These blueberry bagels are soft, chewy, and bursting with juicy berries. Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack, they bring a sweet twist to a classic favorite!
Every bite feels like a delightful treat. I love to toast mine and slather on some cream cheese. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water! 😋
Making them at home is a breeze, and the aroma of fresh bagels baking will fill your kitchen with happiness. They are simply a joy to share with family and friends!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This is the backbone of bagels, providing the chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly softer. I’ve always found bread flour gives the best results for bagels!
Instant Yeast: This type of yeast works well for quick rises. If you only have active dry yeast, you can use that too. Just dissolve it in the warm water for about 5 minutes before mixing it into the dough.
Blueberries: Use fresh blueberries for a bolder flavor, but frozen ones work just fine. If you’re looking to mix it up, you could try cranberries or even raisins as a substitute.
Malt Syrup or Honey: This ingredient adds sweetness and helps with browning. If you have neither, you can omit it but the bagels might not have that classic shine. Maple syrup is another option too!
Toppings: Rolled oats or coarse sugar give a nice finishing touch. If you want a different look, try everything bagel seasoning or just leave them plain – they will still taste great!
How Can I Shape Bagels Without Making a Mess?
Shaping bagels can be a bit tricky, but it’s pretty straightforward with a little practice. To maintain their unique ring shape, follow these steps:
- After dividing the dough, roll each piece into a tight ball to get a good structure.
- Use your finger to poke a hole through the center. Make sure your finger is clean, or lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
- Gently stretch the hole, but don’t squeeze it too hard to avoid bursting your dough. Aim for a 2-3 inch diameter ring for perfect bagels.
- Let them sit for a bit to relax before boiling for easier handling.
This simple technique will help you get bagels that look as good as they taste!
How to Make Delicious Blueberry Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
For Boiling (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon malt syrup or honey (optional, for boiling water)
For Topping (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats or coarse sugar for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 ½ hours in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing the dough and shaping the bagels, and then allow some time for rising and baking. It’s mostly hands-off time, so you can do other things while your bagels rise and bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Pour in the bread flour, salt, granulated sugar, and instant yeast. Use a whisk or a spoon to mix these dry ingredients together until evenly combined. This ensures the flavors and yeast are distributed well!
2. Combine with Water:
Next, gradually add the warm water to the dry mixture. Mix with a spoon until a rough dough starts to form. Don’t worry if it looks a bit shaggy; that’s just fine!
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes. The goal is to make it smooth and elastic. If it sticks to your hands too much, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
4. Add the Blueberries:
Carefully fold the fresh or frozen blueberries into the dough. Be gentle—try not to burst too many berries to keep the dough from turning too purple!
5. Let It Rise:
Now, place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm area for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size. This step is crucial for fluffy bagels!
6. Shape the Bagels:
After rising, gently punch down the dough to release any air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a tight ball. For the bagel shape, poke a hole through the center of each ball with your finger and gently stretch it to create a ring about 2-3 inches in diameter. Easy peasy!
7. Rest Again:
Place the formed bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them lightly. Let them rest for another 15-20 minutes. This helps them puff up a little more before boiling.
8. Preheat and Boil:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, bring a large pot of water to a boil. If you’re using malt syrup or honey, add it to the boiling water for sweetness and shine!
9. Boil the Bagels:
Carefully drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water. Let them cook for about 1 minute on each side. Once they’re done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet. This step gives them that delicious bagel crust!
10. Add Toppings:
If you’d like, sprinkle rolled oats or coarse sugar on top of your bagels while they’re still damp from boiling. This will give them a nice finish once baked.
11. Bake:
Put your bagels into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and look irresistible!
12. Cool and Enjoy:
Take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy your fresh blueberry bagels warm or toasted with your favorite spread!
There you go! Enjoy your delicious, freshly baked blueberry bagels with a slightly chewy crust and sweet bursts of blueberries inside!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly softer and less chewy than with bread flour. For the best bagel texture, bread flour is recommended.
What If I Don’t Have Instant Yeast?
No problem! You can substitute instant yeast with active dry yeast. Just dissolve it in the warm water for about 5 minutes before mixing it into the dough to activate it.
How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze them in a ziplock bag. When ready to eat, just pop them in the toaster!
Can I Make These Bagels Without Blueberries?
Absolutely! Feel free to leave out the blueberries or replace them with other ingredients, like raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor, or even make plain bagels!
