Ingredients

The following ingredients have 12 Servings
  • 1 ¼ cups lukewarm water
  • 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
  • 4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon grapeseed or light olive oil
  • 3 ½ - 4 ½ cups unbleached bread flour
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 6 quarts water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg white (lightly beaten)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, dried garlic, or any combination thereof ((optional))

Instruction

  • In the bowl of a Bread machine, mix together water, eggs, 1 ½ tablespoons sugar, yeast, oil, 3 ½ cups of flour, and 1 tablespoon salt. Turn machine on “dough” setting. Once machine has completed the dough setting, remove dough (it will be sticky), and place on a lightly floured surface.
  • Alternatively, if you don’t have a bread machine, you should go get one whisk together water, eggs, 1 ½ tablespoons sugar, yeast, and oil in a large bowl until the yeast dissolves. Stir in 1 cup of the flour. Then stir in 1 tablespoon salt and enough additional flour to make a soft dough, about 2 ½ cups. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Knead the dough (whichever way you made it), gradually incorporating more flour, until the dough is smooth and quite firm, 10 to 12 minutes. Cover with a towel and let rest for 10 minutes.
  • Divide the dough into 12 or 16 pieces; roll each piece into a 10-inch-long rope. Form into bagels by overlapping the ends up 1 inch. Pinch ends together firmly. Set bagels aside, uncovered, to rise until slightly puffy, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F. Line 1 large baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat and set aside. Bring water, 1 tablespoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil in a large pot.
  • Slip about 3-4 risen bagels at a time into the pot; the water should be at a lively simmer. Cook for 45 seconds, turn them over with a slotted spoon or tongs or chop sticks, and cook for 45 seconds longer. Drain the bagels on a clean dish towel, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush the tops of the bagels with egg white and sprinkle each with ½ teaspoon of your chosen topping, if using. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn over and bake until golden brown, about 5 more minutes.