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You make sourdough bagels by combining a mature sourdough starter with flour, water, salt, and a touch of sweetener, then shaping, boiling, and baking the dough.
This process gives you those chewy, shiny, and slightly tangy bagels that are so much better than anything from the store.
If you have been wondering how do you make sourdough bagels, the answer is simpler than you might think, and it all starts with your trusty starter.
In this post, we’ll walk through the entire method so you can learn how to make sourdough bagels with confidence right in your own kitchen.
Let’s get ready to bake some seriously delicious sourdough bagels.
Why You Should Make Sourdough Bagels At Home
When you make sourdough bagels at home, you get to control every single ingredient.
You can make sourdough bagels that are perfectly chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, exactly how you like them.
Plus, the natural fermentation from the sourdough starter adds a depth of flavor that commercial bagels just can’t replicate.
1. The Flavor Is Unbeatable
The tangy, slightly sour notes from a bubbly sourdough starter transform the humble bagel into something extraordinary.
When you make sourdough bagels, the long fermentation process develops complex flavors that you simply cannot rush.
This is the number one reason bakers fall in love with this style of bagel making.
2. Better Texture And Chew
The process of boiling the dough before baking creates that signature dense and chewy crust.
You can make sourdough bagels with a crust that crackles and an interior that’s airy yet substantial.
Boiling locks in the shape and gives that beautiful, glossy finish that makes bakery bagels so appealing.
3. Digestibility And Health Benefits
Because the dough ferments for so long, sourdough bagels are often easier to digest than their yeast-risen counterparts.
The natural acids in the sourdough starter break down phytic acid, making the nutrients more available to your body.
So when you make sourdough bagels, you’re not just making a tasty treat, you’re crafting a more gut-friendly option.
Essential Ingredients For Making Sourdough Bagels
Before you begin, it’s helpful to know exactly what goes into a great batch of sourdough bagels.
The ingredient list is short, but each component plays a vital role in the final texture and taste.
1. Active Sourdough Starter
You’ll need about 100 grams of bubbly, active sourdough starter for this recipe.
To make sourdough bagels successfully, feed your starter 4-6 hours before you plan to mix the dough.
It should be doubled in volume and full of bubbles.
2. High-Protein Bread Flour
Using bread flour is crucial because it has more gluten, which gives sourdough bagels their trademark chew.
You can make sourdough bagels with all-purpose flour, but bread flour will give you that authentic New York-style bite.
3. Water And Salt
Room temperature water helps activate the dough, and fine sea salt enhances the wheat flavor.
4. Barley Malt Syrup Or Honey
This adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning in the oven.
You can easily substitute honey or brown sugar if you don’t have malt syrup on hand.
Step-By-Step: How Do You Make Sourdough Bagels?
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s get into the actual steps of how do you make sourdough bagels from start to finish.
This process takes time, but most of it is hands-off waiting for fermentation to work its magic.
Step 1: Mix The Dough
In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, water, and barley malt syrup.
Add the bread flour and salt, then mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Cover the bowl and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Knead And Bulk Ferment
After resting, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough back in the bowl, cover it, and let it rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours.
Make sourdough bagels with a slow, cold fermentation for the best flavor by refrigerating the dough overnight after this rise.
Step 3: Shape The Bagels
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a tight ball.
To shape, poke a hole through the center with your finger and gently stretch it to create a ring.
Make sourdough bagels with a nice, wide hole because they will puff up during boiling and baking.
Step 4: The Boiling Bath
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add a tablespoon of barley malt syrup or honey to the boiling water to help create a shiny crust.
Boil each bagel for about 1-2 minutes per side.
This step is essential when you make sourdough bagels because it sets the crust and gives it that chewy texture.
Step 5: Add Toppings And Bake
Remove the boiled bagels with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
While they’re still wet, sprinkle on your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are deep golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Make sourdough bagels that are perfectly crisp on the outside with a tender crumb inside by letting them cool on a wire rack.
Pro Tips For Perfect Sourdough Bagels Every Time
Getting the hang of how do you make sourdough bagels takes a little practice.
Here are some expert tips to make sourdough bagels that are as good as any artisan bakery.
1. Don’t Skip The Cold Proof
An overnight rest in the fridge develops deeper flavor and makes the dough easier to handle.
This step is a total game-changer when you make sourdough bagels.
2. Use A Kitchen Scale
Baking by weight is far more accurate, which leads to consistent results every time.
When you make sourdough bagels, using a scale ensures your hydration levels are spot on.
3. Boil Longer For Chewier Bagels
If you like a super chewy bagel, boil them for 3 minutes per side instead of just 1 or 2.
The longer they boil, the thicker the crust becomes when they bake.
So, How Do You Make Sourdough Bagels?
You make sourdough bagels by mixing a simple dough with your sourdough starter, letting it ferment, shaping rings, boiling them briefly, and baking until golden.
The process is so rewarding, and the flavor is unmatched by any store-bought version.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious newbie, learning how do you make sourdough bagels is a skill you’ll use forever.
Try this method this weekend and enjoy the incredible taste of warm, fresh sourdough bagels right from your own oven.
Happy baking, and may your sourdough bagels always be perfectly chewy and delicious.