The Best Ham And Cheese Bagel Recipe You’ll Ever Taste!

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure with our tantalizing Ham and Cheese Bagel Recipe. This fusion of savory flavors and soft, chewy textures will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned bagel enthusiast or a novice baker, this recipe is designed for your success.

Ingredients

For the Bagels:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups warm water (105-115°F)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup cooked ham, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Making the Bagels:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until foamy.
2. Combine the Dough: Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until 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.

Shaping the Bagels:

1. Divide the Dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
2. Roll the Dough: Roll each piece of dough into a 12-inch rope.
3. Shape the Bagels: Bring the ends of the rope together and pinch them to seal. Roll the dough into a ring shape.

Second Rise:

1. Place on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the bagels on it.
2. Cover and Let Rise: Cover the bagels with plastic wrap and let them rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until puffy.

Boiling the Bagels:

1. Preheat the Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Boil the Bagels: Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water and boil for 1 minute per side.
3. Remove and Drain: Remove the bagels from the water and drain them on a wire rack.

Baking the Bagels:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Bake: Place the bagels on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Assembling the Ham and Cheese Bagels:

1. Split the Bagels: Cut the bagels in half horizontally.
2. Spread Mustard: Spread the Dijon mustard on one half of each bagel.
3. Add the Filling: Layer the ham, cheese, green bell pepper, and red onion on top of the mustard.
4. Top the Bagels: Place the other half of the bagels on top and enjoy your delectable creation.

Variations

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Swiss, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
• Additional Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, or avocado.
• Breakfast Bagels: Fill the bagels with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a hearty breakfast option.

Tips

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the taste of your bagels.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overworking the dough will make the bagels tough.
• Let the Bagels Rise Properly: Allowing the bagels to rise adequately will result in light and fluffy bagels.
• Boil the Bagels for the Perfect Crust: Boiling the bagels creates the signature chewy crust.

The Perfect Pairing

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect accompaniment to a savory ham and cheese bagel.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Soup or Salad: Serve the bagels with a light soup or salad for a complete meal.

Ending on a High Note

Indulge in the irresistible combination of ham, cheese, and the soft, chewy texture of our Ham and Cheese Bagel Recipe. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or a satisfying snack, this culinary delight will leave you craving more.

What People Want to Know

1. Can I use different types of flour?

Yes, you can use bread flour or whole wheat flour for a different texture and flavor.

2. How long can I store the bagels?

The bagels can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

3. How do I reheat the bagels?

To reheat the bagels, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.