Homemade Bagels: Plain Bagels Recipe

Enlarge Image Image Gallery It's simpler than you might think to make any of these boiled breads at home from scratch. Karen Keb

Take your bread making to a whole new level by baking homemade bagels. Start with this Plain Bagels recipe.

Plain Bagels

4 1⁄2 cups bread flour, divided
4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 1⁄2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
1 egg, optional 

Water bath:

1 gallon water
1 tablespoon sugar 

In large bowl, combine 2 cups flour and yeast.

In separate bowl, combine warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar and salt; combine with flour mixture.

Beat at low speed for about 30 seconds, scraping sides of bowl; beat additional 3 minutes on high speed. Incorporate as much of remaining flour as possible.

Turn out dough onto lightly floured work surface. Knead in additional flour to make moderately stiff dough. Knead until smooth and elastic. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest for 15 minutes.

Divide dough into 8 equal portions and roll into balls. Punch a hole in middle with floured finger and gently pull to enlarge hole to 2 inches.

Place bagels on greased baking sheet; cover with tea towel, and allow to rise for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat oven to broil. Prepare water bath and put it on to boil.

After bagels have risen for 20 minutes, broil for 1 1⁄2 minutes on each side.

Once water bath is boiling, reduce heat. Place bagels, 3 at a time, in water for 1 1⁄2 minutes, turning after 45 seconds. Drain and place on greased baking sheet. If desired, brush with egg wash (beat egg with 1 tablespoon water).

Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes.