These rosemary bagels are soft, chewy, and packed with the fragrant flavor of fresh rosemary. They make for a tasty breakfast or snack!
Baking my own bagels is always a fun little project! I love to spread some cream cheese on them—yum! You’ll impress everyone with these homemade goodies.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This gives bagels their chewy texture. You can swap it with all-purpose flour if needed, but your bagels may be less sturdy. Whole wheat flour is another option, giving a nuttier flavor and a bit more nutrition.
Fresh Rosemary: Fresh rosemary is aromatic and fragrant. If you can’t find fresh, dried rosemary can be used, but use less since it’s more potent, about 1 teaspoon. Basil or thyme can also work well as alternatives.
Honey or Sugar (for boiling): Honey adds a nice sweetness and color to the bagels. If you don’t have honey, use brown sugar or granulated sugar—it’ll work fine too.
Egg White: This helps toppings stick and gives a lovely finish. If you’re avoiding eggs, a wash of milk or a bit of olive oil can also be handy for applying toppings.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture When Kneading Dough?
Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives bagels their chewy bite. If using your hands, knad for 8-10 minutes. A stand mixer makes it easier! Just mix at low-medium speed for 6-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and stretchy.
- Check the dough: It should be elastic and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour.
- Don’t rush: Take your time while kneading, as this is where the magic happens for a good texture!
Why Is Boiling Important for Bagels?
Boiling bagels before baking is what sets them apart from other bread. This step helps create a chewy crust and gives bagels that classic shine. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil for the best results!
- Add honey or sugar to the water—this enhances the crust’s flavor and color.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Boil 2-3 at a time to ensure they cook evenly.
How to Make Rosemary Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped, plus extra for topping
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for dough)
For Boiling:
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
For Topping:
- 1 egg white, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sea salt or flaky salt, for topping
- Optional: sesame seeds or crushed garlic for extra topping flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation and around 30-35 minutes for baking and boiling. Plus, you’ll need about 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise. Overall, plan for about 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish, with some time waiting for the dough to rise.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water. Then sprinkle the yeast over the mixture and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread flour, salt, and chopped rosemary. Pour in the yeast mixture and the olive oil if you’re using it. Mix everything together until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes. If you’re using a stand mixer with a dough hook, knead on low-medium speed for about 6-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
4. First Rise:
Put the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger. Gently stretch it to form a bagel shape, making the hole about 2-3 inches in diameter.
6. Second Rise:
Place the shaped bagels onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel and let them rest for 20-30 minutes.
7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Boiling Water:
While the bagels are rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the honey or sugar. This will create a shiny crust on the bagels.
8. Boil the Bagels:
Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, cooking 2-3 at a time. Boil each side for about 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to flip and remove them, then place the boiled bagels back on the baking sheet.
9. Add Toppings:
Brush each bagel with the beaten egg white to help the toppings stick. Sprinkle with extra rosemary and coarse sea salt. Feel free to add sesame seeds or crushed garlic for extra flavor!
10. Bake:
Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature, either plain or with your favorite spreads. Enjoy!
Fresh and aromatic rosemary bagels await! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the bagels may have a softer texture compared to those made with bread flour, which provides a chewier bite due to its higher protein content.
Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these bagels vegan, simply omit the egg wash and brush the bagels with a bit of plant-based milk or olive oil before adding toppings. You can also skip the optional olive oil in the dough if you prefer.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be thawed at room temperature or toasted directly from the freezer.
Can I Add Other Herbs or Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Other herbs like thyme or basil can be used, and toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even everything bagel seasoning can add great flavor!