How We Make Our Bagels
At Yaba’s Bagels, we’re not just in the business of making fresh baked bagels, we’re literally obsessed with the craft. Bagels, to us, is a generational art form, rooted in family tradition and excellence. And while we hope you can come out and try our famous bagels, we know that sometimes doing so may not be feasible. That’s why, below, we’re going to review just how we make our bagels, so that you can try to replicate the process for yourself at home.
And, if you are able to follow our recipe, please comment and let us know. Alternatively, you can follow us on Instagram and send us a message letting us know just how they turned out!
Sourcing the Finest Ingredients
Great bagels start with great ingredients. At Yaba’s Bagels, we carefully select the highest-quality flour, yeast, salt, and water to create the perfect dough. We believe that fresh, locally sourced ingredients enhance both the texture and flavor of our bagels, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last.
Flour plays a crucial role in achieving the right chewiness, while yeast and fermentation create that signature bagel taste. We pay close attention to the mineral content of our water as well, as it contributes to the overall texture and quality of the final product.
Mixing and Kneading the Dough
Once we have the perfect ingredients, it’s time to mix them together. Our dough is carefully measured and mixed to develop the perfect consistency, not too dense, not too light. Kneading is a crucial step in this process, as it helps activate the gluten, giving the bagel its signature chewy bite.
Unlike other bread products, bagel dough is stiffer and requires a precise balance of hydration and elasticity. By kneading it to the perfect texture, we ensure that every bagel has the ideal chew and structure, ready for the next step in the process.
The Fermentation Process: Letting the Flavor Develop
Fermentation is where the magic happens. After kneading, our dough is left to rest and rise, allowing the yeast to develop complex flavors. This slow fermentation process enhances the bagel’s taste and gives it that slightly tangy depth that true bagel lovers appreciate.
We let our dough ferment in a cool environment for several hours, sometimes even overnight. This extended resting period not only improves the taste but also contributes to the bagel’s signature dense-yet-airy interior.
Shaping Each Bagel by Hand
At Yaba’s Bagels, we take pride in hand-shaping every bagel. Unlike mass-produced bagels that use machines to cut and mold the dough, our method ensures each bagel is given the attention it deserves.
Our skilled bakers roll the dough into perfect rounds before creating the signature bagel hole. This traditional method leads to a more authentic texture, allowing for even baking and the perfect chew in every bite.
The Signature Boiling Process
Boiling is what sets bagels apart from other breads. Before baking, we briefly boil our bagels in water, which helps to develop that classic chewy crust. This step is essential—it locks in moisture while also creating the slightly crisp exterior that makes a bagel truly exceptional.
Some bagels are boiled with added ingredients, like malt syrup or honey, to enhance their flavor. At Yaba’s Bagels, we use a time-tested boiling method that ensures a glossy, golden-brown finish once they hit the oven.
Baking to Perfection
Once boiled, our bagels are transferred to a high-temperature oven, where they bake to a beautiful golden-brown. The high heat creates the ideal crust—crispy on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside.
The baking process requires careful timing and temperature control. Too long in the oven, and the bagels become overly tough; too short, and they won’t have that signature bite. Our expert bakers keep a close eye on each batch, ensuring every bagel comes out just right.
Adding the Finishing Touches
Before baking, we add toppings for those bagels that need an extra boost of flavor. Whether it’s a classic sesame, poppy seed, or the ever-popular everything bagel, we make sure each one is generously covered for maximum taste.
Our toppings are carefully selected to complement the bagel’s natural flavors. From savory to sweet, there’s something for everyone at Yaba’s Bagels, and we love experimenting with new and exciting flavors.
Fresh Out of the Oven: Ready to Enjoy
The best part of the process? Enjoying a freshly baked bagel! Once they come out of the oven, our bagels are ready to be served—warm, crispy, and absolutely delicious.
Whether you prefer yours with a simple spread of cream cheese, a hearty breakfast sandwich, or a loaded deli-style creation, our bagels are the perfect base for any meal. At Yaba’s Bagels, we take pride in making bagels the traditional way, so you can enjoy the best flavors and textures in every bite.
Stop by today and taste the difference!