Sourdough Bagels

Name: Sourdough Bagels
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (240g) active sourdough starter; 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour; 1 ¼ cups (300g) filtered water; 2 tsp (10g) salt; 1 tbsp (12g) baking soda; Toppings (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds)

Posted on August 16, 2025

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Imagine biting into a warm, chewy Sourdough Bagel, its crust perfectly toasted, releasing an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with love. The moment you tear it open, steam escapes, revealing a soft and airy interior just begging for a slather of cream cheese or a dab of your favorite jam. savory cream cheese taquitos Ah, the magic of bagels—it’s like hugging a cloud that’s been kissed by the sun.

Now picture this: you’re in your cozy kitchen on a lazy Sunday morning. You’ve got flour dusting your apron, and the scent of fresh bread is wafting through the air. Friends gather around, eagerly waiting to sink their teeth into your homemade Sourdough Bagels. fresh avocado quinoa salad It’s not just breakfast; it’s an experience filled with laughter, stories, and delicious bites that linger long after the last crumb is gone.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The Sourdough Bagels are surprisingly easy to make from scratch and require minimal ingredients
Their unique tangy flavor comes from the sourdough starter, making them stand out
These bagels are perfect for brunch gatherings or casual evenings when you want something special
Plus, they freeze beautifully for later enjoyment!

I remember the first time I made these bagels; my friends thought I had turned into some kind of baking wizard. They couldn’t believe I had whipped up such deliciousness right at home!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Sourdough Starter: Use an active starter that’s been fed recently for best results.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base; feel free to experiment with whole wheat for added nutrition.
Water: Filtered water works wonders; avoid using tap water if possible.
Salt: Essential for flavor—don’t skimp on this!
Baking Soda: Gives the bagels that lovely golden color when boiled.
Toppings: Choose from poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or everything seasoning for that extra crunch.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active. Feed it about 4-6 hours before you plan to start making your bagels for optimal rising.

Mix Your Dough: In a large bowl, combine 500 grams of all-purpose flour with 300 grams of water and 10 grams of salt. Mix until it forms a shaggy dough.

Knead Like You Mean It: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back when poked.

First Rise Time!: Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it rest for about 1-2 hours at room temperature until it doubles in size.

Shape Those Bagels!: Divide the dough into equal pieces (about 100 grams each). Roll each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center using your finger to form bagels.

Boil and Bake!: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring water to boil and add baking soda. Boil each bagel for about 30 seconds per side before transferring them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Now go ahead and sprinkle your toppings on while they’re still wet! Bake those beauties for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Enjoying homemade Sourdough Bagels brings joy not only because they’re delicious but also because they connect us over shared moments—the kind that feed our souls as well as our bellies! hearty slow cooker pot roast.

You Must Know

Sourdough bagels are not just a treat; they offer a delightful chew and robust flavor
Learning to handle the dough with care elevates your bagel game
The aromatic scent while baking will make your kitchen feel like a bakery

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make perfect sourdough bagels, boil them before baking. This gives them that chewy texture we all love. sweet oatmeal raisin cookies Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F for optimal results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your bagels! Try adding everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or even some poppy seeds for extra flair. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating

Store your sourdough bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat in the toaster for fresh flavors. For more inspiration, check out this One Pot Spaghetti recipe.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use high-protein bread flour for better gluten development; it enhances the chewiness of your bagels
While shaping, ensure even thickness for uniform cooking throughout
Always let your shaped bagels rest; this allows gluten relaxation and better rise during boiling

I remember the first time I made sourdough bagels; my friends were convinced I had been secretly trained by a New York baker! Their surprised faces made every hour of kneading worth it.

FAQ

What makes sourdough bagels different from regular bagels?

Sourdough bagels have a unique tangy flavor due to natural fermentation from sourdough culture.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, but using bread flour enhances the chewy texture of your sourdough bagels. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe.

How long should I let my dough rise?

Allow the dough to rise until doubled in size, typically about 4-6 hours at room temperature.