What to add to boiling water for bagels is a surprisingly simple question, but the answer changes your homemade bagels from good to absolutely incredible.   The short answer is that you should add either barley malt syrup, honey, or a combination of both to your boiling water, along with a generous amount of baking … Read more

What to add to a bagel with cream cheese is all about balancing flavors, textures, and a little creativity.   When you wonder what to add to a bagel with cream cheese, the answer goes far beyond plain butter or a basic schmear.   You can add to a bagel with cream cheese everything from … Read more

You should not store bagels in the fridge because it speeds up staling and ruins their texture.   The fridge is actually the worst place to keep bagels, as the cold air causes the starches to crystallize quickly, making them tough and chewy in a bad way.   If you have been wondering whether you … Read more

Toasting a bagel is absolutely worth it, and here’s the short answer: you should toast a bagel almost every time.   A fresh, warm bagel from a bakery might not need it, but once a bagel is even a few hours old, toasting brings it back to life in a way nothing else can.   … Read more

You should slice bagels before freezing because it makes thawing and toasting incredibly convenient. I’m a big bagel person, and I’ve learned the hard way that freezing a whole, unsliced bagel is a rookie mistake. When you freeze a bagel whole, you’re basically committing to a frustrating waiting game every time you want a bite. … Read more

Should you refrigerate fresh bagels? The short answer is no, you should not refrigerate fresh bagels if you want to keep them tasting their absolute best.   Refrigerating fresh bagels is a common habit, but it’s actually one of the worst things you can do for their texture and flavor.   When you refrigerate fresh … Read more

Yes, you should freeze bagels if you want to lock in that fresh-from-the-bakery taste and texture.   Freezing bagels is one of the smartest ways to extend their shelf life, and it’s a trick that both home bakers and bagel shops swear by.   When you freeze bagels properly, they can stay delicious for up … Read more

You should keep bagels in the refrigerator only if you plan to eat them within a week and prefer a denser, chewier texture.   But if you want to enjoy that fresh-from-the-bakery crust and soft interior for more than a few days, keeping bagels in the refrigerator is actually one of the worst things you … Read more

You should flip bagels when baking, but it’s not a strict rule for every single method.   Flipping bagels in the oven helps them bake evenly, especially if you’re aiming for that perfect golden crust on both sides.   If you’ve ever wondered whether you should flip bagels when baking, the short answer is yes … Read more

Should you egg wash bagels?   Yes, you should egg wash bagels before baking them, because that simple step gives your homemade bagels that classic, glossy, deep-brown bakery finish.   If you’ve ever wondered whether you should egg wash bagels or just skip it and pop them straight into the oven, the answer is usually … Read more