Easy Homemade Blueberry Bagel Recipe

A blueberry bagel offers a delightful twist on the traditional bagel, infusing sweet and tangy flavors into every bite. Known for its unique blend of ingredients, the blueberry bagel turns an ordinary breakfast or snack into a special treat. Each bagel is dotted with juicy blueberries, adding a burst of fruitiness that complements the chewy texture perfectly.

For those interested in baking their own, a blueberry bagel recipe typically involves basic bagel ingredients such as yeast, flour, sugar, salt, and of course, blueberries. The process might seem daunting at first, but crafting your bagels from scratch allows you to enjoy them fresh and warm, right out of the oven.

Health-conscious eaters often seek out blueberry bagel calories to ensure it fits within their dietary preferences. Typically, a standard blueberry bagel contains around 250 to 300 calories, making it a satisfying, yet manageable option for calorie-conscious diets. Whether you’re looking to perfect your own blueberry bagel recipe at home or simply savoring one from your favorite bakery, blueberry bagels offer a deliciously sweet start to the day.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Mixing Bowls – For combining the dough ingredients.
Kitchen Scale – To accurately measure ingredients.
Dough Scraper – To handle and divide the dough.
Rolling Pin – To shape and flatten the dough.
Pastry Brush – For applying the egg wash on the bagels.
Large Pot – For boiling the bagels before baking.
Slotted Spoon or Skimmer – To remove the bagels from boiling water.
Baking Sheet – To bake the bagels.
Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Oven Thermometer – To ensure the correct baking temperature.

Ingredients for Blueberry Bagels

High-gluten flour – 500 grams (about 4 cups), for a chewy texture.
Warm water – 240 ml (1 cup), to activate the yeast.
Granulated sugar – 1 tablespoon, to feed the yeast and add slight sweetness.
Active dry yeast – 2 teaspoons, for leavening the dough.
Salt – 1 ½ teaspoons, to enhance flavor.
Blueberries – 150 grams (1 cup), fresh or frozen, for the blueberry flavor.
Honey or barley malt syrup – 1 tablespoon, to add in the boiling water for shine and flavor.
Egg white – 1, for egg wash to give the bagels a glossy finish.
Vegetable oil – for greasing the bowl and parchment paper.
Cornmeal – to sprinkle on the baking sheet, optional for added texture.

Let’s Make Blueberry Bagels

Preparing the Dough

Begin by activating the yeast: in a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the high-gluten flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture to the flour and mix until a rough dough forms.

Kneading

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. During the last few minutes of kneading, gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.

First Rise

Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Shaping the Bagels

Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then press your thumb through the center to form a ring. Stretch the ring slightly to form a classic bagel shape, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter.

Second Rise

Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover them with a damp towel and let them rest for 10 minutes.

Boiling the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the honey or barley malt syrup. Drop the bagels into the boiling water, a few at a time, making sure they have enough room to float. Boil for about 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.

Baking

Place the boiled bagels back on the baking sheet. Brush each bagel with beaten egg white to give them a nice shine. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cooling

Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.

Once cooled, your blueberry bagels are ready to be enjoyed. They can be served plain, toasted, or with your favorite spreads like cream cheese or butter.

What to serve with?

Cream Cheese: A classic choice, plain or flavored cream cheeses like strawberry or honey walnut complement the fruity notes of the blueberry bagel.
Fresh Fruit: Serve sliced strawberries, bananas, or a fruit salad to enhance the natural sweetness of the bagel.
Nut Butter: Almond butter or peanut butter adds a creamy texture and a protein boost, pairing nicely with the blueberry flavors.
Yogurt and Granola: A dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola can turn a blueberry bagel into a hearty breakfast.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can sweeten the bagel for those who prefer a dessert-like treat.
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: For a savory twist, top the blueberry bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon.
Cottage Cheese: A healthy option that provides a creamy texture and a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the blueberries.
Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Simply spread butter on the toasted bagel and sprinkle with a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced flavor.
Ricotta Cheese and Honey: Spread ricotta cheese over the bagel and drizzle with honey for a luxurious, creamy treat.

Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are ideal for a burst of flavor, but frozen can also be used. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the dough to prevent bleeding.
Proof Yeast First: Ensure your yeast is active by proofing it with warm water and a little sugar. This step is crucial for the dough to rise properly.
Avoid Over-Kneading: When incorporating blueberries, knead gently to prevent crushing the berries, which could lead to soggy dough.
Control Moisture: If the dough becomes too wet from the blueberries, add a bit more flour to achieve a firm, workable texture.
Boil with Honey: Adding honey to the boiling water gives the bagels a nice sheen and a hint of sweetness that complements the blueberries.
Do Not Overcrowd the Pot: Boil only a few bagels at a time to ensure they cook evenly and retain their shape.
Egg Wash for Shine: Brushing the bagels with an egg wash before baking will result in a golden, shiny crust.
Bake on High Heat: Start with a high oven temperature to set the crust quickly, then reduce if necessary to avoid over-browning.
Cool on a Wire Rack: After baking, let the bagels cool on a wire rack to prevent condensation and soggy bottoms.
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for an extra layer of flavor that complements the blueberries.

