The Ultimate Homemade Bagel Recipe Inspired by Jo Goldenberg
If you’re looking for a foolproof recipe to create delicious homemade bagels, you’ve come to the right place! This delightful recipe is inspired by Bernard Clayton’s Complete Book of Breads, which itself draws from the renowned Jo Goldenberg’s Jewish restaurant in Le Marais, Paris.
These bagels require approximately three hours from start to finish, with a significant portion of that time dedicated to an hour-long rise and about 30 minutes in the oven. Impress your friends at your next brunch gathering by serving these freshly baked bagels straight from your kitchen—there’s nothing quite like homemade bagels to wow your guests!
Ingredients for Homemade Bagels
- 19.25 ounces bread flour (approximately 3 1/2 cups; 530g)
- 1/4 ounce instant dry yeast (equivalent to 2 1/2 teaspoons or one envelope; 7g)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 12 ounces hot water (about 1 1/2 cups; ideally between 120°–130°F or 340g)
- 1.5 tablespoons malt syrup (for boiling water; you can substitute with sugar if needed)
- Optional: One beaten egg mixed with one teaspoon of water for glazing and toppings
Instructions for Making Bagels
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In a food processor, combine all dry ingredients and pulse briefly until mixed—around five seconds should suffice.
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With the processor running, gradually pour in the hot water until the dough forms and clings around the blade—this should take about half a minute.
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Continue processing until you achieve a smooth and elastic dough texture, which will take another thirty seconds.
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Transfer your dough into a large bowl that has been lightly oiled, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise until it has doubled in size—this typically takes about an hour.
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While waiting for the dough to rise, prepare your boiling water bath: Combine malt syrup with six quarts of water in a large pot over high heat and bring it to a boil.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F during this time as well.
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Once risen, turn out the dough onto a floured surface and gently press down on it to release any trapped air bubbles before dividing it into ten equal pieces.
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Shape each piece into balls before rolling them into ropes approximately seven inches long and one inch thick at their widest point (tapering ends slightly can help).
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To form each bagel shape: Wrap one rope around three fingers or around your palm if you prefer larger bagels; overlap ends slightly within your hand before rolling back on itself until sealed securely.
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Let shaped bagels rest under plastic wrap while repeating this process for all portions of dough.
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After resting for ten minutes—and once boiling—you can carefully add each bagel into simmering water using either a skimmer or slotted spoon (limit yourself to three at once). They should sink initially but will float after about thirty seconds; flip them halfway through cooking time so they simmer evenly for one minute total per batch.
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Remove cooked bagels using skimmer onto clean kitchen towels where they can be patted dry if desired.
13a) For plain versions: Proceed directly towards baking!
13b) For topped varieties: Place cooled bags on wire racks set over rimmed baking sheets then brush tops lightly with egg wash mixture followed by sprinkling desired toppings such as sesame seeds or minced garlic—all classic choices reminiscent of New York-style offerings!
14) Arrange prepared bags onto greased baking sheets dusted lightly cornmeal prior placing them inside preheated oven where they’ll bake till golden brown & shiny—15–20 minutes initially followed flipping sides allowing additional ten more minutes ensuring even browning throughout entire surface area achieved perfectly crisp exterior texture everyone loves!
#### Special Equipment Needed A large baking sheet greased adequately using shortening/nonstick spray plus dusted cornmeal works best—or alternatively utilize parchment paper lined nonstick options available too!
This delightful recipe is sure not only satisfy cravings but also elevate any meal occasion effortlessly showcasing culinary skills impressively! Enjoy making these scrumptious homemade delights today!