Homemade Whole Wheat Bagels

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Homemade Whole Wheat Bagels.

1. Step 1

   Start by pouring 1 cup of warm water into your bread maker. Add 2 tablespoons of honey, 4 teaspoons of vital wheat gluten, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 3/4 teaspoons of yeast. Finally, add 3 cups of whole wheat flour on top. Select the 'Dough' setting and let the machine work its magic for about 2 hours.

2. Step 2

   Once the dough is ready, remove it from the bread maker and place it on a lightly floured surface. Gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Use your thumb to create a hole in the center of each ball, forming a bagel shape. Aim to make them as round as possible! Cover the shaped bagels with a clean towel and let them rest for 15 minutes.

3. Step 3

   While the bagels are resting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line one baking sheet with a clean towel and sprinkle another baking sheet with cornmeal to prevent sticking.

4. Step 4

   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and stir in 2 tablespoons of sugar. This will give your bagels a nice sheen. Carefully add the bagels to the boiling water, two at a time. Boil each bagel for 1 minute, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. Once boiled, use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on the towel-lined baking sheet.

5. Step 5

   Transfer the boiled bagels to the prepared baking sheet. If you like, brush the tops with an egg white for a glossy finish. This step is optional but adds a lovely touch!

6. Step 6

   Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, transfer them to a cooling rack and let them cool slightly before enjoying.