Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water
• 1 tsp. dry active yeast
• 4 Tbsp. sugar (divided)
• 1 Tbsp. oil
• 1 Tbsp. salt
• 6 cups bread flour
• {optional toppings: cinnamon sugar, poppyseeds, minced garlic/onion, sesame seeds, grated cheese, etc.}

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine water, yeast, and 2 Tbsp. sugar. Stir and let set for 10 minutes.
2. Add 1 Tbsp. oil, salt, and flour. Mix thoroughly, adding a little more flour if necessary.
3. Mix for 8-10 minutes in a stand mixer.
4. Form the dough into a ball, cover with a damp towel, and let rise 1 1/2 hours.
5. Punch the dough down, and divide evenly into 12 pieces.
6. Place each piece on a clean, hard surface, and roll into an 8″ rope.
7. Form the rope into a circle by overlapping the ends about 1″ and pressing together.
8. Place the formed bagels on greased pans, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise 30 minutes.
9. Fill a large pot halfway with water. Add 2 Tbsp. of sugar and bring to a boil.
10. Drop 3 bagels at a time into the boiling water & cook for 1 minute on each side.
11. After boiling, lift bagels out with a slotted spoon and return them to the baking pans.
12. Sprinkle with toppings if desired.
13. Bake in a 500 degree oven for 13-15 minutes.