Bagels + Scallion Cream Cheese

If you’ve been thinking about making bagels, now’s the perfect time to go for it! Trust me, these bagels are seriously delicious and super easy to make.

INGREDIENTS

• 500g bread flour
• 7g instant yeast 
• 10g salt
• 25g honey
• 10g granulated sugar
• 280g ice cold water
• 25g salted butter (cubed)

FOR BOILING

• 1000ml water
• 115g dark brown sugar
• 2g salt

OPTIONAL (egg wash)

• 1 egg, beaten

FOR TOPPING

• optional – everything bagel seasoning, white or back sesame seeds, cheddar cheese.

PROCESS

1. Attach the dough hook to your stand mixer.
2. In the mixing bowl of the stand mixer, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, salt, and granulated sugar. Mix them briefly to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
3. Mix your ice-cold water and honey together. With the mixer running on low speed (level 2), gradually pour in the water mixture. Continue mixing until a dough starts to form, which should take about 5 minutes.
4. Next, add the cubed butter to the dough. Keep the mixer running on low speed (level 2) for another 12 minutes.
5. Remove the bowl from the mixer and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes (If you’re in a warm climate, you can reduce the resting time to 15 minutes).
6. After the 30 minutes are up, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your thumb to poke a hole through the center. Gently stretch and shape the dough into a bagel shape. 
7. Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them with a clean kitchen towel, and let them rise for another 15 – 20 minutes (if you are in a warm climate, only rest for 10 minutes).

8. Preheat your oven to 392°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. In a large pot, add water, dark brown sugar and salt. Bring water to a boil. Carefully lower the bagels into the boiling water, a few at a time, and boil for 15 seconds per side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them back on the baking sheet.
10. Brush the boiled bagels with the egg wash, then sprinkle your desired toppings over the top.
11. Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 13 – 15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
12. Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Enjoy!! <3

FOR SCALLION, BACON CREAM CHEESE

• 1 block cream cheese (8 oz)
• 3 – 4 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
• 3 slices of bacon, cooked and slice 
• 1 handful of shredded cheddar cheese 

PROCESS

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped scallions and cheddar cheese. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Transfer the scallion bacon cream cheese to a serving bowl or container. It’s now ready to be served as a spread for bagels. Storage: Any leftover cream cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.