Ingredients
Scale
- 3 ½ cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 2 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- 3–4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the warm water, honey, and instant yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes slightly foamy. Add the bread flour and salt. Use a dough hook or a sturdy spoon to mix until a shaggy dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes by hand, or 4 minutes in a stand mixer on medium-low speed. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. Since we are skipping a long rise and the boil, a good knead is essential to develop the gluten that gives bagels their signature chew.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Use your thumb to poke a hole through the center of each ball and gently stretch the dough to create a ring about 1 inch wide. Place the shaped bagels onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, let the bagels rest on the pan for about 10 minutes. Whisk the egg and 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl. Brush the tops and sides of each bagel generously with the egg wash. Sprinkle a heavy layer of everything bagel seasoning over each one. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bagels are deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Transfer the bagels to a wire rack and let them cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the internal crumb to set properly. Serve warm with plenty of cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite brunch spreads.
- Cook Time: 40 minutes