Bake Your Own Bagels at Home with Freshly Milled Flour and a Bread Machine

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Freshly baked bagels are arranged on a wooden board with a bowl of creamy spread, ready to be enjoyed for breakfast.

Bagels hold a special place in many people's hearts as a delicious breakfast choice. Their perfect chewy texture and inviting flavor make them a delightful treat. Instead of grabbing bagels from the bakery, why not try making them right in your own kitchen? With a bread machine and freshly milled flour, you can create mouthwatering bagels that not only taste better but are also healthier. Let's explore how easy and rewarding bagel-making can be!

Why Freshly Milled Flour?

Freshly milled flour can greatly enhance the taste and nutrition of your baked bagels. When flour is milled and stored, it starts to lose nutrients like vitamins B and E. By milling your own flour, you ensure that every bite is packed with nutrients, offering up to 50% more vitamins than flour that sits on the shelf. Additionally, freshly milled flour has a richer, nuttier flavor, making your bagels stand out.

The Benefits of Using a Bread Machine

A bread machine is an excellent investment for anyone who loves to bake. It takes the hard work out of mixing, kneading, and rising, which is perfect for beginners. Studies show that over 70% of home bakers find bread machines save them time and effort. With a bread machine, you can whip up bagels with minimal fuss. This way, you can spend more time enjoying your homemade treats rather than laboring in the kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make delicious bagels using freshly milled flour, gather the following ingredients:

• 4 cups freshly milled flour (you can mix whole wheat with all-purpose if desired)

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey

• 2 teaspoons instant yeast

• 1 ½ cups warm water

• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Machine

Begin by adding warm water to the bread machine pan. Ensure the water is warm, around 110°F (43°C), to activate the yeast without killing it.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the freshly milled flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast to the pan in that order. This ensures optimal mixing and rising.

Step 3: Select the Dough Setting

Close the bread machine lid and choose the dough setting. This will handle both mixing and kneading for you while ensuring the proper rise.

Step 4: Shape the Bagels

Once the dough cycle is complete (roughly 1-1.5 hours), transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 8-10 equal portions based on your desired size.

To shape the bagels, roll each piece into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center. Gently stretch the hole to create the traditional bagel form.

Step 5: Boil the Bagels

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a tablespoon of sugar or honey. This step is vital as it creates the bagels' chewy texture.

Carefully drop each shaped bagel in the boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Once done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 6: Add Toppings

If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning on top of your wet bagels before baking.

Step 7: Bake the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown, forming a perfectly crispy crust.

Step 8: Enjoy!

After baking, let the bagels cool on a wire rack. Slice them open, toast if you wish, and enjoy with your favorite toppings, whether it’s cream cheese, avocado, or butter.

Tips for Perfect Bagels

• Experiment with Flours: Whole wheat flour is great, but consider blending in spelt or rye for unique flavors and textures. Each type of flour can provide a different nutritional profile, enhancing your bagels.

  
  

• Don’t Skip the Boiling: This crucial step contributes to the distinctive chewy crust that makes bagels special. Skipping it alters the texture.

  
  

• Store Properly: If you have any leftover bagels, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them for future enjoyment.

  
  

A Delicious Adventure Awaits

Making bagels at home with freshly milled flour and a bread machine is not just fun — it’s also a tasty way to enjoy a healthier version of this classic favorite. With just a few simple steps, you can produce bagels that rival anything from the store and may even become your new go-to breakfast treat.

Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, this bagel recipe is a sure winner. Happy baking!