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Cheesy Bread Machine Bagels: A Baker’s Delight

The scent of warm bagels always takes me back to Saturday mornings with my family. We’d pile into the car, the promise of fresh bagels hanging in the air. The bakery’s aroma was a symphony of yeasty dough and toasting sesame seeds. While those were store-bought, I’ve since discovered the pure joy of making them at home, and these cheesy bread machine bagels take that joy to a whole new level. The subtle tang of cheese baked into the dough, the chewy texture, and the endless possibilities for toppings – it’s a slice of pure, homemade happiness.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes rising time)
Yields: 12 Bagels
Serves: 12
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups warm water
1 cup pizza cheese, shredded (cheddar or a white pizza cheese blend works well)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
4 1/2 cups flour
3 1/2 teaspoons bread machine yeast
1 egg white
4 tablespoons cornmeal

Equipment Needed

Bread Machine
Large Pot
Slotted Spoon
Paper Towels
Baking Sheets (2)
Pastry Brush
Wire Rack

Instructions

Begin by combining the warm water, pizza cheese, sugar, salt, flour, and bread machine yeast in your bread machine. I find it helpful to allow the cheese to soften and partially melt into the warm water for a minute or so before adding the remaining ingredients. This helps ensure it incorporates evenly into the dough.
Select the dough setting on your bread machine. If your machine doesn’t have a dedicated dough setting, stop it after the second kneading cycle. This will allow the dough to rise properly without over-kneading.
Once the dough cycle is complete and the dough has finished its first rise in the bread machine, carefully remove it and place it on a lightly floured surface.
Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure uniformity, but eyeballing it works just fine too!
Roll each piece of dough into a smooth ball. This helps create a consistent texture in the final bagel.
Using your fingers, poke a hole in the center of each ball. Gently stretch and shape the dough into a classic bagel shape. Aim for a hole that’s about 1-1.5 inches in diameter, as it will shrink during baking.
Place the formed bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Cover the bagels loosely with a damp tea towel or damp paper towels. Let them rise for an additional 30 minutes. This second rise is crucial for achieving that signature bagel chew.
While the bagels are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Meanwhile, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 3 tablespoons of sugar to the boiling water. The sugar contributes to the bagels’ slightly sweet flavor and helps them achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Once the bagels have completed their second rise, gently drop them, one at a time, into the boiling water. Boil each side for 30 seconds. This boiling process is what gives bagels their distinct chewy texture. Don’t overcrowd the pot; work in batches.
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the boiled bagels and place them on dry paper towels to drain. Pat them gently to remove excess water.
Lightly dust your baking sheets with cornmeal. This prevents the bagels from sticking and adds a subtle, pleasant texture to the bottom crust.
Transfer the boiled and drained bagels to the cornmeal-dusted baking sheets, spacing them evenly. I often divide them between two jelly roll pans for optimal air circulation.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until lightly frothy. Use a pastry brush to brush the egg white evenly over the tops of the bagels. This will give them a beautiful sheen and help any toppings adhere.
At this point, you can sprinkle extra cheese on top of the bagels for a deliciously caramelized cheese crust. Any shredded cheese will work, like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend.
Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Remember to rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
Once baked, transfer the bagels to a wire rack and let them cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the internal structure to set, preventing them from becoming gummy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even more intense cheesy flavor, try adding a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the dough mixture.
If your dough seems too stiff in the bread machine, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. The exact amount of water needed can vary depending on the type of flour and cheese you use.
If you prefer a fluffier bagel, you can add an extra teaspoon of bread machine yeast to the dough.
For a crispier crust, try baking the bagels on a pizza stone.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These cheesy bagels are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. They are delicious on their own, or served with your favorite toppings. Consider classic pairings like cream cheese, lox, and tomatoes. They also make a great base for breakfast sandwiches or lunch.

Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen bagels overnight in the refrigerator or microwave on low power until softened. Toast or bake them briefly to restore their texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	197 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	5 g	3%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	298.6 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	41.4 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	1.8 g	7%
Sugars	3.3 g	N/A
Protein	5.8 g	11%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Everything Bagel: Sprinkle the egg-washed bagels with an “everything bagel” seasoning blend (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt) before baking.
Jalapeño Cheddar: Add 1/4 cup of finely diced jalapeños to the dough along with the cheese.
Asiago: Substitute the pizza cheese with grated Asiago cheese for a nuttier, sharper flavor.
Sweet Bagels: Reduce the salt to 1 teaspoon and add 1/4 cup of brown sugar to the dough for a sweeter bagel that pairs well with fruit and cream cheese.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this recipe without a bread machine?
A: Yes, you can! Simply combine the ingredients in a large bowl, knead the dough by hand for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic, and then follow the remaining steps for rising, shaping, boiling, and baking.

Q: Why do I need to boil the bagels before baking them?
A: Boiling the bagels gelatinizes the starches on the surface, creating the characteristic chewy texture and shiny crust that distinguishes bagels from other types of bread.

Q: Can I freeze the bagels after boiling but before baking?
A: Yes, you can. Place the boiled bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Q: My bagels are not rising properly. What am I doing wrong?
A: Ensure that your yeast is fresh and active. Also, make sure that the water is warm, but not too hot, as high temperatures can kill the yeast. A warm environment is also essential for proper rising.

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may absorb more water, so you may need to adjust the amount of water accordingly.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesy Bread Machine Bagels are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast staple. The simplicity of using a bread machine, coupled with the comforting flavors of cheese and freshly baked bread, makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to create your own signature bagel masterpiece. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the satisfying experience of baking your own cheesy bagels. And don’t hesitate to share your creations – and any successful variations – with friends and family. Happy baking!

Cheesy Bread Machine Bagels Recipe