Discover the joy of making your own bagels at home with this simplified and flavorful recipe.
Combine the warm water, yeast, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer.
Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
Gradually add the flour and mix using the dough hook until a dough forms.
Add the flour slowly to avoid overloading the mixer and to achieve the right dough consistency.
Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
If the dough is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise for 1 hour.
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and shape each into a bagel.
Use a scale for uniform bagels, or eyeball it for a rustic look.
Let the shaped bagels rest for 20 minutes.
Cover the bagels with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.
Boil water in a large pot and add honey. Boil each bagel for 30 seconds on each side.
Boiling the bagels gives them their characteristic chewy texture.
Place the boiled bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Ensure the bagels are spaced apart to allow even baking.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even browning.
Let the bagels cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy the bagels warm or toasted with your favorite toppings.