How to Make Perfect Sourdough Bagels at Home

Craving the perfect sourdough bagel but don't fancy the hassle of making them yourself? Butter & Crust has you covered! We deliver fresh, locally-baked sourdough bread and bagels straight to your doorstep.

However, if you're up for a baking adventure, read on to discover how to create delicious sourdough bagels in your own kitchen.

The Art of Homemade Sourdough Bagels

Sourdough bagels are a delightful twist on the classic bagel, offering a tangy flavour and chewy texture that's hard to resist.

While they may seem daunting to make at home, with a few simple tips and techniques, you'll be crafting bakery-quality bagels in no time.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 500g strong bread flour
• 300g active sourdough starter
• 250ml lukewarm water
• 10g salt
• 15g honey or malt syrup
• Semolina or cornmeal for dusting

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or dough scraper
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large pot for boiling
• Slotted spoon

The Process

1. Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sourdough starter, water, salt, and honey. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
2. Knead: Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should pass the windowpane test.
3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape: Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the centre and stretch to form a ring shape.
5. Second Rise: Place the shaped bagels on a semolina-dusted baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours).
6. Boil: The next morning, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of honey or malt syrup to the water. Boil each bagel for 30 seconds on each side.
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). After boiling, place the bagels on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Bagels

1. Use Active Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is at its peak activity for the best rise and flavour.
2. Cold Fermentation: The overnight rise in the refrigerator develops flavour and improves texture.
3. Boiling is Crucial: This step gives bagels their characteristic chewy exterior. Don't skip it!
4. Add Flavour: Experiment with toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
5. Steam for Shine: For a glossy finish, place a tray of boiling water in the oven during baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Bagels are too dense: Your dough may need more kneading or a longer fermentation time.
• Misshapen bagels: Practice your shaping technique and ensure even sizing.
• Pale crust: Increase your oven temperature slightly or bake for a few minutes longer.

The Science Behind Sourdough

Sourdough's unique properties come from the wild yeasts and bacteria in the starter. These microorganisms produce lactic and acetic acids, which give sourdough its characteristic tangy flavour and contribute to its longer shelf life.

The fermentation process also breaks down some of the gluten, potentially making sourdough more digestible for some people.

Health Benefits of Sourdough

1. Improved Digestibility: The long fermentation process can make sourdough easier to digest than conventional bread.
2. Lower Glycemic Index: Sourdough has been shown to have a lower glycemic index compared to other breads, potentially benefiting blood sugar control.
3. Increased Nutrient Availability: The fermentation process can increase the bioavailability of nutrients in the flour.
4. Prebiotic Properties: Sourdough contains prebiotic fibres that can support gut health.

Storing Your Homemade Bagels

• Store at room temperature in a paper bag for 1-2 days.
• For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat frozen bagels in a toaster or oven for best results.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic cream cheese and smoked salmon
• Avocado and poached egg for a trendy brunch
• Hummus and roasted vegetables for a vegan option
• Peanut butter and banana for a quick, satisfying snack

The Joy of Homemade Baking

Making sourdough bagels at home is a rewarding process that connects you to the age-old tradition of breadmaking. It's a chance to slow down, engage with your food, and create something truly special with your own hands.

However, we understand that not everyone has the time or inclination to bake their own bagels. That's where Butter & Crust comes in. Our delivery service brings the artisanal bakery experience right to your doorstep, offering fresh, locally-made sourdough bread and bagels that rival any homemade version.

Whether you choose to embark on your own sourdough journey or opt for the convenience of our delivery service, one thing is certain: nothing beats the taste and texture of a perfectly crafted sourdough bagel.

So go ahead, indulge in the tangy, chewy goodness that only sourdough can provide.

Your taste buds will thank you!