Steven M

Your bagels are doughy because they’re underbaked in the center while the outside looks perfectly golden. It’s the classic bagel letdown, you bite into that beautiful, shiny crust and instead of a satisfying chew, you get a dense, raw, floury middle that sticks to your teeth. If you’ve been asking yourself “why are my bagels … Read more

Your bagels are cracking because of a few key culprits in your dough, shaping, and baking process.   But the good news is that once you understand why your bagels are cracking, you can fix it easily and get that smooth, shiny, glossy exterior you’re after.   Most home bakers see those ugly cracks and … Read more

Why are bagels so unhealthy?   It’s a question many of us have asked while staring at a perfectly toasted, cream-cheese-slathered breakfast favorite.   The truth is, bagels can be unhealthy because they pack a massive amount of refined carbohydrates, sodium, and calories into a single, dense serving.   But not all bagels are created … Read more

Bagels are so popular in New York because of a perfect storm of history, culture, and that unmistakable water, creating a food that’s as much a part of the city’s identity as the skyline.   But stepping into any deli or corner shop, you might wonder what makes the New York bagel so legendary, and … Read more

Bagels are so hot when toasted because the toasting process triggers a rapid chain of physical and chemical reactions that generate intense, trapped heat.   That scorching surface temperature isn’t just your imagination—it’s the result of the bagel’s dense structure, moisture content, and the Maillard reaction working together.   When you slide a bagel into … Read more

Bagels are high in protein because of a mix of wheat gluten, added protein fortifiers, and the way the dough is traditionally prepared. While a plain bagel isn’t a protein powerhouse on its own, many commercial bagels are surprisingly rich in this macronutrient when compared to other breads. You might have picked up a nutrition … Read more

Bagels are so high in carbs because they’re made from refined wheat flour, water, yeast, and a touch of sweetener, all of which pack a dense carbohydrate punch into a small, chewy package.   If you’ve ever wondered why bagels are so high in carbs compared to a slice of bread, the answer lies in … Read more

Bagels are so high in calories because they’re made with a dense combination of refined flour, water, yeast, and often sweeteners, which pack a lot of energy into a small, filling package.   If you’ve ever wondered why are bagels so high in calories compared to a slice of bread, the answer largely comes down … Read more

Bagels are so hard to chew because of their unique combination of a dense, low-hydration dough, a boiling process that creates a chewy crust, and a high-protein flour that builds strong gluten.   If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why are bagels so hard to chew while your jaw works overtime, you’re definitely not alone. … Read more

Bagels are so good in New York because of a perfect storm of hard water, skilled craftsmanship, and a deep cultural tradition that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else.   If you’ve ever bitten into a New York bagel and wondered why they taste so much better than the ones back home, you’re not alone. … Read more