Homemade Mini Bagels: A Simple Guide

Making mini bagels at home is a delightful and rewarding experience that can elevate your breakfast game. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create these chewy, delicious treats that are perfect for toasting.

Ingredients:

• 250g strong white flour
• 150ml warm water
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking soda (for boiling)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. sesame seeds, poppy seeds)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar. Gradually add the warm water, stirring until a dough begins to form. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.

2. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp tea towel, and leave it in a warm place for roughly an hour or until it has doubled in size.

3. Shape the Bagels: Once risen, punch down the dough gently. Divide it into equal portions, about the size of a golf ball. Roll each piece into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the centre, stretching it gently to form a bagel shape.

4. Boil the Bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding in the baking soda. Boil each mini bagel for about 30 seconds on each side, this gives them that classic chewy texture.

5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C for fan ovens). Place the boiled bagels on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, sprinkle your chosen toppings on top, and bake for around 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve them plain, or with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favourite spread.

These mini bagels are not only fun to make but also a fantastic way to impress family and friends. Happy baking!