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Sourdough Discard Bagels
Elle

Sourdough Discard Bagels

These homemade sourdough discard bagels are a delicious way to use up leftover sourdough discard, yielding perfectly chewy bagels with a golden crust. This same-day recipe is easy to follow, customizable with your favorite toppings, and a sustainable solution for discard-based baking. Perfect for breakfast or snack time.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 1 Servings
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 273

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 200 grams sourdough discard unfed at room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 1 egg white for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
  • Toppings optional

Method
 

  1. Combine flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, instant yeast, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, then mix to combine
  2. On low speed, add the sourdough discard and water until combined, then increase speed to medium and knead for 4-5 minutes until a smooth ball forms
  3. Grease a large bowl, transfer the dough to the bowl, and cover with plastic wrap, then let the dough rise for 90 minutes or until doubled in size
  4. Turn the dough out onto a smooth surface and divide into 8-10 equal pieces, then roll each piece in your palm to form a smooth ball
  5. Use your thumb to press through the center of each ball, stretching the hole to form your bagel, then cover the bagels with a clean kitchen towel and let rest for 20 minutes
  6. Preheat oven to 425°F, then prepare 2 baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and bring a pot with 2 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar to boil
  7. Place bagels in the boiling water for 15-30 seconds on each side, ensuring they float, then remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to prepared baking sheets
  8. Whisk together the egg white and 1 tablespoon water, brush each bagel with the egg wash, and sprinkle or dip into desired toppings
  9. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown, then let cool fully before slicing and serving

Notes

Let bagels cool fully on a wire rack before slicing for best texture
Use active sourdough starter instead of discard by omitting the yeast and adjusting rise times
Add toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for more flavor
If bagels do not float in the boiling water, allow them to rest an additional 10 minutes and try again
Store fully cooled bagels in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months