Description
These Sourdough Sun Dried Tomato Bagels are a flavorful twist on a classic, packed with sun dried tomatoes, herbs, garlic, onion, and cheese. Using a sourdough starter and an optional yeast boost, the dough undergoes a careful proofing and shaping process, then boiled briefly in a baking soda and honey water bath before baking to achieve chewy, golden-brown bagels with a rich, savory taste. Perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, they offer a hearty, artisan-style bread experience at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 720 grams bread flour (6 cups)
- 120 grams sourdough starter (1 cup)
- 1/2 teaspoon active/instant yeast (optional)
- 250 grams water (3/4 cups)
- 100 grams sun dried tomatoes (about 1 cup)
- 5 grams dried minced garlic (1 tablespoon)
- 5 grams minced dried onion (1 tablespoon)
- 3 grams dried basil (1 teaspoon)
- 3 grams dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
- 10 grams sea salt (about 2 teaspoons)
- 100 grams shredded cheese (about 1 cup)
- 60 grams water, set aside (1/4 cup)
Boiling Water Bath
- 1 Tablespoon baking soda
- 2 Tablespoons honey or sugar
Instructions
- Read proofing notes: Review the recipe notes regarding proofing time to understand the expected dough rise duration before beginning.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, optional instant yeast, bread flour, sea salt, sun dried tomatoes, dried garlic, dried onion, dried basil, dried thyme, shredded cheese, and water.
- Knead dough: Knead the mixture until a uniform, shaggy dough ball forms. Add the reserved 60 grams water if the dough is too dry and stiff.
- First proof: Cover the bowl with a plate or damp towel. Let the dough proof for 1 hour in a warm environment to encourage fermentation.
- Stretch and fold: Wet your hands, lift the dough from the bowl’s edge, stretch it upwards, and fold it onto itself several times to develop structure and tension.
- Form dough ball & second proof: Shape the dough into a smooth ball by scooping around the sides. Cover and proof for another 30 minutes at a warm temperature.
- Flour surface: Lightly sprinkle flour over the dough’s surface to prevent sticking.
- Divide dough: Cut the dough into 8 equal portions, each weighing approximately 160 grams.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly flour the parchment surface.
- Shape rounds: Fold and shape each dough portion into a small, round ball. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Second rise: Dust the tops with flour, cover with a towel, and let the dough balls rise for about 30 minutes until puffed.
- Shape bagels: Flour your hands, pick up a dough ball, and press a hole through the center to form the classic bagel shape.
- Rest shaped bagels: Place the shaped bagels back on the floured parchment and let rest for about 15 minutes to puff up.
- Optional cold proof: For enhanced flavor, place the shaped bagel dough in the refrigerator for a final proof of 12 hours.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare boiling water bath: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding the baking soda and honey or sugar to create the boiling solution to improve bagel crust texture.
- Boil bagels: Using a slotted spoon, place each bagel into the boiling water bath for 1 minute total, flipping after 30 seconds for even cooking.
- Drain and place bagels: Remove boiled bagels carefully and return them to the parchment paper on the baking sheet. Repeat for all bagels.
- Bake bagels: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes until golden brown, rotating the baking sheet halfway through at 10 minutes for even color.
- Cool down: Remove baked bagels from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes to finish setting the crumb.
Notes
- The use of instant yeast is optional; adding it shortens proofing time but is not necessary if you have a vigorous sourdough starter.
- Proofing times depend on ambient temperature; warmer environments will accelerate fermentation.
- The 12-hour cold proof in the refrigerator is optional but enhances flavor and texture.
- Boiling the bagels in a baking soda and honey water bath contributes to the chewy crust and deep golden color.
- Adjust water amount slightly depending on flour absorption and humidity; dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
