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Montreal Style Bagels: A Homemade Classic with Family Memories

Montreal Style Bagels: A Homemade Classic with Family Memories

Sunday Morning Tradition: A Special Breakfast to Remember

There's nothing quite like waking up early on a Sunday morning to the smell of fresh, warm bagels straight from the oven. This weekend I made Montreal-style bagels, a nostalgic favorite from my university days. I had a house full flour, and fun as I whipped up a breakfast feast with bagels, cream cheese, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and cold cuts.

If you’re craving the sweet, chewy perfection of Montreal bagels and can’t find them locally, this easy homemade recipe will become your go-to. Whether you knead by hand or use a breadmaker, the results are absolutely delicious.


Ingredients List

Dough:

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water

  • 5 tablespoons sugar

  • 3 tablespoons canola oil

  • 1 package (8g) dry active yeast (not instant)

  • 1 small egg, beaten

  • 1 tablespoon malt drink powder or syrup

  • 4 1/2 cups unbleached (or all-purpose) flour

  • 1 teaspoon kosher or regular salt

Boil & Toppings:

  • 6 quarts water

  • 1/3 cup honey

  • 1/2 cup sesame seeds or poppy seeds (or both!)


How to Make Montreal Style Bagels

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, sugar, canola oil, yeast, egg, and malt syrup until yeast dissolves.

  2. Stir in salt and 1 cup of flour. Gradually add more flour (around 3 cups) until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Knead and Rest

  1. Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes, adding flour as needed, until it's smooth and firm.

  2. Cover with an inverted bowl and let rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels

  1. Divide dough into 12 equal parts. Roll each into a 10-inch rope and form into a ring, pressing the ends together (use water if needed to seal).

  2. Let the shaped bagels rise for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Boil with Honey

  1. Fill a large pot with 6 quarts of water and stir in honey. Bring to a boil.

  2. Boil 4 bagels at a time for 90 seconds, flipping at 45 seconds. Remove and pat dry with clean towels.

Step 5: Add Seeds and Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment.

  2. Sprinkle boiled bagels generously with sesame or poppy seeds.

  3. Bake for 8 minutes, flip, and bake another 5–8 minutes depending on your oven. Watch closely to avoid burning.


Tips for Perfect Montreal Bagels

  • Watch the Oven: These bagels bake quickly. Adjust times based on your oven.

  • Get Creative with Toppings: Try everything bagel mix, dried onion, or even cinnamon sugar.

  • Use a Breadmaker: Use the dough cycle for hands-off kneading.

  • Boiling is Key: Don’t skip the honey water – it gives that iconic crust and sweetness.


Final Thoughts: Food, Family, and Memories

Bagels might just be flour and water, but when made with love and shared with family, they become something much more. I hope you give this recipe a try and create your own kitchen memories.

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