Montreal Bagels

The first time I tasted Montreal Bagels, I was hooked. With their shiny, golden crust and chewy interior, each bite transported me back to the vibrant streets of Montreal. I remember sitting at a local bakery, the warm aroma of baked bread filling the air, as I savored my first bite. That blissful moment inspired me to recreate these delicious bagels in my own kitchen. You see, making Montreal Bagels isn’t just about baking; it’s about the connection to tradition and the joy of sharing something truly special with loved ones.

Montreal Bagels Shopping List

When it comes to making Montreal Bagels, the ingredients you choose are just as important as the method. Each component plays a vital role, contributing to that beloved flavor and texture. The key players include bread flour for a chewy structure, honey for sweetness, and yeast for that perfect rise. Let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to create something wonderful.

• Bread Flour (5¼ cups / 667 grams): This high-gluten flour is essential for that chewy texture characteristic of bagels. It helps form a sturdy dough that rises beautifully.
• Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons / 24 grams): Adds sweetness to the dough and helps with browning during baking.
• Kosher Salt (2 teaspoons / 6 grams): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness of the sugar and honey.
• Instant Yeast (1¼ teaspoons / 3.75 grams): This is what makes the dough rise, giving our bagels that fluffy interior.
• Warm Water (1¼ cups / 300 grams): The warm temperature activates the yeast, helping the dough rise effectively.
• Neutral Oil (¼ cup / 56 grams): Used for greasing the bowl and adds moisture to the dough.
• Honey (½ cup / 170 grams plus 2 tablespoons / 42 grams): Used both in the dough and in the water bath, honey is key to that distinctive flavor.
• Egg (1 large / 50 grams): This adds richness to the dough and helps with browning the bagels.
• Egg White (1 large / 30 grams): Contributes to the dough’s structure and helps in achieving a nice crust.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning, Sesame Seeds, and Poppy Seeds: For toppings, these add flavor and texture, making the bagels visually appealing.
• Water (8 cups / 1,920 grams): Used for boiling the bagels, which is a critical step in defining their texture.

Preparation Steps for Montreal Bagels

Creating Montreal Bagels is a rewarding experience. Follow each step carefully to ensure your bagels turn out perfectly. From mixing the dough to baking them to a golden perfection, this process is a labor of love.

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together bread flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and instant yeast by hand. This dry mix will form the base of your dough, providing the structure for your bagels.
2. Add 1¼ cups of warm water, neutral oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, egg, and egg white to the dry mix. Using the paddle attachment, beat at low speed for about one minute until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat the dough at low speed until it pulls away from the bottom and sides of the bowl, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should be elastic and slightly tacky to the touch.
4. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a smooth ball, ensuring it’s well-formed. This helps with the dough’s final rise.
5. Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the shaped dough in this bowl, turning it to grease the top. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm, draft-free place at around 75°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. While the dough is rising, lightly spray two baking sheets with cooking spray. Cut ten 5-inch squares of parchment paper and place them on the prepared pans.
7. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 10 equal portions, each weighing about 115 grams. Shape each portion into a ball. Take one ball in your hand, using your thumb and forefinger to pinch a hole in the center, and stretch it gently to create a 3-inch-wide circle.
8. Place the shaped bagel on the prepared parchment. Repeat this with the remaining dough, ensuring each bagel has enough space. Cover them and let rise again in a warm place for 15 to 30 minutes until puffed.
9. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set out bowls with your desired toppings, like everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds.
10. In a large stockpot, heat 8 cups of water and the remaining ½ cup of honey over medium-low heat until just simmering. Do not let it boil. Using the parchment as handles, carefully drop the bagels into the honey water, one or two at a time, cooking each side for 30 seconds.
11. Remove the bagels from the water using a slotted spoon. Immediately place each bagel into the chosen topping, coating all sides well. Transfer them back to the prepared pans.
12. Bake the bagels in the preheated oven until they are golden brown, about 13 to 16 minutes. Let them cool on the pans for about 10 minutes before serving warm or transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
13. Store the bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.

