How to Make Sourdough Bagels: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking for a new baking challenge, sourdough bagels offer a delicious way to enjoy the tangy flavor of sourdough in a chewy, satisfying bagel. These bagels are a fantastic way to use your sourdough starter and bring a bit of homemade bakery-quality goodness to your breakfast table.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, ensuring you end up with perfect sourdough bagels. For a deeper dive into the art of bagel-making, you might find this comprehensive sourdough bagel guide from The Perfect Loaf particularly helpful.

What You Need to Make Sourdough Bagels

Before you begin, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Moreover, being well-prepared will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Ingredients:

Active sourdough starter: This is the key ingredient that provides the unique tangy flavor and leavening power. Ensure your starter is active and bubbly before you begin.
Bread flour: Bread flour is ideal for bagels because it has a higher protein content, which helps create that chewy texture. You can learn more about the differences between bread flour and all-purpose flour from Bob’s Red Mill.
Water: Hydration is crucial in forming the dough.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bagels.
Sweetener: Honey, sugar, or malt syrup adds flavor and helps with browning.

Equipment:

Stand mixer with a dough hook: This makes kneading easier, but you can knead by hand if necessary.
Baking sheet and parchment paper: Essential for baking the bagels.
Large pot for boiling: Boiling the bagels before baking is what gives them their signature chewy crust.

For more tips on using your sourdough starter and exploring other sourdough recipes, you can visit our complete sourdough recipe collection.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sourdough Bagels

1. Prepare Your Sourdough Starter

Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly by feeding it several hours before you start making the dough. Consequently, this ensures that the starter is ready to leaven the dough effectively.

2. Mix the Dough

Combine your starter, flour, water, salt, and sweetener in a large mixing bowl. Then, mix until a rough dough forms. Knead the dough using a stand mixer or by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic.

3. Bulk Fermentation

Cover the dough and let it ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it has expanded. This slow fermentation process is essential for developing the tangy flavor that sourdough bagels are known for.

4. Shape the Bagels

After fermentation, divide the dough into equal portions, typically 8-10 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape. Moreover, be sure to keep the dough smooth to avoid tearing.

5. Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of honey or malt syrup. Boil each bagel for 1-2 minutes on each side. As a result, this step is critical as it gives the bagels their chewy texture. For more on the importance of boiling, check out this Serious Eats guide.

6. Bake the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the boiled bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown. Finally, let them cool before serving.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Bagels

Kneading: Ensure the dough is well-kneaded to develop the gluten, which contributes to the bagels’ chewy texture. Furthermore, proper kneading is essential for the dough structure.
Boiling: Don’t skip the boiling step—it’s essential for creating that perfect bagel crust. Additionally, the boiling step helps the bagels retain their shape during baking.
Proofing: Allow enough time for the dough to ferment and proof; this is where the flavor develops. In addition, longer proofing times can enhance the sourdough flavor.

Flavor Variations and Toppings

Once you’ve mastered the basic sourdough bagel recipe, you can get creative with different flavors and toppings. Moreover, experimenting with flavors can make each batch unique.

Popular Flavors:

Everything Bagels: A blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt.
Cinnamon Raisin: Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough for a sweet and spicy twist.
Sesame or Poppy Seed: Simply sprinkle these seeds on top before baking for added flavor and texture.

Topping Ideas:

Cheese: Top your bagels with shredded cheese before baking for a savory treat.
Dried Fruits: Mix in dried cranberries or blueberries for a fruity bagel.
Spices: A sprinkle of garlic powder or onion flakes can enhance the flavor.

For more inspiration on flavor variations, you might want to explore our sourdough discard crackers recipe where you can apply some of these ideas.

Health Benefits of Sourdough Bagels

Sourdough bagels are not just delicious; they also offer several health benefits:

Probiotics: The fermentation process introduces beneficial bacteria that can aid digestion.
Lower Glycemic Index: Sourdough has a lower glycemic index than many other breads, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Increased Nutrient Absorption: Fermentation increases the bioavailability of nutrients like iron, magnesium, and zinc, making sourdough bagels a healthier option. Therefore, they are an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a healthier breakfast.

How to Store and Preserve Sourdough Bagels

To keep your sourdough bagels fresh, follow these storage tips:

At Room Temperature: Store your bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. However, be sure to check them regularly for freshness.
Freezing: Slice the bagels in half and freeze them in a resealable bag for up to 3 months. Additionally, you can reheat them directly from the freezer by toasting or baking.

Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting

Making sourdough bagels can be tricky, so here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Dense Bagels: This often happens if the dough is under-kneaded or not given enough time to proof. To avoid this, make sure you knead the dough thoroughly and allow ample time for fermentation.
Flat Bagels: If your bagels don’t rise properly, it could be due to an inactive starter. Consequently, ensure your starter is strong and active before using it.
Over or Under-Boiling: Boiling the bagels for too long can make them tough, while not boiling them long enough can result in a soft texture. Therefore, aim for 1-2 minutes per side for the perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make sourdough bagels without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand, but it may take longer to achieve the right texture.

How long does it take to make sourdough bagels from start to finish?

It typically takes about 12-18 hours, including fermentation time, but most of that time is hands-off. However, you may need to adjust the time depending on your environment.

What is the best flour for sourdough bagels?

Bread flour is ideal for a chewy texture, but a mix of bread flour and whole wheat flour can add extra flavor. Furthermore, the use of whole wheat flour can increase the nutritional value.

Can I freeze sourdough bagels?

Absolutely! Freeze them sliced in half for easy toasting directly from the freezer.

Why do I need to boil bagels before baking?

Boiling the bagels is crucial for achieving the chewy crust that is characteristic of a traditional bagel. In conclusion, skipping this step will result in a different texture.

Conclusion

Making sourdough bagels at home is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy fresh, chewy bagels that you can customize to your taste. Whether you prefer classic plain bagels or want to experiment with flavors and toppings, homemade bagels are always worth the effort. Finally, for more sourdough recipes and tips, visit our sourdough recipes collection and start your baking journey today.

If you’re looking for a sweet baking project, you might also enjoy trying our pumpkin banana loaf, another delightful homemade treat.

Sourdough Bagels