These strawberry bagels are a sweet twist on the classic breakfast favorite! With bits of juicy strawberries mixed right into the dough, they’re both colorful and tasty!
I love to toast them up and spread on some cream cheese for a yummy morning treat. Honestly, who can resist that fruity flavor? It’s like breakfast and dessert all in one! 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This recipe calls for bread flour for its high protein content, which gives the bagels a chewy texture. If you’re short on bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly softer.
Active Dry Yeast: One packet is perfect for this recipe, but if you prefer, you can use instant yeast instead. Just mix it directly with the flour without needing to dissolve it first. This can save time!
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add an amazing flavor, but if they’re out of season, you can use frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using them to prevent sogginess in the dough.
Sesame Seeds or Coarse Sugar: I love using coarse sugar for a sweet crunch, but sesame seeds are a great savory option. If you want to skip toppings, that’s totally fine too – the bagels will still be delicious!
How Do You Get Bagels to Have That Chewy Texture?
The key to bagels’ iconic chewy texture is in the boiling step before baking. This helps create a crust that seals in moisture and gives that characteristic chew. Here’s how to ensure you get it right:
- Bring water to a rolling boil, adding a bit of sugar to help with browning.
- Gently place each bagel into the boiling water for 1 minute on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pot; boil in batches if needed.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bagels and allow them to drain briefly before placing them back on the baking tray.
Following this method will give you perfect, chewy bagels that you and your friends will love!
How to Make Strawberry Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds or coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Time Needed to Make Bagels
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 1 hour for the dough to rise, and about 30 minutes for cooking and baking time. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy fresh strawberry bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
Start by taking a small bowl and combining the active dry yeast with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Pour in the warm water and stir gently. Let this mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This means your yeast is active and ready to go!
2. Mix the Dough:
In a larger mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the frothy yeast mixture. Mix everything together until a dough starts to form.
3. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
4. Add Strawberries:
Carefully fold in the diced strawberries to the dough. Make sure they are distributed evenly without crushing them too much. This will give the bagels a sweet strawberry flavor!
5. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and then poke a hole through the center with your finger, stretching it gently to form the classic bagel shape.
7. Rest the Bagels:
Place your shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover them and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them puff up a little before boiling.
8. Boil the Bagels:
While the bagels are resting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, drop in the bagels in batches, boiling each side for about 1 minute. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove them and place them back on the baking tray.
9. Add Toppings:
If you like, sprinkle the tops of the bagels with sesame seeds or coarse sugar for a little extra crunch and sweetness!
10. Bake:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and delicious.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This will help them stay nice and soft. Enjoy your fresh homemade strawberry bagels!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! You can substitute strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Make sure to adjust the amount based on the fruit’s size and moisture content. For example, if using raspberries, you might want to use slightly less as they are smaller.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your water is at the right temperature (110°F/43°C) when dissolving the yeast. Additionally, ensure the yeast has not expired. A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for rising; sometimes, using an oven (turned off) can help create that warm environment.
How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Individually wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months!
Can I Make the Dough the Night Before?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time! After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it, then refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before shaping the bagels.