These rosemary bagels are a tasty mix of chewy and herby goodness! With fresh rosemary baked right in, they add a lovely flavor twist to your morning routine.
Who doesn’t love a warm bagel with a hint of aromatic herbs? I like to spread some cream cheese on mine, but they’re great plain too! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This type of flour gives bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, all-purpose flour works in a pinch, but the bagels may be a bit softer.
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for leavening. If you have instant yeast, feel free to use it without dissolving it first. Just mix it directly with the flour!
Fresh Rosemary: Adds a great flavor. In a pinch, you can use dried rosemary, but use less since it’s more concentrated. I personally love using fresh herbs for their vibrant taste.
Egg White: This is for an appealing shine. If you want a vegan option, you can use a plant-based milk or a little aquafaba (chickpea water) as a brush instead.
Coarse Sea Salt: This is perfect for topping. If you don’t have it, kosher salt or regular salt will work, but adjust the amount to taste.
How Can I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is key to developing the right texture for your bagels. Here’s how to do it well:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking; too much flour can make the dough dry.
- Press the dough down with the heel of your hand, then fold it over itself and rotate it a quarter turn. Repeat this process.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic when it’s done. You can check by pressing it; it should spring back gently.
Including the chopped rosemary during kneading ensures its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the bagel! Don’t rush this process; it’s essential for great results.
How to Make Rosemary Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 4 cups bread flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
For the Topping:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion flakes or minced dried onion
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt or kosher salt, for topping
- 1 large egg white, beaten with 1 tbsp water (egg wash)
- Optional: sesame seeds or poppy seeds for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation, plus around 1 to 1.5 hours for the dough to rise. Once your bagels are shaped, you’ll need about 30 minutes for boiling and baking. Overall, set aside approximately 2 hours to make these delicious rosemary bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the yeast and sugar with the warm water. Stir gently and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic!
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour and salt. Then add the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough begins to form. It will be a bit sticky at first, but don’t worry!
3. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. As you knead, incorporate the finely chopped rosemary so that it’s evenly distributed through the dough. It will smell amazing!
4. Let It Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm place to rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. Patience is key for delicious bagels!
5. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each piece into a round ball. To form the bagels, poke a hole through the center of each ball with your thumb and gently stretch it to create a ring about 2 inches in diameter.
6. Rest the Bagels:
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them lightly and let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare to boil them.
7. Boil the Bagels:
Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the water. Gently place the bagels in the boiling water in batches, boiling each side for about 1 to 2 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on a paper towel.
8. Prepare for Baking:
After boiling, return the bagels to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each bagel with the egg wash to give them a beautiful shine when baked.
9. Add Toppings:
In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, onion flakes, coarse salt, and some more chopped rosemary. Sprinkle this mixture generously on top of your bagels for an extra burst of flavor.
10. Bake and Enjoy:
Bake the bagels for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Once done, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your fresh, aromatic rosemary bagels, perfect for breakfast or snacks! They’re delicious warm or toasted with your favorite spread.
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture of your bagels may be a bit softer. Bread flour gives bagels their signature chewy consistency, so for the best results, stick with it if you can!
What Can I Use Instead of Fresh Rosemary?
If you don’t have fresh rosemary, you can substitute with dried rosemary, but use only 1 to 2 teaspoons as it’s more potent. Alternatively, try other herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor twist!
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
To store leftovers, place the bagels in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a heavy-duty freezer bag, and they’ll last for about 3 months. Just toast them directly from frozen!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bagels by adding toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even everything bagel seasoning before baking. Get creative with flavors that you love!