Here’s An Instant Yeast Bagel Recipe That’s Perfect For Breakfast

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your breakfast or brunch game forever? Our comprehensive instant yeast bagel recipe will guide you through every step of the way, unlocking the secrets to creating pillowy-soft, golden-brown bagels that will tantalize your taste buds.

Why Instant Yeast?

Instant yeast is a convenient and versatile yeast that eliminates the need for proofing, making it an ideal choice for busy bakers. Its quick-acting nature allows you to start shaping your bagels almost immediately, saving you precious time in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon (12g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (12g) salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons; 7g) instant yeast
• 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water

Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.

2. Add Water:
Gradually add the warm water while mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5. Punch Down and Divide:
Punch down the dough to release the air bubbles. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and shape them into bagels.

6. Second Rise:
Place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until they are puffy and almost doubled in size.

7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Bath:
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda to the boiling water.

8. Boil Bagels:
Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water and boil for 1 minute per side.

9. Bake:
Remove the bagels from the water and place them on a wire rack to drain. Transfer them to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

10. Cool:
Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Shaping Bagels:

• Classic Round: Roll out a piece of dough into a rope about 18 inches long. Bring the ends together to form a circle and pinch them to seal.
• Everything Bagel: After boiling, sprinkle the bagels with your favorite toppings, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or garlic flakes.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Roll out a piece of dough and sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. Roll it up and cut it into 1/2-inch slices.

Toppings for Bagels:

• Cream Cheese: Spread with your favorite cream cheese for a classic combination.
• Smoked Salmon: Top with smoked salmon, capers, and red onions for a savory treat.
• Egg and Cheese: Add a fried or scrambled egg and cheese for a satisfying breakfast sandwich.
• Nutella: Spread with Nutella for a sweet and indulgent treat.

Baking Tips:

• Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your bagels.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough can make the bagels tough. Knead just until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Proof in a Warm Place: A warm and humid environment will help the dough rise properly.
• Don’t Rush the Boiling Process: Boiling the bagels in the baking soda solution creates the signature chewy crust.
• Bake until Golden Brown: The bagels should be a deep golden brown color when done.

Ending on a Sweet Note

Congratulations on mastering the art of crafting perfect bagels with instant yeast! These pillowy-soft, golden-brown treats will elevate your breakfast, brunch, or any special occasion. Experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own unique bagel creations. Enjoy the delicious results and share your bagel-making adventures with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Yes, you can use active dry yeast, but you will need to activate it by dissolving it in warm water before adding it to the dough.

2. How do I store the bagels?
Store the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make the bagels ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape the bagels and let them rise overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, bring them to room temperature and continue with the boiling and baking process.

4. What if my bagels don‘t rise properly?
If your bagels are not rising properly, check the following:

• Is the yeast fresh?
• Is the water temperature correct?
• Is the dough in a warm enough place?

5. How do I reheat bagels?
To reheat bagels, wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.