Best Vegan Bagel Recipes: A Baker’s Guide to Perfect Chewy Bagels

Vegan baking doesn’t have to mean compromising on taste or texture, especially when it comes to bagels. Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly chewy, golden-brown bagel, slathered with your favorite vegan cream cheese. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can achieve bagel nirvana right in your own kitchen. This guide will walk you through the Best Vegan Bagel Recipes, sharing tips and tricks to help you create bagels that rival your favorite bakery. Ready to rise to the occasion?

After exploring the world of sourdough and perfecting my vegan challah, I knew tackling vegan bagels was the next frontier. The challenge? Recreating that signature chewy texture and rich flavor without the use of eggs or dairy. It took some experimentation, but I’ve compiled my best vegan bagel recipes right here, ready for you to enjoy. Similar to baking recipes with yeast, making bagels involves proofing, which contributes significantly to their distinct flavor.

Classic Vegan Plain Bagels

This recipe is your go-to for a simple, versatile bagel that can be enjoyed with any topping. It focuses on developing strong gluten, which is key to achieving that desirable chewiness.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 ½ cups bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 tsp salt
• Optional toppings: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let stand for 5-10 minutes, or until foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to go. Ever wonder why we do this? Yeast needs food (sugar) and warmth to thrive. This step ensures your bagels will rise beautifully.
2. Add the vegetable oil, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Knead for 8-10 minutes, either by hand or with a stand mixer using the dough hook, until a smooth and elastic dough forms. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty! Kneading develops the gluten, which gives bagels their chewiness.
3. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Think of this as the bagel’s first nap. It needs this time to relax and expand.
4. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
5. Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger. You can also roll the dough into a rope and connect the ends to form a circle.
6. Gently lower the bagels into the boiling water, a few at a time, and boil for 1 minute per side. This step gives bagels their shiny crust and helps set their shape.
7. Remove the bagels from the water with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with water and sprinkle with desired toppings.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Perfect Chewy Classic Vegan Bagels

Everything Bagel with a Twist

This recipe takes the classic everything bagel and elevates it with the addition of roasted garlic and onion.

Ingredients:

• Same as Classic Vegan Plain Bagels, with the addition of:
• 2 cloves garlic, roasted and minced
• ½ small onion, roasted and minced
• Everything bagel seasoning

Instructions:

1. Follow steps 1-3 from the Classic Vegan Plain Bagel recipe.
2. Before shaping the bagels, incorporate the roasted garlic and onion into the dough.
3. Proceed with steps 4-8 from the Classic Vegan Plain Bagel recipe, sprinkling with everything bagel seasoning before baking. The roasted garlic and onion infuse the dough with a savory depth of flavor, making these bagels truly special.

Sweet Potato Bagels: A Healthy Twist

These bagels are packed with nutrients and have a beautiful orange hue thanks to the addition of sweet potato puree. Want to add a healthy twist to your best vegan bagel recipes? Sweet potato is your answer! Not only does it add a subtle sweetness, but it also contributes to a wonderfully soft and moist texture.

Ingredients:

• Same as Classic Vegan Plain Bagels, substituting 1 cup of bread flour with 1 cup of cooked and mashed sweet potato.

Instructions:

1. Follow the same instructions as the Classic Vegan Plain Bagel recipe, using the sweet potato puree in place of some of the bread flour.
2. Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweet potato.

Nutritious and Delicious Sweet Potato Vegan Bagels

Troubleshooting Your Vegan Bagels

Baking perfect bagels can be tricky. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Dense bagels: Make sure your yeast is active and that you’ve kneaded the dough sufficiently. A longer rise time can also help.
• Flat bagels: Boiling the bagels before baking is crucial for achieving that signature bagel shape. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil and don’t overcrowd the pot.
• Tough bagels: Overkneading or overbaking can result in tough bagels. Be mindful of the baking time and check for doneness after 20 minutes. Just like bread and pastries, proper kneading and baking times are essential for the perfect texture.

Variety of Vegan Bagel Flavors and Toppings

FAQ about Vegan Bagels

Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A: While you can use all-purpose flour, bread flour has a higher protein content, which results in a chewier bagel.

Q: Can I make these bagels without boiling them?
A: Boiling is a critical step in bagel making, giving them their characteristic crust and chewiness. Skipping this step will result in a more bread-like texture. For more detailed explanations on the science behind yeast and dough, our guide on baking recipes with yeast is a valuable resource.

Q: Can I freeze these bagels?
A: Absolutely! Freeze them after they have cooled completely. To reheat, simply toast them from frozen.

These best vegan bagel recipes are your starting point to a world of delicious, chewy possibilities. Experiment with different flours, toppings, and flavors to create your own signature vegan bagel. So go ahead, embrace the challenge, and experience the satisfaction of baking the perfect vegan bagel. Don’t forget to share your creations with us!