Blueberry Bagel Recipe
Introduction
This blueberry bagel recipe is the ultimate treat for bagel lovers! These homemade bagels are soft, chewy, and packed with bursts of juicy blueberries in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, these bagels pair wonderfully with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spread.
Ingredients for Blueberry Bagel Recipe
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) bread flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen blueberries
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey for boiling
How to Make Blueberry Bagels
1. Prepare the Dough
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough forms.
2. Add the Blueberries
Gently fold the blueberries into the dough, being careful not to crush them too much. Knead lightly until the blueberries are evenly distributed.
3. Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
4. Shape the Bagels
Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your thumb and stretch it gently to form a bagel shape.
5. Boil the Bagels
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add honey to the water for a subtle sweetness (optional). Boil the bagels in batches for 1 minute on each side, then remove and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these blueberry bagels fresh from the oven with a smear of cream cheese, butter, or jam. They’re also great toasted with a drizzle of honey or paired with your favorite smoothie for a balanced breakfast.
Tips for Success
- Use Bread Flour: Bread flour gives the bagels their signature chewy texture.
- Be Gentle with Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are best, but frozen ones work too. Avoid overmixing to prevent the dough from turning purple.
- Boiling is Key: Boiling the bagels gives them their chewy crust, so don’t skip this step.
- Storage: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
- Cinnamon Blueberry Bagels: Add 1 tsp of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Mixed Berry Bagels: Use a combination of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful twist.
- Glazed Blueberry Bagels: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a sweet treat.