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Cheddar Cheese Bagel Recipe

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4.5 from 139 reviews

This Cheddar Cheese Bagel recipe yields soft, chewy bagels with a golden crust topped generously with sharp cheddar cheese. A traditional method combining yeast dough preparation, boiling, and baking results in a perfect homemade bagel that’s delicious for breakfast or snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Yeast Mixture

  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)
  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast

Dough

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour (plus up to 1/2 cup additional as needed)
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Boiling Water

  • 16 cups water
  • 1 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar

Topping

  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp water
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. Dissolve Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve 1 tsp granulated sugar in 1 cup warm water between 110°F and 115°F. Sprinkle 1 tbsp active dry yeast on top and let stand for 10 minutes until frothy. If not frothy, wait an additional 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add Eggs and Oil: Whisk in 2 large eggs and 1 tbsp vegetable oil into the yeast mixture until combined.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp salt. Gradually add 2 cups bread flour, stirring to make a smooth dough. Add another cup of flour and continue mixing until dough is soft but not sticky.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 10 minutes, adding up to 1/2 cup more flour if dough is sticky but no more than that. The dough should be elastic and spring back when poked.
  5. First Rise: Lightly oil a large bowl with olive oil. Place dough in bowl, turning once to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
  6. Punch Down and Divide: Punch down the risen dough and knead 10 times. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions.
  7. Shape Bagels: While bringing 16 cups water and 1 1/2 tbsp sugar to boil in a large wide saucepan, roll each portion into a 10-inch rope. Form each rope into a circle by overlapping ends and pinching edges tightly. Place formed bagels on parchment-lined baking sheets, cover with a clean tea towel and let rise for 15 minutes.
  8. Boil Bagels: Gently add 4 bagels at a time to boiling water. Boil over medium heat for 1 minute, flip with slotted spoon and boil 1 minute more. Remove and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining bagels.
  9. Prepare Topping: Beat 1 large egg with 1 tsp water in a small bowl.
  10. Brush and Add Cheese: Brush tops of boiled bagels with egg wash. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the bagels.
  11. Bake Bagels: Bake bagels at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Cool: Transfer baked bagels to cooling racks before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container; freeze for longer storage.

Notes

  • Use bread flour for optimal chewiness; adding too much extra flour can make bagels dense.
  • Boiling the bagels before baking gives the signature chewy crust.
  • Shred sharp cheddar cheese finely for even melting on top.
  • Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking or grease and flour them lightly.
  • Let bagels cool completely before storing to maintain texture.
  • Bagels freeze well; thaw and warm before serving.

Keywords: cheddar cheese bagel, homemade bagels, bagel recipe, cheesy bagel, baking bread, soft bagels, yeast bagels

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/cheddar-cheese-bagel-recipe/