On January 15 we celebrate, National Bagel day a day to enjoy the bagel whether Whether you like your bagels plain, toasted with cream cheese, or topped with smoked salmon with different varities of toppings This is one of the topped liked and loved breakfast food which is almost prefered by all age group of people. Did you know that more than 354 million of bagels were sold in the year 2018.
History of National Bagel Day
Did you know that, Bagels have a long and highly documented history where time and period travels from the Jewish families of Poland in the 1600s to wrapped up in parchment paper in your hands today?
However, many things were created nearly five-hundred years ago, bagels are remarkably unchanged. However later on for the extra delicious looks and flavour cream cheeses and butters and flavors and which was toppings may have evolved over time but bagel is a beigel is a beygal.
However going in depth about the history is that, bagels that made the jump to America with a massive Polish-Jewish immigration in the years 1800s that firmly entrenched itself in New York City. In fact, an entire union was created in the early years 1900s which was called Bagel Bakers Local 338 to support the growing, immigrant-led industry. That also begat the “bagel brunch,” which we still enjoy with little changes of lox, cream cheese, capers, tomatoes, and red onions.
While bagels were hugely popular in New York City almost immediately, they didn’t make their way to the national scale until the mid 20th-century where automation and bread slicing (the coolest thing!) made mass manufacturing much more efficient. Since then, bagels have taken off to include a variety of flours, toppings, dips and smears but still remain – by and large – exactly as they were in the 1600s.
| 1300s (The First Bagel Appears) | The beginnings of the modern bagel can be traced to the Polish obwarzanek, a thin, boiled, then baked ring of dough. |
| 1610 (New Baby, New Bagel) | The first known written records about bagels appears in Krakow, Poland which dictated that bagels should be gifted to women soon after childbirth. |
| Early 1900s (New York Icon) | Over this century, the popularity of bagels spread through the growing Eastern European and Jewish-immigrant communities in New York City. |
| 1950s (Bagels Become An American Staple) | Bagels are sold in supermarkets across the nation and surpass the donut as an essential breakfast item. |
Classic Homemade Bagels
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
Boiling:
- 2 quarts water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Topping:
- 1 egg white, beaten (for egg wash)
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, etc.)
How to make:
- In a bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
- In a large bowl mix the bread flour and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture to the flour and mix until a dough forms. If using a mixer, use the dough hook attachment and knead on medium speed for about 5 minutes. If kneading by hand, knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Punch down the dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
- To form the bagels, use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each dough ball, then gently stretch the hole to about 2 inches in diameter. Place shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the sugar and baking soda.
- Drop the bagels, a few at a time, into the boiling water. Boil for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until they puff up. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the baking sheet.
- Brush the top of each bagel with the beaten egg white. Sprinkle with your desired toppings.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
- Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack. Enjoy them fresh with your favorite spreads or fillings!
5 fun Facts of National Bagel Day
- Origins of the Bagel: Did you know that, the bagel has a long history that dates back to 16th-century Poland. It was originally a staple in Jewish communities, and the bagel’s ring shape is believed to symbolize the circle of life.
- Bagels and Nutrition: Likewise, bagels are surprisingly versatile and they can be a relatively healthy option depending on the toppings and fillings. For example, whole-grain bagels provide fiber and nutrients, while toppings like avocado or smoked salmon can add healthy fats and protein.
- Bagel Variations: National Bagel Day celebrates not just the classic bagel but also its many variations. There are now hundreds of flavors and styles, from the traditional plain, sesame, and poppy seed to creative options like cinnamon raisin, jalapeño cheddar, and everything bagels.
- Bagel Day Deals: Many bagel shops and chains offer special deals, discounts, or free bagels on National Bagel Day. It’s a great time to visit your favorite bagel spot or try a new one.
- Bagels Around the World: While bagels are most commonly with Jewish cuisine in the U.S., they’ve become popular worldwide. In places like New York, Montreal, and even Tokyo, you can find unique twists on the classic bagel. For example, Montreal-style bagels are smaller and denser, often boiled in honey-sweetened water.
FAQs
Can you freeze bagels?
Yes, you can freeze bagels and freeze, let them cool completely, then place them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can you make bagels without yeast?
Traditional bagels use yeast as a leavening agent to create their chewy texture. However, there are yeast-free recipes, such as those using baking powder, but these bagels will have a different texture and flavor compared to traditional bagels.
What’s the difference between a bagel and a bialy?
Bagels are boiled and then baked, bialys are only baked. Bialys are also typically topped with a filling like onions, poppy seeds, or garlic in the center, whereas bagels are usually topped with seeds or other seasonings on the surface.
Also, read more about National Walker’s Shortbread Day – January 6, 2025
