Who doesn’t love a good bagel? This round, deliciously soft sandwich with a hole in the middle has captured many hearts worldwide. But what if I told you that you can make these delicious bagels yourself, straight from your own kitchen? Yes, you read that right! Making your own bagels is not only fun and satisfying, but it also allows you to experiment with an endless array of tasty toppings. So let’s dive into the art of bagel baking and discover some creative toppings that are sure to tempt your taste buds.
Baking bagels: an artisanal adventure
The process of making bagels at home is actually less intimidating than you might think. With a few simple ingredients like flour, water, yeast, salt and sugar, you can soon knead and shape your own dough into perfect bagels. The secret is in cooking the bagels in a pan of boiling water before baking them. This gives them that distinctive chewy texture and shiny exterior we all love.
Once you have mastered the basics of bagel baking, comes the fun part: choosing your toppings!
Creative toppings to pimp your bagels
- Traditional with cream cheese and salmon. Let’s start with a classic. Spread a generous layer of creamy cream cheese on your freshly baked bagel and top it with slices of smoked salmon. Add some fresh dill and a slice of lemon for a refreshing twist.
- Avocado and poached egg. For a healthy and nutritious option, top your bagel with slices of creamy avocado and a perfectly poached egg. Sprinkle some chilli flakes on top for a little spice and voila, a gourmet breakfast is born.
- Caprese-style. Bring summer to your breakfast table with this delicious combination of slices of juicy tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a sweet and sour kick.
- Hummus and roasted vegetables. Make your bagel vegetarian with a thick layer of creamy hummus and roasted vegetables such as pepper, courgette and aubergine. Top it off with a dash of olive oil and a pinch of cumin for extra flavour.
- Peanut butter and banana. For the sweet tooth among us, there is this heavenly combination of creamy peanut butter and slices of ripe banana. Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for an extra crunch and enjoy a decadent dessert-like breakfast.
Make your own bagels at home for a fun activity that lets you experiment with a variety of flavors. Bagels are perfect whether you opt for a classic topping or want to try something more adventurous. Making your own bagels gives you the freedom to take your breakfast or lunch to the next level. So what are you waiting for? Dive into the kitchen and let your imagination run wild!