This honey whole-wheat Bagels recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. First of all, these bagels are very easy to make. Secondly, what’s not to love about a healthy fusion of honey and whole wheat?

As for the texture, these bagels have that classic light crisp on the outside with a soft chewiness on the inside. And they’re made right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Furthermore, these bagels will taste amazing with your favorite bagel or deli sandwich toppings.

Do These Bagels Contain Yeast?

Yes, this honey whole-wheat bagels recipe calls for yeast. But don’t fret, because they’re not hard to make at all.

I actually used Active Dry Yeast, but you can use instant yeast instead. Both yeasts can be used interchangeably in most recipes, in fact.

Difference Between Active Dry and Instant Yeast

Both active dry and instant yeasts are used for the same purpose: to give rise to breads, bagels and other baked goods. The only difference is how they’re used in a recipe.

Active dry yeast must be added to warm water (around 110 degrees), and then allowed to sit for a few minutes to activate it.

If all goes well, the water and yeast mixture should turn foamy. And if it doesn’t foam up, then you probably need to buy fresher yeast before continuing with the recipe.

With instant yeast, you can just add it in with the other dry ingredients. The granules of instant yeast are smaller compared to the granules of active dry yeast. Therefore it doesn’t need to be activated beforehand.

The Benefits of Homemade Baking

See, that’s what I love most about homemade baking. You don’t have to look any further than your pantry or cupboard for what you need to make your own homemade recipes.

By the way, have you ever took a look at the ingredients list on a simple loaf of store-brought bagels, bread or other food?

Sadly (if it’s not organic or non-GMO), most of the ingredients are chemically produced. Or they’re not even derived from organic/natural sources.

Such as with my easy bagels with extra virgin olive oil recipe, you should only need a few simple ingredients to make basic bagels. Not a whole bunch..

If Not Homemade, Choose Foods From Organic or Natural Sources..

It’s just appalling to me that so many artificial ingredients are allowed in most store-brought foods nowadays.

That’s why I advocate making your own from scratch whenever you’re able to. Plus, isn’t it so exciting to make your own?

Of course there will be times when you can’t go the homemade route. During those times, it’s better to buy organic foods, including meats; if applicable.

*Choose What’s Best For You and Your Family*

I honestly think it’s worth it to buy organic over GMO foods. Mainly because there aren’t any chemical or artificial ingredients going into your body.

You and your family deserve the best. And that includes eating foods that contain safe, wholesome and healthy ingredients.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Bagels

As I’ve mentioned earlier, this honey whole-wheat bagels recipe is pretty simple and easy. In fact, most homemade bagel recipes are easy to follow and make.

First Things First..

First of all, you want to get out all of your ingredients. This way, you won’t have to be looking around for them later on. Once you do this a few times, you’ll do it from habit.

1st Step:

The first step of this bagel recipe involves activating, or proofing the yeast. This step ensures that the yeast is fresh and active. And it also ensures that you won’t have flat bagels, bread, etc.

The active dry yeast activating process simply involves combining the yeast with fairly warm water. Then letting the mixture sit for about five minutes until the yeast gets foamy.

2nd Step:

After the active dry yeast and water mixture is ready, you will then add the rest of the ingredients. This includes extra virgin olive oil, honey, and other dry ingredients.

If you’re using instant yeast, you will basically skip the first step; and add all of the ingredients together. *It’s still best that you use warm water so that the dough will come together more easily*.

3rd Step:

This step involves allowing the dough to rise for an hour. This is necessary so the bagels will have the proper texture, and will be soft and chewy on the inside.

4th Step:

This final step of this honey whole-wheat bagels recipe includes forming the bagels. Then setting them aside while you heat a large pot of water to a low boil.

The key to that characteristic chewy bagel texture comes from boiling the dough for a minute on both sides before baking them. This is vital to achieving the perfect bagel consistency.

It’s also advised that you apply an egg white wash to the bagels before baking them. This is so the bagels will have a nice brown crust.

**If desired – you can add toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc. onto the bagels right after applying the egg wash; before it dries. This way they’ll stick to the bagels without falling off**

Honey Whole-Wheat Bagels Recipe Ingredients

Here are the ingredients that you will need to make this honey whole-wheat bagels recipe. As you will see, it doesn’t call for many at all.

• Warm Water: It shouldn’t be too hot or too cold, but kind of in between. Preferably between 110 – 120 degrees, as the goal is to not kill the yeast.
• Active Dry Yeast or Instant Yeast: I explain above how you can use either one.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Optional): You really don’t need to add this, but I feel that it adds more flavor and moisture to the bagels. And it’s good for you, right?
• Honey
• Salt
• Whole-Wheat Flour: Supplies healthy whole-grain.
• Bread Flour: I’m sure all-purpose flour would also work fine, though I haven’t tried it.

Whew! That’s about it for these yummy bagels. I would love to know what you think of them in the comment section below. Be blessed:)