Traditional Turkish-Style Bagels: A Taste of Authenticity in Every Bite

Experience the delight of homemade Turkish-style bagels with this authentic recipe. These bagels blend 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 crisp exterior and a wonderfully chewy interior, making them a perfect match for any meal or snack.

Why You’ll Love This

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

Perfect Occasion

These bagels are a versatile choice for any time of day. Serve them at breakfast with a smear of cream cheese, as a sandwich carrier for lunch, or alongside your dinner for a satisfying and hearty addition. They’re also ideal for picnics and gatherings, where they can be enjoyed plain or dressed up with various spreads and fillings.

Decoration Tips

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

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of warm milk
  • 10g of instant yeast
  • 3 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 cup of oil
  • 3 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 eggs, whites and yolks separated (yolk for egg wash)
  • 6 cups of flour (adjust as needed)
  • Poppy and sesame seeds (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, yeast, and sugar. Stir gently and allow to sit for 15 minutes until 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 to incorporate fully.
  4. Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface. Gradually knead in the remaining flour until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky (you may not need all 6 cups).
  5. Place the kneaded dough back into a bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  6. Once risen, punch down the dough and divide it into portions. Shape each portion into a bagel by rolling it into a rope and 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 yolk 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 oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Hope you try and enjoy these wonderfully authentic Turkish-style bagels!