[Recipe] The Perfect Homemade Bagel Recipe for Every Mood

Ingredients:

- 5 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1 tablespoon salt

- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

- 2 cups warm water (about 110°F)

- Toppings as desired (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.)

-1 egg (if you want to egg wash your bagel before baking)

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast:

   - In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.

2. Make Dough:

   - In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and activated yeast mixture. If mixing by hand, create a well in the center and add the yeast mixture. Stir until a dough forms. If mixing in a stand mixer, let all ingredients mix for approximately 5 minutes.

3. Knead:

   - Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

4. First Rise:

   - Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

5. Shape Bagels:

   - Punch down the dough and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch to form a bagel shape.

6. Second Rise:

   - Place the shaped bagels on a floured baking sheet, cover, and let them rise for another 20-30 minutes.

7. Boil:

   - Preheat the oven to 450°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding baking powder. Let the baking powder fully dissolve. Boil each bagel for about 1-2 minutes on each side, then place them on a baking sheet (you can cover with parchment paper to remove the bagels more easily after baking).

8. Add Toppings:

   - If desired, sprinkle toppings on the bagels while they are still wet.

- This is where you will do an egg wash over the top of the bagels if you want that golden/crispy look.

9. Bake:

   - Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

10. Cool:

    - Let the bagels cool before slicing.

Homemade everything bagels

Enjoy your homemade bagels! If you have any specific questions or need variations, feel free to ask!