If you’re a fan of homemade bread, you’ll love this sourdough bagel recipe. These bagels are chewy, flavorful, and have that perfect sourdough tang. Making sourdough bagels at home might seem daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll find it easier than you think. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this sourdough bagels recipe will help you create delicious, bakery-quality bagels right in your own kitchen.

Sourdough Bagel

Recipe by SouhailDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

262

kcal

A chewy and flavorful sourdough bagel recipe perfect for breakfast or brunch, made with a few simple ingredients and an overnight rise.

Ingredients

1 cup active sourdough starter
1 ¼ cups water
2 tablespoons honey
4 cups bread flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling)
1 tablespoon sugar (for boiling)
Toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, etc.

Directions

In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, water, and honey until combined.
Add the bread flour and salt, and mix until a rough dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise at room temperature for 8-12 hours or overnight.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the baking soda and sugar.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Poke a hole in the center of each ball and stretch it to form a bagel shape.
Boil the bagels for 1-2 minutes on each side, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Sprinkle your desired toppings on the bagels.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For a more pronounced sourdough flavor, let the dough rise in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
You can use all-purpose flour if bread flour is not available, but the texture may be slightly different.
These bagels freeze well. Simply slice them before freezing for easy toasting later.

Additional Tips

Starter Activity: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in the recipe.
Kneading: Knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten, which gives the bagels their chewy texture.
Boiling: Boiling the bagels before baking is essential for achieving the classic chewy crust.
Toppings: Press the toppings gently into the dough to ensure they stick during baking.
Storage: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Toast the bagels before serving to bring back their fresh-baked texture.
Flavor Variations: Experiment with different toppings like garlic, onion flakes, or cheese for variety.
Shaping: Make sure the hole in the center of the bagel is large enough, as it will shrink during boiling and baking.
Proofing: If your kitchen is warm, the dough may rise faster. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-proofing.
Serving: Enjoy your bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite spreads.

The best toppings for bagels

Everything Bagel Seasoning: A mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.
Sesame Seeds: Classic and simple, adding a nice crunch.
Poppy Seeds: Another traditional topping that adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Minced Garlic: For a savory and aromatic twist.
Minced Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor when roasted.
Sea Salt: Simple but enhances the flavor of the bagel.
Cinnamon and Raisins: For a sweet and slightly spicy option.
Blueberries: Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
Cheese: Cheddar, Asiago, or Parmesan for a cheesy crust.
Sunflower Seeds: Adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
Pumpkin Seeds: Perfect for a seasonal twist.
Flax Seeds: Adds a healthy boost and a slight crunch.
Dried Cranberries: For a sweet and tart flavor.
Chocolate Chips: For a sweet treat, especially loved by kids.
Jalapeños: For a spicy kick.

This sourdough bagel recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy homemade bagels with a unique sourdough flavor. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to create delicious, chewy bagels that rival those from your favorite bakery. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or brunch, these sourdough bagels are sure to impress.