Homemade bagels and cream cheese are culinary delights that can elevate your breakfast or brunch experience.
The satisfaction of biting into a freshly baked bagel, paired with creamy homemade cream cheese, is unmatched. In this article, we’ll explore the process of making homemade bagels and cream cheese, along with tips, variations, and a brief history of these beloved treats.
Table of Contents
Homemade Bagels
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups of warm water (you may need ± ¼ cup more)
- 3 ½ cups (500g) of bread flour or high gluten flour(will give you a chewier bagel)
- 1 ½ teaspoons of salt
Step by Step Instructions
- Take ½ cup of the warm water and pour it into a small bowl. Stir in the sugar and yeast. Do not stir again. Let it sit for five minutes, and then stir the yeast and sugar mixture until it all dissolves in the water.
- Mix the flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the middle and pour in the yeast and sugar mixture.
- Pour 1/3 of the remaining warm water into the well. Mix and stir in the rest of the water as needed. Depending on where you live, you may need to add anywhere from a couple tablespoons to about ¼ cup of water. You want to result in a moist and firm dough after you have mixed it.
- On a floured countertop, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
- Lightly brush a large bowl with oil and turn the dough to coat. Cover the bowl with a damp dish towel. Let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, until the dough has doubled in size. Punch the dough down, and let it rest for another 10 minutes.
- Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Shape each piece into a round. Now, take a dough ball, and press it gently against the countertop (or whatever work surface you’re using) moving your hand and the ball in a circular motion pulling the dough into itself while reducing the pressure on top of the dough slightly until a perfect dough ball forms. Repeat with 7 other dough rounds.
- Coat a finger in flour, and gently press your finger into the center of each dough ball to form a ring. Stretch the ring to about ⅓ the diameter of the bagel and place on a lightly oiled cookie sheet. Repeat the same step with the remaining dough.
- After shaping the dough rounds and placing them on the cookie sheet, cover with a damp kitchen towel and allow to rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425ºF / 220ºC / Gas Mark 7.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Reduce the heat. Use a slotted spoon or skimmer to lower the bagels into the water. Boil as many as you are comfortable with boiling. Once the bagels are in, it shouldn’t take too long for them to float to the top (a couple seconds). Let them sit there for 1 minute, and then flip them over to boil for another minute. Extend the boiling times to 2 minutes each, if you’d prefer a chewier bagel.
- If you want to top your bagels with stuff, do so as you take them out of the water, you’ll want to use an egg wash to get the toppings to stick before putting the bagels into the oven.
- Once all the bagels have boiled (and have been topped with your choice of toppings), transfer them to an oiled or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, or until they’re as brown as you like them.
Tips
- Use high-gluten flour for chewier bagels.
- Don’t skip the boiling step, as it gives bagels their characteristic texture.
- Experiment with toppings like everything seasoning, cheese, or herbs.
Variations
Savory Options
- Cheddar and Jalapeño Bagels
- Garlic and Herb Bagels
Sweet Options
- Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
- Blueberry Bagels
Homemade Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that complements bagels perfectly. Making it at home allows you to adjust the texture and flavor to your liking.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of whole milk
- 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice
Step by Step Instructions
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until it starts to bubble slightly around the edges (not boiling). Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
- Remove from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir it and leave it undisturbed for 15-20 minutes. The milk should curdle. If it doesn’t, add one more tablespoon of lemon juice.
- After the milk is curdled, strain it through a muslin cloth or cheesecloth. Wrap the curdled milk (paneer) in the cloth and rinse it under cold water to get rid of any lemon flavor.
- Hang the muslin cloth with the curdled milk for 3-4 hours to drain all the liquid.
- Once the liquid is drained, homemade cream cheese is ready. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Enjoy your homemade bagels with fresh cream cheese!
Tips
- Use full-fat milk and cream for a richer flavor.
- Experiment with adding herbs, spices, or even fruit to customize your cream cheese.
Variations
- Herb and Garlic Cream Cheese
- Honey and Walnut Cream Cheese
History of Bagels and Cream Cheese
Bagels have roots in Jewish communities in Poland and have become a beloved breakfast staple worldwide. Cream cheese, while originally made in Europe, gained popularity in the United States alongside bagels in the early 20th century.
FAQs about Homemade Bagels and Cream Cheese
- Can I freeze homemade bagels and cream cheese?
- Yes, both homemade bagels and cream cheese freeze well. Wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn and thaw before enjoying.
- How long do homemade bagels and cream cheese stay fresh?
- Homemade bagels are best enjoyed within a few days but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Homemade cream cheese can be refrigerated for about two weeks.
- Can I make gluten-free bagels at home?
- Yes, you can make gluten-free bagels using alternative flours like almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Adjustments to the recipe may be needed for best results.
- What can I use instead of cream for homemade cream cheese?
- You can use yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for cream in homemade cream cheese. The texture and flavor may vary slightly.
- Are homemade bagels and cream cheese healthier than store-bought versions?
- It depends on the ingredients used. Homemade versions allow you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients, potentially making them healthier options.
Making homemade bagels and cream cheese is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to create delicious treats tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, there’s a homemade bagel and cream cheese combination waiting to delight your taste buds.