These Sourdough Blueberry Bagels are a fun twist on a classic breakfast favorite! With a chewy texture and bursts of sweet blueberries, they’re sure to brighten your morning.
Making bagels can seem tricky, but this recipe is straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. I love to toast them and slather on some cream cheese—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter: A healthy active starter is key for flavor and texture. If you don’t have one, you can use store-bought sourdough starter, or try plain yogurt as a substitute, although it won’t provide the same unique tang.
Bread Flour: Bread flour is high in protein, giving bagels their chewy texture. If you can’t find bread flour, all-purpose flour works fine, but your bagels may be slightly less chewy. Add a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten for a similar effect.
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are great, but frozen ones work too. If using frozen, don’t thaw them; this keeps the dough from turning blue. You can also swap blueberries for other berries like raspberries for a different twist!
Sweetener: You can use sugar or honey, but maple syrup or agave syrup can also work well in this recipe. Remember that these might add different flavors, so choose based on your taste preference.
Lemon Zest: This is optional but recommended for bright flavor. If you don’t have lemon, orange zest is a good substitute while giving a distinct citrus note. Skip it if citrus isn’t your thing!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping bagels might feel tricky, but it’s a fun part! After your dough has risen, gently punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Divide the dough into equal pieces; I find 6-8 small bagels work well.
- Roll each piece into a ball then poke a hole in the center with your finger.
- Gently stretch this hole—aim for about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Don’t worry if the dough tears a bit; just pinch it back together lightly.
After shaping, let them rest until puffy—this really helps with texture. Happy bagel making!
How to Make Sourdough Blueberry Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (240 ml) active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 3 1/2 cups (450 g) bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) lukewarm water (adjust as needed)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, to enhance blueberry flavor)
For Topping (Optional):
- Poppy seeds or coarse sugar
For Boiling:
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon baking soda for boiling water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, plus approximately 4-6 hours for the dough to rise. After that, allow another 1-2 hours for shaping and resting, and finally about 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, expect to spend around 6-8 hours including rising time, but many of these steps allow for downtime where you can do other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, lukewarm water, and sugar or honey. Stir until well mixed together.
2. Make a Shaggy Dough:
Slowly add the bread flour and salt into the bowl, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. It’s okay if it looks a bit messy at this stage!
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
4. Fold in Blueberries:
Carefully fold in the berries and lemon zest, ensuring they are distributed evenly without squishing them too much. This will keep your bagels looking beautiful!
5. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 4-6 hours until it has noticeably risen and shows bubbles.
6. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, gently turn it out onto a floured surface. Divide it into 6-8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center and stretch it to form a ring about 2-3 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
7. Second Rise:
Place your shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover them, and let them rest for 1-2 hours until they puff up a bit.
8. Preheat the Oven:
While the bagels are resting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line another baking sheet with parchment paper.
9. Boil the Bagels:
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add baking soda once boiling. Carefully drop the bagels in, a few at a time, and let them boil for 30-60 seconds on each side for a beautiful chewy texture.
10. Final Touches:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the bagels from the boiling water and place them on the prepared baking sheet. If you’d like, sprinkle some poppy seeds or coarse sugar on top.
11. Bake the Bagels:
Bake the bagels in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and totally cooked through.
12. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Slice them up and enjoy fresh or toasted!
These tangy, chewy sourdough blueberry bagels are perfect for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! While bread flour gives the best chewy texture, you can use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. Your bagels may be slightly less chewy, but they’ll still turn out delicious.
Can I Freeze the Bagels After Baking?
Absolutely! Once cooled, store the bagels in an airtight container or zip-top bag, and they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or pop them in the toaster for a quick warm-up!
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels sticky during kneading, sprinkle in small amounts of flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as it can alter the bagel’s texture.
How Can I Customize the Flavor?
There are many ways to add a twist! You can incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, add different fruits like raspberries or strawberries, or even mix in some nuts for added texture. Get creative with your bagels!