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Sourdough Bagels Recipe: A Comforting Morning Ritual

Imagine waking up to the warm, enveloping aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through your home. They’re golden brown, with a chewy texture begging to be sliced open and slathered with creamy butter or your favorite spread. This is the kind of warmth that fills my heart and kitchen when I make sourdough bagels—a perfect balance of nostalgia and comfort that transforms an ordinary morning into something truly special.

Making these bagels from scratch isn’t just a cooking task; it’s a delightful ritual filled with anticipation. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Homemade Goodness: Fresh, warm, and made with love, these bagels taste like heaven, unlike anything store-bought.
Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast, brunch with friends, or a satisfying afternoon snack, these bagels fit the bill.
Customization: You can easily add your favorite toppings or infuse different flavors to create a bagel that’s uniquely yours.
Baked Fresh: Nothing beats the feeling of pulling a batch of those golden treats out of the oven and savoring them warm!
Sourdough Starter Magic: Incorporating an active, bubbly sourdough starter gives these bagels depth, flavor, and that extra delightful chew.

Gather These Simple Ingredients

To craft your own batch of delightful sourdough bagels, you’ll need:

150g active, bubbly starter
250g warm water
500g bread flour
40g sugar
11g salt
20g honey (for the boil bath)

How to Make Sourdough Bagels Recipe

Find a Sample Baking Schedule below

MAKE THE DOUGH

In a large bowl, combine 150g of active, bubbly starter, 250g of warm water, and 40g of sugar. Mix together by hand (or with a Danish Dough Whisk, which I adore!) until it resembles a milky liquid.
Add 500g of bread flour and 11g of salt to the mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
Knead the dough for 5-6 minutes; yes, it’s a labor of love! While a stand mixer is tempting, my bagels come out softer and chewier when I knead by hand. To knead, pull a small section of dough above the rest, fold it over the top, and push into the dough with your heel. Keep it up while turning the bowl clockwise.
Cover the dough and let it rest for 60 minutes.

STRETCH AND FOLD

After 1 hour, repeat the “stretch, fold, and push” routine using the heel of your hand for 30 seconds.
You’ll notice the dough is smoother. Cover the bowl with a reusable shower cap and place it in a warm spot to rise.

BULK RISE

Allow the dough to double in size, which typically takes 8-12 hours in my 69-degree kitchen. Depending on your kitchen temperature, the time may vary!

SHAPE

Once doubled, gently remove the dough from the bowl and place it on your work surface—no need for flour.
Stretch and shape it into a large rectangle, about 1/2 inch high. Cut into 8 equal pieces (like pizza slices!).
To shape, take each triangle piece, pull the corners toward the center, then roll it into a smooth ball.
Use your thumb to punch a hole gently in the center of each dough ball, stretching it with both thumbs until the hole is about 2 inches wide.

SECOND RISE

Place your shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cover them completely with a damp tea towel.
Let them rest in a warm place until puffed up, about 20-60 minutes. If you’re not ready to bake yet, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

BOIL BATH

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
Fill a large pot with water, adding 20g of honey, and whisk until mixed. Bring the water to a boil.
Set up your station: place a kitchen towel on the counter with a cooling rack on top for easy cleanup later.
Carefully drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water and boil for 30 seconds on each side.
Using a slotted spoon, scoop out the bagels and place them on the cooling rack. Repeat until all bagels have been boiled.

TOPPINGS

Though plain sourdough bagels are a treat in themselves, consider getting creative with toppings!
Sprinkle toppings onto a small plate and dip the top of each bagel. The slightly sticky surface will help them stick! If topping with cheese, dip the bottom side too for an added crunch.

BAKE

Bake your sourdough bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
Remove them from the oven and cool on a wire rack.
Once cool, slice into one while it’s warm and spread a slab of butter on top. That chewy, buttery bite will be nothing short of divine!

Variations & Creative Twists

Everything Bagels: Top with a blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion for a classic flavor.
Herbed Delight: Mix dried herbs like oregano, basil, and rosemary into your dough before shaping for a savory twist.
Cinnamon Raisin: Add cinnamon and raisins to your dough for a sweet breakfast treat that tastes like a warm hug.
Cheesy Goodness: Incorporate sharp cheddar into the dough or sprinkle it on top before baking for a cheesy crust.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make Ahead: These bagels can be shaped and refrigerated overnight. Just add a little extra time to the boiling process.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have honey, brown sugar or malt syrup can also work well in the boil bath.
Slicing Trick: For perfectly even slices, let your bagels cool completely before cutting.
Storage Suggestions: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving size: 1 bagel
Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 4g
Fat: 1g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 260mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Shape the bagels and refrigerate overnight for fresher baking the next day.

Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of flour or sweeteners!

How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for later enjoyment.

How long does it last?
If properly stored, these homemade bagels can last up to 3 days at room temperature or a few weeks in the freezer.

Wrapping It Up

These warm, chewy sourdough bagels are more than just food; they are a comforting hug in a chaotic world. Perfect for starting your day on a bright note or sharing with loved ones, they embody the simple pleasures of life. Save this Sourdough Bagels Recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a delightful treat!