Description
Learn how to make authentic Montreal-style bagels with this easy-to-follow recipe. These bagels are slightly sweet, boiled in honey water to give them a shiny crust, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast or any time you crave a chewy, flavorful bagel topped with sesame and poppy seeds.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough
- 2 cups warm water (between 110°F and 115°F)
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Boiling and Topping
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: Mix the warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar in a small bowl. Let it rest for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Create a well in the center for the wet ingredients.
- Form Dough: Pour the yeast mixture, honey, and vegetable oil into the well in the dry ingredients. Stir until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for approximately 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the bagels.
- Prepare Boiling Water: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and stir in 1 tablespoon of honey to infuse sweetness into the water.
- Divide Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 12 equal portions.
- Shape Bagels: Roll each portion into a 10-inch long rope, then shape into a circle by pinching the ends together firmly.
- Boil Bagels: Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling honey water, cooking each side for about 1 minute to create a chewy texture and glossy finish.
- Drain Bagels: Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the tops generously with sesame seeds and poppy seeds for that classic Montreal bagel look and flavor.
- Bake: Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before slicing or serving to enjoy their best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure water for activating yeast is between 110°F and 115°F to avoid killing the yeast.
- Boiling the bagels in honey water gives the crust a unique sweetness and shine characteristic of Montreal-style bagels.
- Use a slotted spoon when removing bagels from boiling water to prevent them from breaking.
- Let the bagels cool completely on a wire rack to avoid soggy bottoms.
- Store bagels in an airtight container to keep them fresh, or freeze for longer storage.
