Rainbow bagels are a fun and colorful twist on traditional bagels. Swirled with bright hues, they make breakfast a bit more cheerful and are perfect for sharing with friends!
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to start their day with a rainbow? I love spreading cream cheese on mine. It’s like breakfast with a side of joy! 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This flour gives bagels their chewy texture, which is ideal for that perfect bite. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the chewiness will be slightly less.
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly. If you only have active dry yeast, you can use that but remember to dissolve it in the warm water before mixing it in.
Malt Syrup or Honey: This ingredient boosts the flavor of boiled bagels and gives them a nice sheen. If you don’t have either, brown sugar can work as a substitute, though it won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
Food Coloring Gels: These bring life to the bagels! Gels work best, but if you only have liquid food coloring, that’s fine; just use a bit more, as liquid dilutes the dough.
Seeds for Topping: Feel free to get creative! Poppy seeds or sesame seeds are classics, but you can also use garlic powder or spices for a different twist!
How Do I Knead Dough to Get it Just Right?
Kneading dough is essential for developing gluten, which gives bagels their chewy texture. It may feel tough at first, but here’s how to do it right:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Press down the dough with the palm of your hand, fold it over, and turn it a quarter turn.
- Repeat this process for about 8-10 minutes; the dough should become smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, add a bit of flour gradually.
Don’t rush! Proper kneading ensures your bagels will be perfectly chewy and delicious.
How to Make Rainbow Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
For Coloring:
- Food coloring gels (red, blue, green, yellow, and orange or your choice of rainbow colors)
For Boiling:
- 1 tablespoon malt syrup or honey
- Water for boiling
For Toppings:
- Assorted seeds (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, etc.)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the dough, an hour for it to rise, and approximately 30-40 minutes for shaping, boiling, and baking. It’s a fun and colorful process! Enjoy making these delightful bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Slowly pour in the warm water while mixing until a rough dough appears. Now comes the fun part—knead the dough on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. Once done, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rest for about 1 hour until it doubles in size.
2. Divide and Color the Dough:
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Divide it evenly into 5 portions—one for each rainbow color! Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion. Knead each piece until the colors are beautifully blended for that classic rainbow effect.
3. Shape the Bagels:
Roll each colored dough piece into long ropes, about 12-14 inches each. Lay them side by side, gently twist or fold them together to create a vibrant multi-colored rope. Now, shape this rope into a bagel by joining the ends to form a ring. Repeat this process for the remaining dough portions!
4. Second Rise:
Place your shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them loosely with a damp cloth and let them rest for about 20 minutes while you preheat your oven.
5. Boil the Bagels:
Set your oven to preheat at 425°F (220°C). Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the malt syrup or honey. Take each bagel with a slotted spoon, boiling them for about 1 minute on each side, then remove them and place them back on the baking sheet.
6. Add Toppings:
While your bagels are still wet from boiling, sprinkle your choice of seeds or everything bagel seasoning over them. This adds an extra crunch and flavor!
7. Bake:
Bake your colorful bagels in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The aroma will be delicious! Once baked, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack.
8. Serve:
Finally, enjoy your vibrant rainbow bagels! They’re perfect plain, with cream cheese, or your favorite topping. Get ready for a fun, tasty treat!
Can I Use All-Purpose Flour Instead of Bread Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the bagels may not be quite as chewy. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which gives bagels their characteristic texture. If you opt for all-purpose, your bagels will still be tasty but slightly softer.
How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover rainbow bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, toast them directly from frozen or thaw them overnight in the fridge before toasting.
What Can I Substitute for Malt Syrup or Honey in Boiling Water?
If you don’t have malt syrup or honey, you can use brown sugar as a substitute. It won’t give quite the same flavor depth, but it will help achieve the same glossy finish on the bagels!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and let it rise, then cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature and let it rise again before shaping and boiling the bagels.
