Name: Perfect New York Style Bagel Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ½ cup warm water; 2 teaspoons instant yeast; 4 teaspoons sugar; 3¾ cups bread flour; 1½ teaspoons salt; ¾ cup warm water; 1½ tablespoon warm water; 4 tablespoon flour; 1 teaspoon oil; 1 tablespoon sugar; ½ teaspoon baking soda

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There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a warm, freshly baked bagel. My journey to the perfect bagel started on a chilly morning in New York City, where I first experienced the joy of a classic, chewy bagel topped with nothing but cream cheese. From that moment, I knew I had to recreate that experience at home. This quest led me to develop my own recipe for the Perfect New York Style Bagel Recipe, blending the right ingredients to capture the essence of that iconic taste. Using simple ingredients like bread flour, yeast, and water, I’ve crafted a method that yields bagels with a beautiful, golden crust and a chewy interior, just like they do in the city that never sleeps.

I remember the first time I made these bagels. The smell of the baking dough wafting through my kitchen brought back memories of my favorite bagel shop. As they boiled and then baked in the oven, I could hardly contain my excitement. The anticipation was almost as delicious as the final product! Whether enjoyed plain, with a smear of cream cheese, or as the base for a delicious breakfast sandwich, these bagels are sure to impress. What’s even better is that you can make them right in your kitchen, bringing a little taste of New York to your home.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Hard

Calories:
250 kcal

Protein:
9 g

Diet:
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan

Fat:
1 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Oven, Large Pot, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon, Baking Sheet

Why This Perfect New York Style Bagel Recipe Hits Different

Freshness is Key

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade bagels, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven. The Perfect New York Style Bagel Recipe stands out because it captures that freshness and warmth that store-bought bagels just can’t replicate. Kneading the dough by hand or with a stand mixer allows you to feel the texture change as you work with it, making the process rewarding and engaging.

Quality Ingredients

This recipe emphasizes using high-quality ingredients. Opting for bread flour instead of all-purpose flour elevates these bagels, giving them that classic chewy texture. The combination of yeast, water, and a touch of sugar creates the ideal fermentation environment, yielding bagels that are not only flavorful but also visually appealing.

Boiling for Perfection

One of the secrets to a great bagel is boiling the dough before baking. This crucial step creates that signature chewy crust we all love. The addition of sugar and baking soda to the boiling water enhances the flavor and color of the bagels. It’s a simple yet effective technique that makes a noticeable difference.

Customization Options

The Perfect New York Style Bagel Recipe is also versatile. You can easily customize your bagels by adding toppings like seeds, onions, or even garlic. Each variation adds a unique flavor profile, allowing you to personalize each batch and cater to your taste preferences.

A Fun Activity

Making bagels is not just about the end product; it’s about the journey. Gather friends or family for a fun, hands-on cooking experience. Rolling, shaping, and boiling the bagels can become a delightful bonding activity, making the experience even more memorable.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a leisurely weekend brunch, a special occasion, or a simple weekday breakfast, these bagels are perfect for any time. Baking them fills your home with a comforting aroma that invites everyone to gather around the table. Serve them fresh with a variety of toppings, and watch everyone enjoy your creation!

Ingredients to Make Perfect New York Style Bagel Recipe

Every ingredient in this recipe serves a specific purpose, working together to create the perfect bagel. It’s all about balance, and understanding why each component is essential will help you appreciate the craft. From the strength of the bread flour to the fermentation qualities of the yeast, these ingredients come together for a beautifully crafted bagel. Here’s what you’ll need:

½ cup warm water
2 teaspoons instant yeast
4 teaspoons sugar
3¾ cups bread flour
1½ teaspoons salt
¾ cup warm water
1½ tablespoons warm water
4 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon oil
1 tablespoon sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda

Step by Step Guide for Perfect New York Style Bagel Recipe

Making bagels may seem daunting, but I assure you it’s a straightforward process that anyone can master with some patience. The steps below will guide you through every stage of making your own delicious bagels. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

