These strawberry bagels are a yummy twist on your classic bagel! With fresh strawberry flavor mixed right into the dough, they are both sweet and satisfying.
Perfect for breakfast, I love to spread cream cheese on mine. They taste like a treat but are super easy to make. Who doesn’t want a strawberry surprise in their morning routine? 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This gives bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour works too but won’t be quite as chewy. I’ve used a mix of both for a soft chew!
Active Dry Yeast: Make sure it’s fresh! If you want to use instant yeast, you can skip the activation step — just add it to the dry ingredients. I often keep some in the fridge to extend its shelf life.
Fresh Strawberries: Chopping them will add sweetness and moisture. Don’t have fresh ones? You can use frozen strawberries, just thaw and drain them first. I prefer fresh for flavor, though!
Honey: Used for boiling, it helps give the bagels a nice shine. You can swap it with brown sugar or even maple syrup if needed. I’ve tried both options, and they work well!
Optional Toppings: Feel free to experiment! I love using everything bagel seasoning for a savory twist. Sesame seeds and poppy seeds are classic options, or you can keep them plain.
How Do I Get the Bagels to Rise Properly?
Allowing the bagels to rise is crucial for a great texture. After kneading, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it well. Here’s how to be successful:
- Find a warm spot — your oven turned off with the light on works great.
- Keep it covered to prevent the dough from drying out.
- Let it rise until it doubles in size, around 1 to 1.5 hours. Be patient; it’s worth it for that fluffy interior!
If you’re in a hurry, you can let them rise for a shorter time, but the flavor might be a bit less developed. Happy baking!
How to Make Strawberry Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C), divided
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped into small chunks
- 1 tbsp honey (for boiling water)
Optional Toppings:
- sesame seeds
- poppy seeds
- coarse salt
- everything bagel seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 1 to 1.5 hours for rising. You’ll spend another 30 minutes or so boiling and baking the bagels, bringing the total time to about 2 hours. But don’t worry; the results are well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by activating your yeast! In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup of warm water with the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it gets foamy and bubbly. This means your yeast is ready to help your bagels rise!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the bread flour, the remaining sugar, and the salt. Then, create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the activated yeast mixture along with the rest of the warm water.
3. Form the Dough:
Stir everything together until it starts forming a dough. Once it’s coming together, gently knead in the chopped strawberries. Be careful not to smash them too much; you want to keep those lovely chunks!
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You want it to be smooth and elastic. If it gets too sticky, just sprinkle a little more flour as you go.
5. Let It Rise:
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Find a cozy, warm spot for it to rise until it doubles in size, which will take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Go ahead and relax during this time!
6. Shape the Bagels:
Once your dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger and stretch it gently to form the classic bagel shape.
7. Rest the Shaped Bagels:
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a cloth and let them rest for another 15-20 minutes. This helps them relax before they hit the water!
8. Boil the Bagels:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Stir in the honey to sweeten the water a little. This will give your bagels a nice sheen!
9. Boil Each Bagel:
Carefully boil the bagels in batches for about 1 minute on each side. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the baking sheet.
10. Add Toppings:
While the bagels are still wet from boiling, sprinkle your choice of toppings on top. Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning are all delicious options!
11. Bake:
Now, bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden brown and look delicious. The aroma is going to be amazing, trust me!
12. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Then, dig in and enjoy your fresh strawberry bagels for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will give your bagels a nuttier flavor and denser texture. However, you may want to combine it with some bread flour for the best results, as pure whole wheat can make the bagels too heavy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Bagels?
Let the bagels cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Strawberries?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples would make delightful substitutions. Just ensure that any fruit you use isn’t too watery, as that can affect the dough texture.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that the water temperature is warm but not hot (around 110°F or 43°C). If all else fails, you can try putting it in a warmer area to encourage rising!
