How to Make Perfect Sourdough Discard Bagels at Home

Delicious, Easy Recipe to Use Up Your Sourdough Discard

Baking bread at home has an undeniable charm. The scent of freshly baked dough wafting through the kitchen, the warm satisfaction of biting into a creation you made from scratch—it’s an experience that brings joy to so many of us. But if you’ve ever made sourdough bread, you’ve likely been faced with the dilemma of what to do with the discard. It can feel wasteful to throw it away, but what if there was a way to repurpose it into something equally delicious?

Enter sourdough discard bagels—a perfect solution that allows you to turn that leftover starter into golden, chewy bagels that are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your sourdough journey, this recipe is a game changer. It not only helps you reduce waste but also adds a whole new layer of flavor to a beloved breakfast staple. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make sourdough discard bagels at home, from the ingredients you’ll need to expert tips for getting that perfect chewy texture.

Why Make Bagels from Sourdough Discard?

If you’ve been tossing your sourdough discard, you’re missing out on an incredible opportunity to make something delicious. There are several compelling reasons to use your discard to make bagels:

1. Sustainability: One of the best things about using sourdough discard is that it helps reduce kitchen waste. Instead of throwing away the extra starter from your sourdough feedings, you can repurpose it into bagels, giving it a new life.
2. Flavor Benefits: Bagels made with sourdough discard have a depth of flavor that’s hard to achieve with commercial yeast alone. The natural fermentation in the discard gives the bagels a slightly tangy taste, adding complexity to the already delightful bagel experience.
3. Convenience: This recipe is a convenient way to make use of sourdough discard without baking an entire loaf of bread. Bagels are quicker to make, and you can easily customize them with your favorite toppings or fillings.

By making sourdough discard bagels, you’re not only getting a tasty treat, but you’re also being a more conscious cook by using every bit of your ingredients.

Ingredients for Sourdough Discard Bagels

Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make these delicious sourdough discard bagels.

Sourdough Discard Bagels Ingredients Table

These ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry if you’re a regular baker. The inclusion of instant yeast is optional, but it can help speed up the fermentation process if your sourdough discard isn’t very active.

Step-by-Step Sourdough Discard Bagel Recipe

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making the perfect sourdough discard bagels. This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps that will guide you from mixing the dough to baking golden, chewy bagels that everyone will love.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

The initial step in making sourdough discard bagels is to combine your ingredients and prepare the dough.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sourdough discard, 1 ¼ cups of warm water, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved.
• Gradually add 4 cups of bread flour and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt. If you’re using instant yeast for a quicker rise, now is the time to add 1 teaspoon of that as well.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic. This step is crucial for developing the gluten structure, which will give your bagels that signature chewy texture.

Step 2: First Rise

Once your dough is kneaded, place it in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you desire a stronger sourdough flavor, you can place the dough in the refrigerator overnight. This slower fermentation process allows the natural yeast in the sourdough discard to develop more flavor.

Step 3: Shaping the Bagels

Once the dough has risen, it’s time to shape your bagels.

• Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces, depending on how large you want your bagels to be.
• Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then use your finger to poke a hole through the center. Gently stretch the dough to create the traditional bagel shape, ensuring that the hole is approximately 1-2 inches in diameter.

Step 4: Boiling and Baking

Boiling your bagels before baking is what gives them their chewy texture and shiny crust.

• Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the water, which will give the bagels a slight sweetness and enhance the golden color.
• Cook the bagels in boiling water for 1 minute on each side. This step is essential for setting the bagel’s crust and ensuring they have that perfect chew.
• Once boiled, move the bagels to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper If you’re adding toppings like sesame seeds or poppy seeds, now is the time to sprinkle them on.
• Bake the bagels in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Tips for Perfecting Your Sourdough Discard Bagels

Here are a few expert tips to help you make the most of your sourdough discard bagels:

1. Toppings: The fun part about making bagels is that you can get creative with your toppings. Classic choices include sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning. For something more unique, try adding dried onions, garlic flakes, or even cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist.
2. Boiling Time: The boiling process is what gives bagels their chewy texture. If you prefer your bagels extra chewy, you can increase the boiling time to 1 ½ – 2 minutes per side. Just be careful not to over boil, as this can make the bagels too dense.
3. Flavor Variations: This sourdough discard bagel recipe is incredibly versatile. For a savory option, you can knead in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or add minced garlic to the dough. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, mix in raisins and cinnamon, or try a chocolate chip variation.

Why Use Instant Yeast with Sourdough Discard?

You might be wondering why you’d use instant yeast in a sourdough recipe. After all, isn’t the whole point of sourdough to rely on the natural yeast in your starter? While that’s true, there are a few reasons why adding instant yeast to your sourdough discard bagel recipe can be helpful.

• Faster Fermentation: If you’re short on time, adding a small amount of instant yeast can help speed up the rising process. This is especially useful if your sourdough discard isn’t particularly active, or if you don’t want to wait for an overnight rise.
• More Consistent Results: Using instant yeast ensures that your bagels will rise properly, even if your sourdough starter is still young or not at its peak. It can provide a safety net, giving you fluffy, chewy bagels every time.

That said, you can absolutely skip the yeast if you prefer a slower fermentation process. Just be prepared for a longer rise, and possibly a denser bagel.

FAQs About Sourdough Discard Bagels

As with any new recipe, you might have a few questions before diving into the process of making sourdough discard bagels. Here are some common questions that bakers often have:

Can I Make Bagels Without Instant Yeast?

Yes, you can make bagels using only the natural yeast from your sourdough discard. However, the fermentation process will take longer—anywhere from 8 to 12 hours for the dough to rise fully. If you prefer a more traditional sourdough method, this is the way to go.

How Do I Store Sourdough Discard Bagels?

Once baked, store your sourdough discard bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bagels. Simply slice them in half before freezing, and when you’re ready to eat one, pop it straight into the toaster from the freezer.

What’s the Best Way to Reheat Bagels?

The best way to reheat a bagel is to slice it

Conclusion:

Enjoying Your Homemade Sourdough Discard Bagels

Making sourdough discard bagels is not just a practical way to utilize your leftover starter; it’s also a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. With their chewy texture and unique flavor, these bagels are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack any time of the day.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll not only create delicious bagels but also gain confidence in your baking skills. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and flavors to make these bagels your own. Whether you enjoy them plain, toasted with cream cheese, or topped with your favorite spreads, sourdough discard bagels are sure to become a staple in your home.

So gather your ingredients, embrace the joy of baking, and savor the satisfaction of enjoying homemade bagels that are both delicious and sustainable!