Sourdough Bagel Recipe

Ingredients:
300g warm water
190g active sourdough starter
11g salt
550g bread flour
Olive oil (for greasing)
2 Tbsp honey (for boiling water)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, asiago cheese, etc.

Yields: About 8–12 bagels

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix together 300g warm water, 190g active sourdough starter, and 11g salt until fully combined.

• Add 550g bread flour and mix until a cohesive dough forms, with no dry flour pockets. The dough should not stick to the sides of the bowl.

2. Rest the Dough:

• Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let the dough rest at room temperature for 1 hour.

3. Shape and Begin the Second Rise:

• After the first rest, gently turn the dough out onto a clean surface and shape it into a ball.

• Lightly coat the bottom of the bowl with olive oil, then return the dough to the bowl, seam-side down. Cover and let it rise for 8–12 hours, or until it has nearly doubled in size.

4. Divide and Shape the Bagels:

• Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone liner or parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

• Turn the dough out onto a clean surface and divide it into 8–12 equal pieces using a bench scraper.

• Roll each piece into a tight ball. Using your thumb, poke a hole in the center of each ball and gently spin the dough between your fingers to widen the hole, being careful not to tear the dough.

• Place the shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for 1–2 hours.

5. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Boiling Water:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Fill a large pot with water and add 2 Tbsp honey. Bring the water to a boil. The honey helps caramelize the bagels’ outer layer for a classic crispy crust.

6. Boil the Bagels:

• Once the water is boiling, add 2–3 bagels at a time. Boil each bagel for 15–30 seconds per side.

• Use a slotted spoon to remove the bagels from the water, ensuring as much water as possible is strained off, and place them back onto the baking sheet.

7. Add Toppings:

• In a small bowl, whisk together 1 egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash.

• Brush the boiled bagels with the egg wash and sprinkle on your desired toppings, such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or asiago cheese.

8. Bake the Bagels:

• Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 28–30 minutes if making 8 bagels, or 23–25 minutes if making 12 bagels, or until they are golden brown.

9. Cool and Enjoy:

• Remove the bagels from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.