Sunflower Seed Bagels

🕒 Prep: 1 hour 30 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Sunflower Seed Bagels are a delightful twist on the classic bagel that brings a bit of crunch and nutty flavor to your breakfast table. Perfect for a homemade weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, these bagels are surprisingly easy to make and incredibly satisfying to eat.

Ingredients for Sunflower Seed Bagels

All-purpose flour forms the base of your dough, providing structure and chewiness. Warm water activates the yeast and helps the dough come together smoothly. Active dry yeast is what makes the bagels rise, giving them that fluffy yet dense texture. Honey adds a touch of sweetness and helps to feed the yeast. Salt enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness of the honey. Sunflower seeds are the star of the show, adding a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Vegetable oil keeps the dough moist and pliable. Finally, the egg white glaze helps the seeds stick and gives the bagels a beautiful, glossy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your dough is too sticky while kneading, sprinkle a bit more flour onto your work surface.
  • For an extra-crispy crust, try placing a pan of water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking.
  • Want perfectly round bagels? Spin them on your finger like a mini hula hoop before boiling.

Serving Suggestions

These bagels are perfect when split and toasted, then topped with a smear of cream cheese or butter. They also make fantastic sandwiches—try them with avocado, tomato, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a fresh, flavorful lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more wholesome bagel.
How should I store leftover bagels?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have sunflower seeds?
You can omit the seeds or use a different type of seed, like sesame or poppy seeds, for a different flavor and texture.

Sunflower Seed Bagels Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl. Mix together the warm water and honey, stirring until the honey dissolves. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and give it a quick stir. Let this sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy and bubbly — that’s how you know your yeast is alive and kicking.

Next, add the all-purpose flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir it all together until a dough starts to form. It might look a bit shaggy at first, but that’s okay. Once combined, turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels smooth and elastic under your hands.

Place your kneaded dough into a bowl that’s been lightly coated with vegetable oil. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size. Punch down the risen dough to release any air bubbles and divide it into 8 equal portions.

Roll each portion into a ball, then use your thumb to poke a hole through the center, stretching it out to form a bagel shape. As you shape each bagel, place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the bagels into the boiling water, doing this in batches if necessary. Boil each bagel for 1 minute on each side. This step gives the bagels their classic chewy texture.

Once boiled, place the bagels back on the baking sheet. Mix the egg white with a tablespoon of water, then brush this mixture over each bagel. Sprinkle generously with sunflower seeds for that delightful crunch.

Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bagels are a gorgeous golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving so you don’t burn your mouth on the first delicious bite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
  • The sunflower seeds add a unique texture and flavor that sets them apart from ordinary bagels.
  • Baking your own bagels fills your home with an irresistible aroma that's better than any candle.
  • Homemade bagels have a fresher taste and a chewier texture that store-bought ones just can’t compete with.

Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups warm water
2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
2 tbsp honey
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 egg white
1 tbsp water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the warm water and honey, then add the yeast and let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Add flour and salt to the yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes until elastic.
4. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal parts.
6. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape.
7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
8. Boil bagels for 1 minute on each side, then place on a baking sheet.
9. Brush with egg white and water mixture, then sprinkle with sunflower seeds.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

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