Description
Chewy, golden, and tangy, these sourdough bagels are made using either active starter or discard. With an overnight rise and classic boiling step, they’re easy to make and full of flavor—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
Ingredients
1 cup sourdough starter or discard (unfed or active)
1 1/4 cups warm water
1 tablespoon honey (for dough)
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 3/4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
1 tablespoon sugar (for boiling water)
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, sea salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm water, and honey until combined.
- Add salt and bread flour, stirring with a spoon or dough hook to form a rough dough.
- Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours, or until doubled.
- Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each into a smooth ball.
- Poke a hole in the center of each ball and gently stretch into a ring shape.
- Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, and boil the bagels 2–3 at a time for 1 minute per side.
- Return boiled bagels to the baking sheet and add desired toppings.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Use active starter for more rise or discard for a denser, tangier texture.
Customize with sweet or savory add-ins like cinnamon raisins or shredded cheese.
To store, keep at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate for 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
For mini bagels, divide the dough into 12 smaller portions.
Make-ahead tip: shape and refrigerate bagels overnight, then bring to room temp before boiling and baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus rise time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
