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Garlic Parmesan Bagels

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Prep Time: 25 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Difficulty Level: Medium

Ingredients

For the Bagel Dough

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
  • 1 ½ cups warm water

For Boiling the Bagels

  • 8 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar

Garlic Parmesan Topping

  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Dough hook or wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large pot
  • Slotted spoon
  • Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Slowly pour in warm water while mixing until a rough dough forms.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with a dough hook for about 6 minutes.

Place the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Intensity Level: Medium

Step 2: Shape the Bagels

Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces.

Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center using your finger. Gently stretch the hole until it forms a bagel shape.

Place the shaped bagels onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Intensity Level: Medium

Step 3: Boil the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil and add honey or brown sugar. Carefully place 2–3 bagels into the water at a time.

Boil each bagel for 30 seconds per side. Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them back onto the baking sheet.

Boiling creates the classic chewy bagel texture and shiny crust.

Intensity Level: Medium

Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

Brush the mixture generously over each boiled bagel.

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese evenly over the tops.

Intensity Level: Easy

Step 5: Bake the Bagels

Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

The parmesan cheese should be lightly toasted and fragrant.

Remove the bagels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.

Intensity Level: Easy

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Bagels

Use Bread Flour

Bread flour creates a chewy and authentic bagel texture thanks to its higher protein content.

Don’t Skip the Boiling Step

Boiling is essential for achieving the classic dense and chewy bagel consistency.

Fresh Garlic Works Best

Freshly minced garlic gives the bagels stronger flavor than garlic powder alone.

Add Extra Cheese

For an even cheesier crust, sprinkle extra parmesan on top halfway through baking.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Refrigerate for up to 5 days, although bagels are best enjoyed fresh.

Freezer

Freeze cooled bagels in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or toaster before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Parmesan Bagels pair perfectly with:

  • Cream cheese
  • Butter
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Chicken sandwiches
  • Soup and salad combinations
  • Deli meats and cheese

These savory bagels also make excellent breakfast sandwiches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Water That’s Too Hot

Very hot water can kill the yeast. Warm water around 110°F works best.

Overproofing the Dough

Allow the dough to rise until doubled, but not too long, or the bagels may collapse.

Skipping the Resting Time

Resting the shaped bagels before boiling helps improve texture and shape.

Flavor Variations

Cheesy Jalapeño Bagels

Add diced jalapeños and extra cheddar cheese for a spicy twist.

Herb Garlic Bagels

Mix fresh parsley or basil into the garlic butter topping.

Extra Crispy Version

Bake for an additional 2–3 minutes for a crunchier crust.

Nutritional Information

Per Bagel

  • Calories: 310
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 520mg

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