Bagel Bites

Bagel Bites With Parmigiano Reggiano Sauce


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:

PREPARATION

Bagels:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. For the baking soda bath, add all of the ingredients to a large pot and bring to a boil while you shape the bagels.
  4. Preheat the oven to 425F.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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: 

  1. 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. 
  2. 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!