Traditional Turkish-style bagels: a taste of authenticity in every bite

Discover the delight of homemade Turkish bagels with this authentic recipe. These bagels combine the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread with a touch of sweetness, brought by the subtle infusion of milk and sugar. Whether topped with sesame or poppy seeds, these bagels offer a crunchy exterior and a wonderfully chewy interior, making them a perfect addition to any meal or snack.

Why you will love it

These Turkish-style bagels are not just about taste but also texture. Adding egg whites and a generous amount of oil to the batter ensures a rich, tender crumb, while the egg yolk glaze gives them a beautifully shiny finish. The option to add sesame or poppy seeds adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Perfect opportunity

These bagels are a versatile choice for any time of day. Serve them for breakfast with a layer of cream cheese, as a sandwich support for lunch, or with your dinner for a satisfying and filling addition. They are also ideal for picnics and gatherings, where they can be enjoyed plain or dressed with various spreads and toppings.

Decorating Tips

For a classic look, brush each bagel with egg wash before baking and sprinkle generously with sesame or poppy seeds. For a festive touch, you can mix the seeds together or add other toppings like coarse sea salt or minced garlic for added flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of hot milk
  • 10g instant yeast
  • 3 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 cup of oil
  • 3 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 eggs, whites and yolks separated (yolk for gilding)
  • 6 cups flour (adjust as needed)
  • Poppy and sesame seeds (optional)

• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine warm milk, yeast and sugar. Stir gently and let sit for 15 minutes until the mixture is frothy.
  2. Add the oil, salt and egg whites to the yeast mixture and mix well.
  3. Gradually add 4 cups of flour while mixing until well incorporated.
  4. Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface. Gradually stir in remaining flour until dough is smooth and not sticky (you may not need all 6 cups).
  5. Return the kneaded dough to a bowl, cover with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Once risen, roll out the dough and divide it into portions. Shape each portion into a bagel by rolling it into a rope, then joining the ends together.
  7. Preheat your oven to 190°C (374°F).
  8. Arrange the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each bagel with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds, if using.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack.

I hope you try and enjoy these wonderfully authentic Turkish style bagels!