Everything Bagels

NOTES: - *If measuring salt by weight you can use any type of salt. If measuring by volume, and using any brand that is NOT Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, cut the amount of salt in half (1 teaspoon). - To test if your dough is ready after it rests for an hour, gently press into it with one finger. If it immediately fills in the indentation when you remove your finger, your dough needs more time to rise. When the indentation only fills in part way or fills in very slowly, your dough is ready. - Store in an airtight bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Stored properly, they will stay good for 3-4 days. They’ll get a bit hard after the first day or so, but soften up if you toast them. You can also run them briefly under water (!!!), then microwave them for 10 seconds, slice them, and toast them (or put them on a rack in your regular oven for 10 minutes at 350°F).

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Mix flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and ¼ cup everything bagel seasoning blend together in the bowl of your stand mixer. Make a well in the middle and pour almost all of the water into the center (hold back about ⅛ cup). Connect the dough hook , start the mixer on the slowest speed and give the dough a few minutes mix together, scraping down the sides of the bowl until it comes together in a messy ball on the hook. If the dough looks dry, add up to an additional ¼ cup water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing or kneading well between additions to give the water time to absorb

Step 2

Once the dough comes together into a messy ball, increase the speed to low-medium and let the mixer run for 3-4 minutes, dusting in more flour if the dough appears to be sticking to the bowl. You’re looking for a dough that is smooth, soft, and elastic — just slightly tacky to the touch. It shouldn’t stick to your hands or the bowl.

Step 3

Tuck the edges of the dough under to shape the dough into a smooth round ball. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl and let it rise for an hour in a warm spot (70-72°F) until about doubled in size.

Step 4

Gently punch the dough down, knocking any air bubbles out of it. Cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 5

Preheat your oven to 425°F and fill a wide, high-sided skillet with at least 3 inches of water, and bring it to a low boil on the stove.

Step 6

Divide the dough into eight equal pieces (use a kitchen scale for precision) and shape them into balls. Gently flatten the piece of dough against a lightly floured surface, then tuck the edges up into the middle, pinching them together to form a smooth surface on the underside of the dough. Then flip the dough over, cup your hand around it, pinkie against the counter, and drag your hand towards your body. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat as needed until you have a smooth taught surface on top and a seam underneath.

Step 7

Starting with the first dough ball you shaped, coat your thumb in flour and poke it through the seam-side of the dough, pushing any extra edges into the middle. Slide your other thumb in and gently stretch the dough out until the hole in the middle is at least the same width as the sides. The hole will close as the dough rests and will close again as it boils and bakes, so don’t be stingy here. If you like a bigger hole in your bagel, stretch the dough out again before boiling.

Step 8

Gently drop your shaped bagels into the pot of boiling water, top-side down. Boil bagels for 1 minute per side. Work in batches; The bagels will expand as they boil so don’t crowd them.

Step 9

Remove the shaped bagels from the water and put them on a parchment or silicone baking mat lined baking sheet.

Step 10

Brush each bagel with egg wash making sure to get the sides and centers. Sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning blend OR, for more complete coverage, carefully dip the tops and sides of each bagel in a bowl of everything bagel seasoning blend to coat completely.

Step 11

Arrange back on the lined sheet pan with plenty of room for the bagels to expand as they bake. Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Step 12

Remove the bagels from the oven and transfer immediately to cool on a wire rack. Let cool before slicing (if you can resist!).