Pour the warm water into the bowl of your stand mixer, then add the yeast and sugar. Do NOT stir it; just leave it for about ten minutes. You’ll see it start to foam, which indicates the yeast is activated.
Next, add the bread flour directly into the bowl on top of the yeast mixture. Sprinkle the salt over the flour, ensuring it doesn’t come into direct contact with the yeast just yet.
Pour in the additional warm water and begin mixing with your dough hook on speed one. You’ll want to mix until a rough dough forms.
Once a rough dough has formed, add the remaining warm water and let it mix until it becomes a sticky, wet mass. Don’t worry if it seems too wet; that’s part of the process!
Add the additional flour one tablespoon at a time until the mixture looks less sticky and more like dough. It’s okay if the mixture seems a bit dry at first—keep mixing.
Let the stand mixer knead the dough for about 15 minutes. You’ll end up with a stiff but elastic dough. If needed, stop occasionally to push the dough back down into the bowl.
Lightly coat a large mixing bowl with oil. Transfer your dough to this oiled bowl and turn it gently to coat. Cover the bowl with cling film and place it in a warm spot to rise.
Allow the dough to rise for approximately an hour and a half, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
Preheat your oven to 200ºC/390ºF (220ºC/430ºF for non-fan forced ovens). On a chopping board, take your risen dough and work it into a rough ball.
Divide the dough into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball shape. Carefully push your finger through the middle of each ball, stretching the hole until it is about two inches wide.
Place each shaped bagel onto a piece of parchment paper and let them rest for about ten minutes while you prepare for boiling.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add sugar and baking soda to the boiling water.
Once boiling, place two bagels into the water and set your timer for three minutes. After three minutes, flip them over and boil for an additional three minutes.
If you want to add toppings, now is the time! Spread a thin layer of your chosen topping over a small plate. Dip the bagel into the topping as you remove it from the water, then place it back on the parchment paper.
Transfer the bagels to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown. If using two trays, switch them halfway through for even baking.
Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste!

Things Worth Knowing

High Gluten Flour: Using flour with a high gluten content, like bread flour, will yield a better quality of crumb.
Yeast Activation: Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated properly for optimal rise.
Boiling Water: The addition of sugar and baking soda in the boiling water is essential for achieving that classic chewy crust.
Cooling: Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack to avoid them becoming soggy.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic bagel, there are so many delicious variations you can explore. Here are some ideas to inspire your bagel-making journey!

Add Flavor: Incorporate herbs or spices into the dough for an extra flavor boost. Garlic or onion powder can add depth.
Seed Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
Sweet Bagels: Try adding cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist, perfect for breakfast paired with cream cheese.
Frozen Bagels: Bagels can be frozen once they’ve cooled completely. Just toast them when you’re ready to eat!
Serve Warm: Enjoy your bagels fresh out of the oven with your favorite spreads—cream cheese, butter, or even avocado!
Bagel Sandwiches: Use your bagels as the base for delicious sandwiches loaded with your favorite toppings.

Perfect Pairings for Perfect New York Style Bagel Recipe

Serving your bagels right can enhance the overall experience. Here are some pairings and serving suggestions to consider:

Classic Cream Cheese: A simple spread of cream cheese makes for a wonderful traditional pairing.
Breakfast Sandwiches: Use your bagels to create hearty breakfast sandwiches filled with eggs and fresh vegetables.
Salads: Serve with a light salad for lunch, providing a nice contrast to the dense bagel.
Seasonal Toppings: Top with seasonal ingredients like fresh herbs in spring or roasted vegetables in fall.
With Lox: A classic New York combination, serving bagels with lox and capers is always a hit.
Perfect for Brunch: These bagels are fantastic for weekend brunch gatherings, paired with various toppings for guests to choose from.

FAQ

New York style bagels are known for their unique chewiness and dense texture. This is largely due to the high-gluten flour used as well as the boiling process before baking. The boiling helps create a shiny crust that is irresistible. Additionally, the water quality in New York City has been said to contribute to the bagels’ distinctive flavor and texture.

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can definitely make bagels by hand. Just mix the ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms, then knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10 to 15 minutes. The key is to develop the gluten well for that chewy texture.

To store leftover bagels, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about 1 to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Simply wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top bag. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The possibilities for bagel toppings are endless! Classic options include cream cheese, lox, and capers. You can also try butter, avocado, or even a sweet topping like jam or honey. If you want to get creative, consider adding roasted vegetables, hummus, or flavored cream cheeses for a unique twist!

Conclusion

The Perfect New York Style Bagel Recipe embodies the essence of homemade baking, offering a deliciously chewy texture and golden crust that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—experience the joy of making your own bagels at home. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but you’ll also create wonderful memories along the way. Enjoy your baking adventure!