I love bagels! They are a lot of work, especially with all the kneading, but they are so delicious. There is something about a warm bagel right out of the oven that can’t be beat. I like to add cheddar and garlic to mine, however, you can really mix anything into this base recipe. I have done plain, cinnamon raisin, blueberry….

Ingredients
4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon white sugar
6 cloves minced garlic (must be fresh)
3/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese (or any other cheese of your choice)

Directions

In large bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups flour and yeast. Mix water, 3 tablespoons sugar and salt together, and add to the dry ingredients. Beat with a mixer for half a minute at a low speed, scraping the sides of the bowl clean. Beat at a higher speed for 3 minutes. Then, by hand, mix in enough flour to make a moderately stiff dough.

Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic (8-10 minutes). Cover, let rest for 15 minutes. About halfway through your kneading, add the cheddar and the garlic to the mixture, and continue.

Cut into 12 portions, shape into smooth balls. Poke a hole in the center with your finger, and gently enlarge the hole while working the bagel into a uniform shape. Cover, let rise 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, start a gallon of water boiling. Put 1 tablespoon of sugar in it, mix it around a bit. Reduce to simmering.

When the bagels are ready, put 4 or 5 bagels into the water, and cook 7 minutes, turning once. Drain them on a plate with paper towels. Place on a baking sheet, either lined with parchment paper or greased. I like to add some salt and garlic powder onto the parchment paper before putting the bagels on top of the baking sheet, I also do an egg wash (1 egg + a couple tablespoons of milk) and brush it over the tops of the bagels. Then I top them with a little more cheddar, and some parmesan cheese as well.

Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven, eat hot or cold.