Easy Homemade Bagel Recipe: Perfect for Packed Lunches
quest for the perfect bagel recipe
Growing up in New York City, bagels were an everyday staple in my family's diet. Whether grabbed fresh from the bakery on a busy morning or leisurely enjoyed on weekends, those chewy, golden circles were part of our daily rhythm. After relocating to France, I quickly realized how much I missed authentic NYC-style bagels. The longing for that perfect chewy bite sparked my personal quest to recreate the ideal bagel at home—easy enough to master, authentic enough to satisfy.
Why Homemade Bagels?
In France, despite the incredible bread culture, finding a bagel that truly resembles the New York classic was nearly impossible. Store-bought bagels here often disappoint—too soft, too bread-like, and lacking the signature chewiness and subtle sweetness of the bagels I loved. Making my own bagels became not only a solution but a personal challenge to bring a piece of my NYC heritage to my French kitchen.
My Bagel Experiments
Initially, the idea of making bagels felt intimidating. Yet, my determination led me to scour cookbooks, blogs, and even video tutorials from expert bakers. Early attempts varied from oddly shaped rings to overly dense dough, each failure nudging me closer to the perfect method. My family, eager participants, tasted batch after batch, offering feedback until the day came when we bit into that perfectly chewy, golden, authentic homemade bagel.
The Secret to Authentic Chewiness: Boiling with Baking Soda
Through my research and experimentation, I discovered a crucial step—boiling bagels before baking. The boiling step is traditional, giving bagels their signature dense chew.
However, adding baking soda to the boiling water was a real game-changer. Baking soda elevates the pH of the water, creating an alkaline environment. This helps the surface of the dough gelatinize more effectively, resulting in a deeper brown crust and a richer, more complex flavor.
It’s precisely what gives pretzels and bagels their characteristic glossy exterior and slightly tangy, chewy bite.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE BAGELS
Easy Chewy Bagel Recipe
Ingredients (makes 8 bagels):
3½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups warm water
1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
1½ tablespoons sugar
1½ teaspoons salt
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, shredded cheese
Steps:
Activate Yeast: Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Allow to sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Make Dough: Add flour and salt, knead dough until smooth (8-10 mins). Let rise covered for 1 hour until doubled.
Shape & Rest: Divide dough into 8 pieces. Shape into bagels, let rest 10-15 mins.
Boil: Bring water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon baking soda and a spoonful of sugar or honey. Boil bagels 30-60 seconds per side.
Bake: Brush with egg wash, add toppings, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Tips for Success
Ensure your yeast activates properly. No foam indicates the yeast may be expired.
Knead dough until elastic and smooth.
Boiling with baking soda is essential for authentic texture and flavor.
Popular Bagel Fillings for Packed Lunches:
Once the perfect bagel was achieved, lunch-making became fun and exciting again, especially with our Yumbox lunchboxes. Here are authentic fillings inspired by traditional NYC bagel shops:
Classic Tuna Salad: A creamy mix of tuna, mayo, celery, onions, and seasoning, perfect with lettuce and tomatoes.
Blueberry Cream Cheese: Cream cheese blended with blueberries, offering a sweet, fruity delight ideal for breakfast or lunch.
Veggie Cream Cheese: Fresh cream cheese mixed with scallions, dill, or chives for an aromatic, savory spread.
Pairing Ideas
Complement your homemade bagels with fresh fruits and vegetables or tasty dips. Tuna salad bagels pair wonderfully with cucumber spears or cherry tomatoes, while blueberry cream cheese bagels go great with apple slices and yogurt.
Homemade bagels became more than just food—they turned into cherished family experiences. Weekend mornings transformed into baking sessions, the kitchen bustling with laughter and the inviting aroma of freshly baked bagels. Even my kids joined in, shaping dough and choosing toppings, making each batch special.
SAVE MONEY!
Homemade bagels are surprisingly cost-effective. Making eight fresh, delicious bagels typically costs less than two dollars, averaging around $0.20 per bagel. Compared to bakery prices, this homemade alternative is unbeatable in terms of both quality and budget.
BAGELS: Perfect Packed Lunch Staple
The compartments of our Yumbox lunchboxes perfectly accommodate bagel sandwiches, keeping meals tidy and fresh. Offering variety, from savory tuna salad bagels one day to sweet blueberry cream cheese bagels the next, keeps lunch prep stress-free and enjoyable.
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