Description
Chewy, golden Sourdough Bagels made with active starter for a tangy flavor and perfectly dense crumb. Ideal for breakfast sandwiches or a classic smear of cream cheese.
Ingredients
1 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
1 1/4 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
For boiling:
2 quarts water
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
For topping (optional):
Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine active sourdough starter, warm water, and sugar. Stir to dissolve.
2. Add flour and salt; mix until a rough dough forms.
3. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Cover and let rise at room temperature for 8–10 hours, or until nearly doubled.
5. Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball.
6. Poke a hole through the center of each ball with your thumb and gently stretch into a bagel shape.
7. Place shaped bagels on parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rest for 30–45 minutes.
8. Meanwhile, bring water, honey, and baking soda to a boil in a large pot.
9. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
10. Boil bagels 1–2 at a time for 30 seconds per side. Remove and place on the baking sheet.
11. Sprinkle toppings if desired.
12. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
13. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
For a stronger sourdough tang, refrigerate shaped bagels overnight before boiling and baking.
Use bread flour for the best chew and structure.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a toaster or oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 mins (plus 8–10 hrs rise time)
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sourdough bagels, chewy bagels, homemade bagels, sourdough recipes, breakfast bread