Are you tired of rushing to your local bagel shop every morning? Well, fret no more! You can now enjoy delicious bagels right at home with our easy copycat recipe. Not only will you save time and money, but you'll also have the satisfaction of making your own breakfast treats. And the best part? You can stock your freezer with these bagels for those busy mornings when you need a quick and convenient meal on the go.

These bagels are a true delight. When you take a bite, you'll be greeted with a fluffy interior that practically melts in your mouth. The outside, on the other hand, has that perfect chewiness that makes bagels so irresistible. They're just like the ones you'd find in a classic New York City deli, which are known for their high - quality and unique texture.

Lets start with the ingredients. You'll need flour, of course. High - gluten flour is ideal as it gives the bagels that chewy texture. Yeast is another crucial ingredient; it helps the bagels rise and gives them their light and airy interior. Warm water is used to activate the yeast, and a bit of sugar is added to feed the yeast and add a touch of sweetness. Salt is essential for flavor, and it also helps to control the yeast's activity. You'll also need some oil, which makes the dough more pliable and gives the bagels a nice sheen.

To begin the process, first, combine the yeast, warm water, and sugar in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 - 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is alive and active. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Then, pour in the yeast mixture and the oil. Start mixing the ingredients together. You can use a wooden spoon at first, but as the dough comes together, you may need to use your hands. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 - 15 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is an important step as it develops the gluten in the flour, which gives the bagels their structure.

Once the dough is ready, shape it into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about an hour or until it doubles in size. After the first rise, punch the dough down to release the air bubbles. Then, divide the dough into equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long cylinder and form it into a circle, pinching the ends together to seal. Place the formed bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Now, it's time for the second rise. Let the bagels rise again for about 30 minutes. While the bagels are rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Before baking, you can give the bagels an extra - special touch by boiling them in a pot of water with a bit of baking soda for about a minute on each side. This step gives the bagels their characteristic shiny crust. After boiling, place the bagels back on the baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 18 - 20 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Once the bagels are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. You can enjoy them right away with your favorite toppings, such as cream cheese, butter, or jam. Or, if you want to have them for later, let them cool completely and then place them in freezer bags. They'll keep in the freezer for several weeks, and all you need to do is pop them in the toaster when you're ready to eat.

Making your own bagels is not only a fun and rewarding experience but also a great way to ensure that you're starting your day with a healthy and delicious breakfast. So, why not give this recipe a try? You'll be amazed at how easy it is to make these mouth - watering bagels at home.