Introduction:
Bagels are a beloved classic breakfast treat, often characterized by their chewy texture and crisp, golden crust. However, traditional bagel recipes can be time-consuming, requiring lengthy proofing and boiling before baking. But what if you could achieve the same crispy exterior and soft interior without all the effort? Enter the crispy bagel made with puff pastry dough! This easy and quick recipe offers the perfect solution for a fast yet flavorful bagel alternative. Puff pastry adds a delightful flakiness and crispiness, while the classic bagel toppings still shine through. Whether you’re a bagel lover in need of a shortcut or simply want to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry dough (store-bought or homemade)
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
1 tablespoon garlic powder (optional)
1 tablespoon onion powder (optional)
1 tablespoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
2 teaspoons water (to mix with egg for egg wash)
Instructions:
Prepare the Oven and Puff Pastry:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out the puff pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Make sure it remains in a rectangular shape.
Cut into Bagel Shapes:
Using a round cookie cutter or a drinking glass, cut out circles from the puff pastry. If you have a smaller round cutter or bottle cap, you can remove the center of the circles to create the bagel shape, just like a traditional bagel. If you don’t have a circular cutter, you can also use a knife to carefully cut out the bagels.
Brush with Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 2 teaspoons of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash evenly over the top of each puff pastry circle to give them a shiny, golden finish when baked.
Add Toppings:
If desired, sprinkle the bagels with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of sea salt. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite bagel toppings.
Bake:
Place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the crispy puff pastry bagels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’ll be delightfully crispy on the outside, with a soft, flaky interior. Slice and enjoy with your favorite spreads, such as cream cheese, butter, or jam.
Tips for Serving and Storing:
Serving:
These puff pastry bagels are perfect for breakfast or brunch. Serve them with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a classic bagel experience or top with avocado, egg, and your favorite seasonings for a savory twist. They can also be enjoyed with fruit preserves or honey for a sweet treat.
Storing:
These bagels are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re still crispy. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. To maintain the crispness, reheat the bagels in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F before serving.
Freezing:
If you want to make a batch in advance, you can freeze the uncooked puff pastry bagels. Simply assemble them as directed, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for an hour. After freezing, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time as they’ll be going into the oven from frozen.
Variants:
Cheese-Stuffed Bagels:
For a cheesy twist, place a small amount of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese) in the center of the puff pastry before folding or cutting out the bagel shape. Bake as usual for a gooey, cheesy interior.
Cinnamon-Sugar Bagels:
For a sweeter take, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top of the egg-washed puff pastry before baking. These make for a delicious breakfast or dessert option, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.
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