step 1
In a bowl with Water (1/2 cup), pour in the Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 Tbsp) and Active Dry Yeast (1/2 Tbsp). Do not stir. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then stir the yeast and sugar mixture until it all dissolves in the water
step 2
Mix the Bread Flour (3 1/2 cups) and Salt (1/2 Tbsp) in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle and pour in the yeast and sugar mixture.
step 3
Pour 1/4 cup of Water (3/4 cup) into the well. Mix and stir in the rest of the water as needed. Depending on where you live, you may need to add anywhere from a couple of tablespoons to about ¼ cup of water. You want a moist and firm dough after you have mixed it.
step 4
On a floured countertop, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Try working in as much flour as possible to form a firm and stiff dough.
step 5
Lightly brush a large bowl with oil and turn the dough to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in size.
step 6
Punch the dough down, and let it rest for another 10 minutes.
step 7
Carefully divide the dough into 8 pieces. I used a scale to be extra precise, but it’s not necessary. Shape each piece into a round. Now, take a dough ball, and press it gently against the countertop or whatever work surface you’re using, moving your hand and the ball in a circular motion pulling the dough into itself while reducing the pressure on top of the dough slightly until a perfect dough ball forms. Repeat with 7 other dough rounds.
step 8
Coat a finger in flour, and gently press your finger into the center of each dough ball to form a ring. Stretch the ring to about ⅓ the diameter of the bagel and place it on a lightly oiled cookie sheet. Repeat the same step with the remaining dough.
step 9
After shaping the dough rounds and placing them on the cookie sheet, cover with a damp kitchen towel and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
step 10
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
step 11
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat. Use a slotted spoon or skimmer to lower the bagels into the water. Boil as many as you are comfortable with boiling. Once the bagels are in, it shouldn’t take too long for them to float to the top. Let them sit there for 1 minute, and then flip them over to boil for another minute.
step 12
If you want to add toppings to your bagels, do so as you take them out of the water, you may use any toppings of choice to top the bagels and if you’re risky like me, make a combination of the toppings to top the bagels with. However, beforehand, you will need to use an egg wash to get the toppings to stick before putting the bagels into the oven.
step 13
Once all the bagels have boiled and have been topped with your choice of toppings, transfer them to an oiled or parchment-lined baking sheet.
step 14
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a baking rack and enjoy!
