Sourdough Bagels

by Sarah Recipes

A sourdough bagel is a chewy, flavorful, variation of the classic bagel. Crafted with sourdough starter for a tangy taste. Get creative with your topping choices and make them your own!

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Whether topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or left plain, the sourdough bagel is a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity. Spread cream cheese, layer on smoked salmon, or go classic with a schmear of butter – each bite is a celebration of contrasts and complementary flavors.

This natural fermenting agent infuses the dough with a unique flavor profile, setting it apart from its conventional counterparts. The result? A bagel that not only satisfies your craving for chewiness but also introduces a subtle tanginess that elevates your taste buds.

Try making a starter from scratch, or get a jump start and order my dried starter! Simple instructions for rehydrating, ready to bake with in just a few days!

Order Sourdough Starter

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Sourdough Benefits

Why is sourdough bread good for you? Sourdough breads are fermented breads made with wild yeast. The fermentation process helps digestibility and nutrients absorption more than regular bread can.

Sourdough Lowers blood sugar levels: One of the benefits of sourdough bread is that it helps keep blood sugar levels more stable than your basic white bread. The bacteria in the sourdough starter alter the structure of the bread molecules, making the body absorb them slower and lowering the bread’s glycemic index. This means that insulin levels will not spike as high after eating sourdough bread.

Bagel flavor options

  • Sesame seeds
  • Everything bagel seasoning
  • Poppy seeds
  • Cheddar jalapeno
  • Cheese
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Coarse salt

Bagel topping options

Bagel toppings offer a world of possibilities. From classic to creative, here are some ideas:

  1. Cream Cheese: A timeless choice, available in various flavors to suit your taste.
  2. Smoked Salmon: Elevate your bagel with silky smoked salmon, capers, and a squeeze of lemon.
  3. Avocado: Mashed avocado adds creaminess and a touch of healthiness.
  4. Egg and Cheese: Whether scrambled, fried, or as a sandwich, eggs and cheese make a satisfying combo.
  5. Peanut Butter and Banana: A sweet and savory blend for a hearty and energizing breakfast.
  6. Tomato and Basil: Fresh tomatoes and basil bring a burst of freshness to your bagel.
  7. Hummus: Spread a layer of hummus for a protein-packed, plant-based option.
  8. Lox and Cream Cheese: A classic pairing of smoked salmon and creamy goodness.
  9. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese: A hearty, savory option for a substantial breakfast or brunch.
  10. Nutella and Banana: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this decadent combination.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own signature bagel experience!

Sourdough Bagels

Make Sourdough Bagels that are perfectly chewy, soft, and golden brown. Unlimited topping choices!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Rise time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 150 g Sourdough starter 3/4 Cup
  • 250 g Water 1 Cup
  • 7g g Salt 1 Tsp
  • 21 g Honey 1 Tbsp
  • 500 g All purpose or bread flour 4 Cups

Instructions
 

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, or large mixing bowl. Add the water, starter, salt, honey. Mix until combined.
    Add the flour and mix with the dough hook on the lowest speed for 5-7 minutes. or dump onto a clean counter and knead by hand for 10 minutes.
    If dough seems to wet, add more flour 1 tbsp at a time.
  • Transfer dough to a oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel.
    Let bulk ferment at room temperature for 2 hours before placing in the fridge to ferment overnight. Or up to 24 hours.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Place the dough onto a clean work surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. About 115g each.
    Shape each piece into a ball.
    To shape the bagel. Poke a hole through the middle of your dough ball. and using your fingers stretch it out. Remember as they rise and bake the holes will close in, so make the holes larger then you think.
  • Cover the bagels with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
    Don’t go much longer, you don’t want them over proofed.
  • Preheat oven to 400℉ (204°C) 
    Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot and add 1 tablespoon of honey or baking soda.
    After the bagels have finished rising, boil them for 1 minute on each side. 
    (Only boil 3-4 to not crowd the pot.)
  • Using a mesh strainer or slotted spoon remove the bagels and set on your parchment lined pans.
    If topping your bagels, dip or sprinkle one side into toppings and set back onto the parchment paper
  • Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

Basic Toppings

  • Sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds
  • Coarse salt
  • Cheese
  • Cheese & jalapenos
  • Cinnamon sugar
Bagels can be baked and then frozen once fully cooled.
Keyword bagel, breakfast, sourdough, sourdough bagel

2 responses to “Sourdough Bagels”

  1. Jennifer Valvo Avatar
    Jennifer Valvo

    Let Kong forward to trying these. Is it necessary to add honey to the bagel dough or can it be omitted?

    1. Sarah Avatar
      Sarah

      Certainly! you can leave it out if you prefer a less sweet or honey-free version. The absence of honey might result in a slightly different flavor profile, but it won’t significantly affect the overall structure or baking process of the bagels. Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences, and enjoy your homemade bagels!