Variations

Mixed Berry Bagels: Incorporate a mix of raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for a vibrant, multi-berry experience.
Lemon Blueberry Bagels: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that enhances the blueberry flavor.
Cinnamon Swirl Blueberry Bagels: Swirl cinnamon sugar into the bagel dough before shaping for a sweet, spiced flavor.
Chocolate Chip Blueberry Bagels: Mix in dark chocolate chips for a decadent treat that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of blueberries.
Whole Wheat Blueberry Bagels: Substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version with a nuttier flavor.

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
Vegan Options: Replace the egg wash with a vegan alternative like almond milk or coconut oil to cater to vegan diets.
Sugar Alternatives: Use honey or agave nectar in place of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener.
Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free cream cheese or butter substitutes for topping or serving with the bagel.
Yeast-Free: For yeast sensitivities, use baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents, adjusting other ingredients for consistency.

Making Ahead

Dough Preparation: You can prepare the blueberry bagel dough a day in advance. After kneading, let it rise in the refrigerator overnight. This slow rise can help develop flavors and make it easier to manage your baking schedule.
Pre-shaping: Shape the bagels and refrigerate them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. The next morning, proceed with boiling and baking as usual.

Storage

Room Temperature: Store cooled blueberry bagels in a bread box or wrapped in a cloth bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid plastic bags as they can make the crusts soft.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the bagels in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate. They will keep for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze bagels individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure they are wrapped tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating

Toaster: Slice the bagel and toast it until it’s warm and the surface is slightly crispy. This method helps retain the bagel’s texture.
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bagel in aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly warm. This method is great for restoring the bagel’s outer crust while keeping the inside soft.
Microwave: If in a hurry, you can microwave a bagel for 15-20 seconds. However, this method can make the bagel chewy and soft, so it’s best used sparingly.

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s

Yes, dried blueberries can be used in place of fresh ones in a blueberry bagel recipe. They will provide a more concentrated flavor and less moisture, which can be beneficial for the dough’s consistency.

To minimize bleeding, toss fresh or frozen blueberries with a little flour before adding them to the dough. This helps to absorb some of the juices and keeps the berries intact during kneading.

Ensure your yeast is fresh and active; it’s often the culprit in poor rising. Additionally, maintain a warm environment free from drafts during the first rise, as consistent warmth is crucial for yeast activity.

Blueberry bagels can be part of a balanced diet. They provide carbohydrates for energy and can be made healthier by using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar. Adding blueberries increases the nutritional value by providing antioxidants.

For chewier bagels, increase the kneading time to develop the gluten more fully. Additionally, using high-gluten flour or bread flour instead of all-purpose flour can enhance the chewy texture that bagels are famous for.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 270
Total Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 430 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 7 g
Protein: 9 g
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin D: 0 mcg
- Calcium: 30 mg
- Iron: 3.5 mg
- Potassium: 70 mg

Blueberry Bagel

Recipe by JesseCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

hours

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

270

kcal

Ingredients

High-gluten flour – 500 grams (about 4 cups), for a chewy texture.
Warm water – 240 ml (1 cup), to activate the yeast.
Granulated sugar – 1 tablespoon, to feed the yeast and add slight sweetness.
Active dry yeast – 2 teaspoons, for leavening the dough.
Salt – 1 ½ teaspoons, to enhance flavor.
Blueberries – 150 grams (1 cup), fresh or frozen, for the blueberry flavor.
Honey or barley malt syrup – 1 tablespoon, to add in the boiling water for shine and flavor.
Egg white – 1, for egg wash to give the bagels a glossy finish.
Vegetable oil – for greasing the bowl and parchment paper.
Cornmeal – to sprinkle on the baking sheet, optional for added texture.

Directions

Begin by activating the yeast: in a small bowl, mix the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the high-gluten flour and salt. Add the activated yeast mixture to the flour and mix until a rough dough forms.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. During the last few minutes of kneading, gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
Lightly oil a large bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then press your thumb through the center to form a ring. Stretch the ring slightly to form a classic bagel shape, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover them with a damp towel and let them rest for 10 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil and stir in the honey or barley malt syrup. Drop the bagels into the boiling water, a few at a time, making sure they have enough room to float. Boil for about 1 minute on each side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain well.
Place the boiled bagels back on the baking sheet. Brush each bagel with beaten egg white to give them a nice shine. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy.
Once cooled, your blueberry bagels are ready to be enjoyed. They can be served plain, toasted, or with your favorite spreads like cream cheese or butter.

Conclusion

Blueberry bagels offer a delicious, sweet twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying snack, these bagels blend the savory chew of traditional bagels with the delightful burst of sweet blueberries. Whether you make them from scratch using the recipe above or pick them up from your local bakery, they are sure to brighten your day.

Accompany them with your favorite spreads like cream cheese or butter, or enjoy them plain to truly savor the flavor of the blueberries. Making blueberry bagels at home allows you to customize them to your taste preferences, making them an excellent choice for any bagel enthusiast looking to expand their baking repertoire.

Easy Homemade Blueberry Bagel Recipe

Kitchen Tools Needed

Ingredients for Blueberry Bagels