INGREDIENTS
Bagels:
- 2 tsp. active dry yeast
- 4 1/2 tsp. granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cup warm water
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) bread flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
Baking Soda Bath:
- 8 cups water
- 3 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
Bagel Bite Toppings:
- 1/2 cup Botticelli Tomato & Parmigiano Reggiano Sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6-8 pepperonis, diced
PREPARATION
Bagels:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the warm water, sugar and yeast. Whisk together and let sit for 5-10 minutes or until bubbly. Add in the flour, followed by the salt and mix together by hand until a shaggy dough forms. Attach the dough hook and mix on medium-low speed for about 6-8 minutes or until you get a smooth and firm dough.
- Drizzle a large bowl with olive oil and place the dough inside, turning a couple of times to coat in oil. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- For the baking soda bath, add all of the ingredients to a large pot and bring to a boil while you shape the bagels.
- Preheat the oven to 425F.
- Turn the dough out onto your work surface and divide it into 16 pieces. Shape each piece into a round and then cup your hand over the dough and work it in a circular motion against the countertop until a nice ball forms. Repeat with remaining dough. Press your finger through the center of each dough ball and gently stretch it to form a ring. Place on parchment lined sheet pan.
- Drop the bagels into the baking soda bath, working in stages. The bagels will puff up quite a bit in the water so do not overcrowd the pot. Boil for 1 minute then flip and boil for another minute.
- Place the bagels back on the sheet pan and add toppings if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown, depending on the size of your bagels. Let cool.
Bagel Bites:
- Increase the oven temperature to 450F. Split the bagels in half with a serrated knife and arrange on a parchment lined sheet pan. Toast in the oven for a few minutes to dry out the surface.
- Top each bagel with a spoonful of sauce, followed by a generous amount of mozzarella and a handful of pepperoni. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!