Introduction to the Egg Bagel
The egg bagel is a variation of the classic bagel that’s enriched with eggs for a richer, slightly sweeter taste. A freshly baked, soft egg bagel is a delicious canvas for any number of breakfast toppings and fillings, especially the popular breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon, or cheese. If you love homemade bread, an egg bagel is a must-try, bringing all the chewy satisfaction of a bagel with an added richness that makes each bite special.
For more breakfast ideas, check out this delicious Homemade Pancake Recipe for a perfect addition to your morning spread!
Ingredients for the Egg Bagel Recipe
To make delicious homemade egg bagels, gather the following ingredients:
the Bagel Dough:
- 3 ½ cups bread flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 ½ tbsp sugar
- 1 ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup warm water (around 110°F)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Boiling:
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 4 cups water
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp water
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coarse salt, etc.
How to Make a Soft Homemade Egg Bagel
Making the Dough
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar, then sprinkle yeast on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes or until it becomes foamy.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, eggs, and olive oil. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
If you enjoy making bread from scratch, you might also like this Simple Bread Recipe that’s perfect for beginners!
Shaping and Boiling the Bagels
- Divide and Shape: After the first rise, punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and poke a hole in the center with your thumb, stretching it out slightly to form a bagel shape.
- Boil the Bagels: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the baking soda. Boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side. This step gives the bagels their chewy texture.
- Egg Wash and Toppings: Whisk together the egg yolk and water for the egg wash. Brush each boiled bagel with the egg wash and sprinkle with any desired toppings.
Baking the Bagels
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bake: Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing and using them to make your breakfast sandwich.
These homemade egg bagels have a soft, chewy texture with a beautiful golden crust, perfect for a breakfast sandwich!
Egg Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
Now that you have fresh egg bagels, it’s time to transform them into a delicious breakfast sandwich.
Ingredients for the Sandwich:
- 1 egg bagel, sliced in half
- 2 large eggs
- 2 slices of cooked bacon or sausage patty
- 1 slice of cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ons: avocado slices, tomatoes, spinach, or hot sauce.
Instructions:
- Cook the Eggs: In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Crack in the eggs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the whites are set, flipping for an over-easy style.
- Toast the Bagel: Lightly toast the egg bagel halves in the skillet or toaster.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On the bottom half of the bagel, place the cooked eggs, followed by cheese and bacon or sausage.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the sandwich with the top half of the bagel and place back in the skillet on low heat. Cover the skillet to let the cheese melt.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your freshly made egg bagel breakfast sandwich with your favorite sides like fruit or hash browns.
For more breakfast sandwich inspiration, you might like this Breakfast Biscuit Sandwich Recipe which offers another quick and tasty option.
Egg Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
Now that you have fresh egg bagels, it’s time to transform them into a delicious breakfast sandwich.
Ingredients for the Sandwich:
- 1 egg bagel, sliced in half
- 2 large eggs
- 2 slices of cooked bacon or sausage patty
- 1 slice of cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ons: avocado slices, tomatoes, spinach, or hot sauce.
Instructions:
- Cook the Eggs: In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Crack in the eggs, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the whites are set, flipping for an over-easy style.
- Toast the Bagel: Lightly toast the egg bagel halves in the skillet or toaster.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On the bottom half of the bagel, place the cooked eggs, followed by cheese and bacon or sausage.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the sandwich with the top half of the bagel and place back in the skillet on low heat. Cover the skillet to let the cheese melt.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your freshly made egg bagel breakfast sandwich with your favorite sides like fruit or hash browns.
This breakfast sandwich is warm, savory, and perfect for starting your day with a satisfying meal.
Flavor Variations for Chewy Egg Bagels
Egg bagels are versatile and can be customized with various flavors and toppings:
Everything Egg Bagel
Add a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, minced garlic, and onion to the egg wash before baking for a classic everything egg bagel.
Cinnamon Raisin Egg Bagel
For a sweeter option, add ½ cup of raisins and 1 tsp of cinnamon to the dough. Skip the savory toppings, and instead, brush with a light sugar glaze after baking.
Garlic and Herb Egg Bagel
Mix 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tbsp dried herbs like rosemary or basil into the dough. Top with a sprinkle of coarse salt before baking.
These flavor variations make egg bagels a unique and delicious choice for any meal of the day.
Tips for the Perfect Soft Egg Bagel
- Don’t Skip the Boil: Boiling the bagels in baking soda water is essential for creating that classic chewy texture.
- Use Bread Flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content, which results in a chewier, sturdier bagel.
- Control the Rise: Over-proofing can make the bagels too airy. Aim for a rise time of about 1 hour.
- Watch the Bake Time: Bake until just golden to ensure a soft, tender inside.
- Cool on a Rack: Let the bagels cool on a wire rack to avoid sogginess from trapped steam.
Serving Suggestions for an Egg Bagel Breakfast
Egg bagels are delicious as-is or paired with different spreads and fillings. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Bagel with Cream Cheese: Spread with plain or flavored cream cheese for a simple yet delicious breakfast.
- Bagel and Lox: Top with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onion for a classic.
- Avocado Egg Bagel: Spread with avocado, top with a fried egg, and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bagel Breakfast Board: Serve a variety of egg bagels with scrambled eggs, cheeses, meats, and veggies for a fun breakfast platter.
FAQs
1. Can I make egg bagels with all-purpose flour?
Yes, but bread flour provides a chewier texture.
2. How do I store leftover bagels?
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
3. Can I freeze egg bagels?
Absolutely. Freeze in a single layer and transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven for 10 minutes at 300°F.
4. Do I need to boil the bagels?
Yes, boiling is essential for achieving the chewy texture that defines a bagel.
5. Can I make the dough the night before?
Yes, let the dough rise overnight in the fridge, then shape, boil, and bake in the morning.
6. How can I make the bagels dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the egg wash and in the skillet.
7. What toppings work best on egg bagels?
Classic toppings include everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds, but feel free to experiment!
8. Can I skip the egg wash?
Egg wash helps give the bagels a shiny crust, but it’s optional if you prefer a matte finish.
Conclusion
Egg bagels are a delightful way to add variety to your breakfast routine. Soft, chewy, and flavorful, they’re perfect for sandwiches, toasted with cream cheese, or enjoyed plain. With this egg bagel recipe, you can easily create a homemade breakfast treat. Whether you stick to the classic version or try different flavors, egg bagels are sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy your baking!