These strawberry bagels are a fun twist on your regular bagel! With sweet, juicy strawberries blended right into the dough, they taste fresh and delicious.
Whenever I make these, the smell of berries fills my kitchen, making it hard to resist. I like to slather on some cream cheese to make them extra yummy! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This is the backbone of your bagels, giving them that chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly different.
Active Dry Yeast: This helps the dough rise. If you have instant yeast, you can use it in the same amount without needing to activate it first. Just mix it directly with the dry ingredients!
Fresh Strawberries: They add a sweet flavor to the bagels. If strawberries are out of season, you could try using frozen berries (thawed and drained) or even other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a variation.
Honey: This is added to the boiling water to give the bagels a nice shine. If you’re avoiding honey, a bit of sugar can work too, though it won’t create the same gloss.
Dried Herbs: While optional, they can elevate the flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or mint add a refreshing taste. You could skip them, or swap them for poppy seeds or sesame seeds for a different twist.
How Do I Make My Bagels Chewy and Delicious?
The most important technique for bagels is the boiling step. Boiling helps develop a chewy crust and sets the shape. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your water is at a rolling boil before adding bagels. This ensures they puff up properly.
- Add honey to the water; this helps the bagels to shine beautifully.
- Boil 2-3 bagels at a time to avoid overcrowding; it allows them to cook evenly.
- Only boil them for about 1 minute on each side; this is enough to create that desired texture without cooking them too much.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly chewy, fruity bagels that are a hit at breakfast or brunch! Enjoy making them!
How to Make Strawberry Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tbsp honey (for boiling water)
Optional Garnish:
- 1 tsp dried herbs (like mint or basil)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 2 to 2 1/2 hours, including 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the first rise and 15-20 minutes for the second rise. The actual hands-on time is about 30-40 minutes, which includes mixing, kneading, shaping, and boiling the bagels. Then you’ll bake them for 20-25 minutes. It’s perfect for a fun morning activity!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
Start by combining the warm water, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl. Stir it gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means your yeast is alive and ready to help your bagels rise!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the bread flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Create a small well in the center and pour in your foamy yeast mixture. Stir all the ingredients together until a sticky dough forms. It should be a bit messy, but that’s okay!
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer your dough onto a floured surface and start kneading. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much as you want it to stay soft.
4. Incorporate Strawberries:
Now, gently fold in the sliced strawberries into the dough. Try to distribute them evenly without crushing them too much. This will give your bagels a lovely fruity flavor!
5. First Rise:
Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This is where the magic happens!
6. Shape Bagels:
Once doubled, punch down the dough to release the air. Divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger. Gently stretch it to form a ring about 3 inches in diameter.
7. Second Rise:
Carefully place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them lightly and let them rest for 15-20 minutes. This helps them rise a little more before boiling.
8. Preheat Oven & Prepare Boiling Water:
While they are resting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the honey to help give your bagels a beautiful shine.
9. Boil the Bagels:
Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower 2-3 bagels at a time into the boiling water. Boil each side for about 1 minute. Once done, remove them and let them drain on a clean towel or wire rack.
10. Bake:
Transfer the boiled bagels back to your parchment-lined baking sheet. If you like, sprinkle them with dried herbs for added flavor. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
11. Cool and Serve:
Let the bagels cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them fresh, plain, or spread with cream cheese for a delicious treat!
This recipe yields soft, slightly sweet bagels dotted with fresh strawberry pieces, giving a natural fruity flavor to this delightful twist on classic bagels.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This will help prevent the dough from becoming too wet and ensure the strawberries are evenly distributed without getting mushy.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just wrap individual bagels tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough a day in advance. After kneading, let it rise as directed, then punch it down and refrigerate the dough instead of letting it rise again. Just allow it to come to room temperature before shaping and boiling the bagels.
What Can I Serve with Strawberry Bagels?
These bagels are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving with cream cheese, a light fruit spread, or even yogurt. Fresh mint or basil as a topping can also enhance their flavor profile!