Best Sourdough Bagel Recipe & Scooped Bagel

Best Sourdough Bagel

If you're a bagel lover, there's nothing quite like the chewy texture and rich flavor of a freshly baked sourdough bagel. Making bagels at home might sound complicated, but with a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create bakery-quality bagels that will have everyone asking for more! This easy sourdough bagel recipe requires just a few ingredients, some time for rising, and a quick boil for that perfect chewiness.

Ingredients

• Unbleached All-Purpose or Bread Flour – Quality flour is essential, and brands like King Arthur Flour are ideal because they have a higher gluten content than most others, giving your bagels a chewy texture. If you can’t find this brand, bread flour works as a great alternative.

• Water – Use warm water, ideally around 85°F. For the best results, try using spring or filtered water, as it doesn't contain the chlorine found in tap water.

• Sourdough Starter – The star of this recipe, the sourdough starter, gives bagels that delightful sourdough taste that elevates them beyond regular bagels.

• Honey – Adding a small amount of honey won’t make the bagels sweet, but it will balance out the sourness of the starter and round out the flavor.

• Kosher Salt – Kosher salt, such as Morton’s, has the ideal salinity level and enhances the natural flavors in the dough.

• Toppings – From sesame seeds to everything bagel seasoning or even grated cheese, you can get creative with your bagel toppings.

The Role of Each Ingredient

Each ingredient in this sourdough bagel recipe plays a vital role:

〰 Flour provides structure, allowing the dough to hold its shape while baking.

〰 Water hydrates the flour, helping develop gluten.

〰 Sourdough Starter adds that unique sourdough taste.

〰 Honey enriches the dough’s flavor, balancing out the sour tones.

〰 Kosher Salt brings out the bagel’s natural flavors, making every bite enjoyable.

Sourdough Bagel Recipe

There's a special satisfaction that comes from baking your own sourdough bagels. Unlike store-bought options, homemade sourdough bagels have a fresh, tangy taste, and you have complete control over the ingredients, textures, and flavors. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that gives you that delicious sourdough flavor combined with a perfect chewy texture!

〰 Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the warm water, sourdough starter, and honey. Whisk them together until the starter dissolves.

〰 Add Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and kosher salt to the wet mixture, using your hands to combine until a shaggy dough forms.

〰 Rest the Dough: Cover the bowl with a clean, damp kitchen towel and let the dough rest in a warm spot for about 15 minutes.

Shaping Your Bagels

Once your dough is rested, it’s time to shape it:

〰 Divide the Dough: Pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into eight equal parts, around 100-115g each.

〰 Form Bagel Shapes: Roll each piece into a ball, poke a hole through the center, and stretch it gently to create a classic bagel shape.

〰 Proof: Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with a kitchen towel, and let them proof at room temperature for 45-60 minutes.

Proofing

Proofing is what allows the dough to rise and develop its flavor. Skipping this step may result in a dense bagel with limited flavor, so let your dough proof for the best texture and taste.

How and Why You Should Boil Bagels

Boiling the bagels gives them that signature chewy crust. Here’s how to do it:

〰 Prepare the Boiling Water: Fill a large pot halfway with water and add 2 tablespoons of honey and 1 tablespoon of baking soda.

〰 Boil Bagels: Once the water reaches a boil, lower the bagels into the water. Cook each bagel for about 30 seconds on each side, then transfer them back to the baking sheet.

Baking Sourdough Bagels

〰 Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F.

〰 Bake: After boiling, bake your bagels for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown.

〰 Serve: Enjoy them fresh with your favorite toppings or fillings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, or fresh veggies.

Adding Different Bagel Flavors

With this base recipe, you can experiment with various toppings. Try sprinkling everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, or even shredded cheese on top of your boiled bagels before baking.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Bagels

Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them in a tightly sealed bag for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy them later.

Scooped Bagels

A scooped bagel is simply a bagel with most of its inner bread removed, making it a lighter, lower-carb option. Some people also find scooped bagels easier to use for sandwiches since they can hold more fillings.

What Makes Scooped Bagels Different?

Scooped bagels offer fewer calories and carbs than regular bagels, which is why they’re popular among health-conscious individuals. This option also gives you more room for sandwich fillings, enhancing your eating experience.

How to Make Scooped Bagels at Home

• Slice in Half: Cut the bagel in half.

• Scoop Out Bread: Use your fingers or a spoon to remove some of the inner bread.

• Add Toppings: Fill with your favorite toppings or sandwich fillings.

Health Benefits of Scooped Bagels

A scooped bagel has fewer calories and carbs, which can be helpful if you’re watching your intake. Plus, they make for a more balanced meal when paired with protein-rich fillings.

Scooped Bagel Calories

The calorie content in a scooped bagel depends on its size and type, but on average, a scooped bagel contains approximately 200–250 calories. Scooping out the inner dough reduces about 50–100 calories compared to a whole bagel, which typically ranges between 250–350 calories.

Factors that influence the calorie count include:

• Bagel type (plain, whole wheat, everything, etc.)

• Size (mini, standard, or large)

• Toppings (cream cheese, butter, or other spreads can add significant calories).

If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, pairing a scooped bagel with light toppings like avocado or low-fat cream cheese is a healthier choice.

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FAQs

Can I make different flavors with this sourdough bagel recipe?

Absolutely! Try topping your bagels with everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, cheese, or even jalapeños.

How should I store sourdough bagels?

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Why do bagels need to be boiled?

Boiling gives bagels their chewy crust and locks in moisture.

Can I skip the proofing process?

No, proofing is essential for flavor and texture development.

What are the benefits of scooped bagels?

Scooped bagels are lower in calories and carbs and can hold more fillings for sandwiches.