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February 18.2026
3 Minutes Read

Unveil the Secrets of Homemade Bagels: Your Ultimate Guide!

Assorted homemade bagels with toppings on a cooling rack.

Discover the Art of Homemade Bagels

If you’ve ever fantasized about crafting the perfect bagel in your own kitchen, now is the time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! In the recent podcast episode of Bon Appétit’s Bake Club, hosts Jesse Szewczyk and Shilpa Uskokovic delve into the delightful world of bagels with incredible insights from special guest Melissa Weller, a James Beard Award nominee. Together, they discuss everything from the science behind a good bagel to tips for making seafood bagel toppings.

Unpacking the Bagel Making Process

As Jesse seamlessly guides listeners through the bagel-making process, he reveals some of his essential tips. He emphasizes that bagels are a unique dough with low hydration, giving them their iconic chewiness. Mixing all-purpose and bread flour helps achieve that perfect bite, balancing tenderness and resistance. Jesse's secrets to layering flavor and texture are not only timely but essential for bringing a classic New York bagel experience into your home.

The Magic of Fermentation

A crucial step highlighted in the episode is the fermentation process. Allowing bagel dough to rest overnight enhances flavor significantly. Jesse refers to this as building depth—the yeast needs time to develop its full potential. With flavors becoming richer during longer fermentations, the podcasters encourage bakers to hold off on quick methods and embrace patience in pursuit of the ultimate bagel.

Experimenting with Toppings: Endless Possibilities!

One of the highlights from the episode is the joy of personalizing your bagel. With toppings ranging from classic lox and cream cheese to adventurous furikake or sumac, the hosts ignite creativity in listeners. Toppings can transform a simple bagel into an extravagant treat, allowing you to mix and match to your taste preferences. Melissa emphasizes the importance of applying toppings immediately after boiling to ensure they stick, unlocking the full potential of flavor and texture.

Addressing Inclusive Baking: Gluten-Free Options

A standout moment comes when Melissa shares her knowledge about gluten-free bagels, blending her background in engineering and baking. Drawing from her professional history, she reveals that incorporating ingredients like potato aids in moisture retention in gluten-free recipes while also enhancing the bagel’s flavor. She encourages listeners to explore innovative methods to ensure no one misses out on bagel joy, irrespective of dietary restrictions.

Bagels: More Than Just a Breakfast Option

With their origins rooted in tradition, bagels have crossed cultural boundaries to become beloved all-day snacks. From breakfast sandwiches to gourmet hors d'oeuvres, the versatility of bagels can’t be overstated. Participants are encouraged to experiment with various dinner options, pairing bagels with fresh ingredients and creative spreads. This flexibility allows home bakers to offer something unique for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Take the Leap: Join the Bagel Revolution

As you ponder the delightful possibilities of homemade bagels, don’t forget to listen to the podcast episode for insights straight from the experts! Whether you're an experienced home baker or just starting, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to create scrumptious bagels from scratch.

We encourage you to connect with the Bake Club community through Substack or send in your questions via voice memo! Dive into the magic of bagel-making and share your culinary journey with others. Remember, every bagel you create brings joy not only to you but to those around you.

Happy baking!

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