Homemade Bagels

Step 1

In a medium bowl, using a wooden spoon, stir the bread flour with the yeast and 1 cup of lukewarm water until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 2

In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the yeast and honey with 1 2/3 cups of lukewarm water. Mix in the poolish. Add the bread flour, whole wheat flour and salt and beat at medium speed until a smooth, stiff dough forms, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 1 minute. Form the dough into a ball and transfer to a large, oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand in a draft-free spot until doubled in volume, about 1 hour.

Step 3

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush or spray generously with vegetable oil. Divide the dough into 12 pieces and form into tight balls; transfer to the baking sheet. Cover loosely with sprayed plastic wrap and let stand for 30 minutes.

Step 4

To form the bagels, poke your finger in the center of each ball to make a 1/2-inch hole. Return the bagels to the baking sheet, cover and let stand until risen, about 1 hour. Add 1 bagel to a bowl of cold water. If it floats, the bagels have risen sufficiently.

Step 5

Preheat the oven to 475° and position racks in the lower and middle thirds. Line 1 baking sheet with a clean, lightly moistened kitchen towel and line 2 others with parchment paper; spray the paper with oil. Bring 2 large, deep pots of water to a boil. Add 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda to each pot. Add 2 or 3 bagels to each pot, without crowding (the bagels will swell in the water) and simmer for 1 1/2 minutes. Flip the bagels and simmer for 1 1/2 minutes longer. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bagels to the kitchen towel–lined sheet to drain. Before they dry, sprinkle the bagels generously with toppings, then immediately transfer them to the parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Repeat with the remaining bagels.

Step 6

Bake the bagels for 18 to 20 minutes, shifting the pans from top to bottom and front to back halfway through, until deeply browned. Let cool slightly, then serve.