The Ultimate Overnight Bagel Recipe – Easy And Delicious

Craving delicious, homemade bagels but short on time? Our overnight bagel recipe is the perfect solution! By preparing the dough the night before, you can wake up to warm, chewy bagels without any morning fuss. This easy-to-follow recipe yields soft and flavorful bagels that will elevate your breakfast or brunch experience.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (360g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon (5g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) fine sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (110-115°F)

For the Water Bath:

• 8 cups (2 liters) water
• 1/4 cup (60g) honey or barley malt syrup

For Topping (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Salt crystals

Instructions

Day 1

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, yeast, and salt. Gradually add the warm water while mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a sticky dough forms.
2. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour.

Day 2

1. Shape the Bagels: Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center with your finger. Stretch the hole and shape it into a bagel.
2. Second Rise: Place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them with a damp towel. Let them rise at room temperature for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
3. Prepare the Water Bath: In a large pot, bring the water and honey (or barley malt syrup) to a boil.
4. Boil the Bagels: Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds on each side.
5. Bake the Bagels: Remove the bagels from the water and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle with your desired toppings (if using).
6. Bake: Bake the bagels at 450°F (230°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Let the bagels cool for a few minutes before slicing and enjoying them fresh.

Tips for Perfect Overnight Bagels

• Use high-quality bread flour for a chewy texture.
• Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten and give it elasticity.
• Let the bagels rise long enough; this will ensure a light and airy interior.
• Boil the bagels before baking to create the chewy crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when baking, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.

Variations

• Whole Wheat Bagels: Substitute half of the bread flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious option.
• Garlic Bagels: Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic to the dough for a savory twist.
• Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Add 1/2 cup of raisins and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon to the dough for a sweet and spicy flavor.

Storage

• Store the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the bagels for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat them in the oven before serving.

Finishing Touches

• Serve the bagels warm with your favorite toppings, such as cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt for a simple and delicious treat.
• Enjoy the bagels for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack throughout the day.

Beyond the Bagel: Creative Uses

• Use bagel slices as croutons for salads or soups.
• Crumble bagels into bread crumbs for coating chicken or fish.
• Make bagel chips by slicing the bagels thinly and baking them until crispy.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes, you can use instant yeast. Reduce the amount to 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) and add it directly to the flour mixture.

Q: How long can I let the dough rise before boiling?
A: The dough can rise for up to 2 hours before boiling. However, beyond this time, the dough may become too slack and difficult to shape.

Q: Why do I need to boil the bagels before baking?
A: Boiling the bagels creates the chewy crust and gives them their characteristic shiny exterior.

Q: Can I make the bagels smaller or larger?
A: Yes, you can adjust the size of the bagels by dividing the dough into more or fewer pieces. Smaller bagels will bake faster, while larger bagels will take longer to bake.

Q: How do I reheat the bagels?
A: To reheat the bagels, wrap them in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.