make sure you only keep the bagels in the water for a short period of time. The recipe I use only has you keep them in for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. And you gotta scope them out ASAP! lol
Posted by: Amiyrah | January 24, 2010 at 11:17 AM
Thanks for the tip. I also don't think my dough was thick enough in the first place. Looking forward to trying this later today.
Posted by: Brenton | January 24, 2010 at 01:00 PM
Sorry for the tardy response. Like Amiyrah said, just boil for a short time. Also, don't overproof the dough. They really only need to sit for 20 minutes before boiling. Not much longer.
Posted by: Half Assed Kitchen | January 24, 2010 at 04:18 PM
1. make these bagels right now.
2. if the dough starts to stick, add water, not flour.
3. follow the 20 m + 20 m rule.
4. boil one minute per side.
i used the salt that comes with those frozen super pretzels. they are the most half-assed yeast recipe ever.
Posted by: kathie | January 25, 2010 at 09:31 AM
These were easy and delicious, thanks so much! Fantastic when toasted, too.
Posted by: Erika | January 25, 2010 at 08:07 PM
I really want to try this...its amazing...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Viva-Magazine-Your-Premium-Womens-Natural-Health-Magazine/262734921452?ref=ts
Posted by: Delicious Recipes | January 27, 2010 at 04:38 AM
These were so yummy, and soooo easy to make! My 6 year old helped me make them and had a blast! Thanks so much!
Posted by: Shana R | January 27, 2010 at 07:43 AM
We're making these today with the older day care kids. They got to choose what they make today, and bagels were their first choice, so fingers crossed. ;-)
Posted by: Kate | January 27, 2010 at 02:39 PM
I've made these twice now and they're great. The first time, I tried to make 6 instead of 8 (I ran out of flour) and the ratio was off a little AND I boiled them for too long but they still turned out well. The second time, I followed the recipe exactly and they turned out fantastic! I'll be making these again. Thanks!
Posted by: Katie | January 28, 2010 at 09:39 AM
The only thing I would add is a little malt powder (the non-diastatic baking kind) to both the dough and to the boiling water. That's where that extra little bit of flavor comes from, and other than finding the powder (I got it from King Arthur) it really doesn't take any more work.
Posted by: Trish | January 31, 2010 at 05:07 AM
This is the first time I've visited your blog. Thanks for the laughs!
Posted by: Jennyclef@yahoo.com | February 23, 2010 at 04:37 PM
when you say flour what kind did you use? Was it bread, self-rising, or all purpose. Sorry if its a silly question but I am a beginner baker and I have ruined so many recipes thus far by not using the right flour, and I want to get the RIGHT! they look so good.
Posted by: jamie | March 08, 2010 at 04:39 PM
This was AMAZING! I actually boiled them for 3 minutes on each side (don't ask me why), then put them in the oven, and they were absolutely incredible! I have my breakfast for Easter now! Thanks!!!
Posted by: Joanne | March 16, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Yay, so glad they worked for you, Joanne.
Posted by: Half Assed Kitchen | March 16, 2010 at 11:47 AM