Customization Ideas

Making Montreal Bagels offers endless possibilities for customization! You can experiment with toppings and flavors to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Flavor Variations: Try adding spices like garlic powder or onion powder to the dough for a different flavor profile.
• Alternative Toppings: Don’t just stick to traditional toppings; consider using dried herbs, grated cheese, or even a drizzle of flavored oils.
• Sweet Additions: For a sweet twist, mix in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins into the dough.
• Gluten-Free Options: If you need a gluten-free version, use suitable gluten-free flour blends and adjust the liquid as necessary.
• Different Shapes: Experiment with different shapes, making mini bagels or even bagel bites for a fun twist.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a variety of dips like hummus, cream cheese, or even a sweet fruit spread.
• Storage: To keep your bagels fresh, store them in a sealed bag or container, and if you have extras, consider freezing them for later use.

Serve This Montreal Bagels With

When it comes to serving Montreal Bagels, the possibilities are wide open! Here are some fantastic ideas:

• Breakfast Delight: Enjoy them toasted with cream cheese and fresh smoked salmon for a classic breakfast.
• Brunch Spread: Serve with a variety of toppings, spreads, and fruits for a lovely brunch gathering.
• Picnic Perfect: Pack them for a picnic alongside fresh vegetables, dips, and salads for a delightful outdoor meal.
• Snack Time: These bagels make a great snack, especially with hummus, guacamole, or your favorite dip.
• Seasonal Pairings: During the fall, serve with spiced pumpkin cream cheese for a festive twist.
• Sharing Moments: They’re perfect for sharing with friends during gatherings or just enjoying at home with family.
• Freshness Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container, or freeze them for on-the-go snacks later.

FAQ

Conclusion

Montreal Bagels are a delightful way to bring a taste of tradition into your home. Their unique flavor and chewy texture make them a standout treat for any occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s not just about the bagels but the joy of making them. Enjoy the process and share the results with family and friends for a truly memorable experience.

Montreal Bagels

The ultimate comfort food, Montreal Bagels are delightfully chewy and slightly sweet. Made from simple ingredients, these bagels are boiled in honey water for a unique taste and texture. Perfect for any occasion, they can be served warm with various toppings. Give them a try tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Canadian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Oven
• Large Pot
• Saucepan
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 5¼ cups Bread Flour
• 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
• 1¼ teaspoons Instant Yeast
• 1¼ cups Warm Water
• ¼ cup Neutral Oil
• ½ cup Honey
• 1 large Egg
• 1 large Egg White
• 8 cups Water

Instructions

 

• In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together bread flour, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and instant yeast by hand. Add 1¼ cups of warm water, neutral oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, egg, and egg white; using the paddle attachment, beat at low speed until a shaggy dough forms, about 1 minute.
• Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat at low speed until the dough pulls away from the bottom and sides of the bowl, about 8 to 10 minutes. The dough should be elastic and slightly tacky.
• Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a smooth ball. Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning to coat the top. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled, for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• After the dough rises, lightly spray two baking sheets with cooking spray. Cut 10 squares of parchment paper, and place them on prepared pans.
• Divide the dough into 10 portions, each weighing about 115 grams, and shape each portion into a ball. Pinch a hole in the center of each ball and stretch it gently to create a 3-inch-wide circle.
• Place the shaped bagels on the prepared parchment and cover them to rise again for 15 to 30 minutes until puffed.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your toppings in shallow bowls.
• In a large stockpot, heat 8 cups of water and the remaining honey over medium-low heat until just simmering. Using the parchment as handles, drop the bagels into the honey water, cooking for 30 seconds on each side.
• Remove the bagels from the water using a slotted spoon and place them into your desired topping, coating well. Transfer to the pans.
• Bake the bagels until golden brown, about 13 to 16 minutes. Let them cool on the pans for 10 minutes before serving warm or cooling completely on wire racks.

Notes

• Storage: To keep your bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze bagels in a zip-top bag. Thaw at room temperature.
• Variations: Experiment with different toppings or mix-ins to create your ideal flavor.
• Serving: Pair with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite spreads.
• Freshness: Best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven for a warm delight.

Keyword bagel recipe, chewy bagels, homemade bagels, Montreal Bagels

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.