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Sourdough Discard Bagels: A Cozy Journey to Deliciousness

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through your kitchen, inviting you in for a cozy breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack. With their glossy golden crust and soft, chewy interior, these Sourdough Discard Bagels create a perfect moment—all while giving new life to your sourdough discard!

Growing up, Saturday mornings at my house meant everything stopped for warm baked goods and family time. We would sit together, surrounding a table adorned with cream cheese, fresh lox, and the most scrumptious bagels, all with the chatter of excited voices filling the air. This recipe connects me to those cherished memories, adding a warm touch to any day. Plus, if you’re looking for an ingenious way to utilize sourdough discard that has been sitting in your fridge, these homemade bagels are exactly what you need. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Elevate your breakfasts with these homemade, chewy bagels that are sure to become a family favorite.
Waste not, want not—transform your sourdough discard into delightful treats!
Perfect for meal prep—make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them all week long.
Tasty customization options allow you to get creative with toppings or mix-ins.
Impressive yet easy—these bagels are a satisfying project that feels just fancy enough for weekend baking!

What You’ll Need

To make these delightful Sourdough Discard Bagels, gather the following ingredients:

4 cups bread flour
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
1 teaspoon instant yeast
2 teaspoons kosher salt
200 grams (about ¾ cup) sourdough discard (unfed, at room temperature)
1 ¼ cups warm water
1 egg white (for egg wash)
1 Tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Toppings (optional)

How to Make Sourdough Discard Bagels

Let’s make these delicious bagels together! Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of warm, inviting bagels:

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, combine the bread flour, 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar, instant yeast, and kosher salt. Mix these dry ingredients until well combined.
On low speed, carefully add in the sourdough discard and warm water until everything is just combined. As the dough comes together, increase the speed to medium and knead for 4-5 minutes until a smooth ball forms. Your dough should feel fairly sturdy and not sticky—if it’s too dry, add more water, or if it’s too wet, sprinkle in more flour a Tablespoon at a time.
Grease a large bowl and transfer the dough to it. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
Once risen, turn the dough out onto a smooth surface and divide it into 8-10 equal pieces. For larger bagels, aim for 8 pieces, and for smaller bagels, go for 10.
Take each piece and roll it into a smooth ball in the palms of your hands. Use your thumb to press through the center of each ball and gently stretch to form the typical bagel shape.
Once shaped, cover the bagels with a clean kitchen towel and let them rest for 20 minutes while you prepare the next steps.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare two baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—set them aside.
In a wide pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a simmer and add the remaining 2 Tablespoons of granulated sugar.
Drop the bagels into the boiling water for 15-30 seconds on each side. They should float when ready. Work in batches of 2-3, ensuring they have enough room.
Remove the bagels using a slotted spoon and transfer them to the prepared baking sheets. If needed, reshape them slightly once they’re cool enough to handle.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and 1 Tablespoon of water to form an egg wash. Lightly brush the bagels with this mixture, and sprinkle on any toppings you desire—think sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for an extra kick!
Bake the bagels for 18-22 minutes or until they have a beautiful golden brown color. Once baked, allow them to cool fully before slicing and serving.

Fun Ways to Customize It

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your bagels! Here are a few ideas to elevate your Sourdough Discard Bagels:

Herb-Infused Bagels: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the dough for a fragrant twist.
Cinnamon Raisin Delight: Incorporate cinnamon and raisins into the dough for a sweet, indulgent treat.
Cheesy Goodness: Fold in shredded cheese like cheddar or asiago for a rich and savory bagel.
Spiced Adventure: Add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for added zest!

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare your bagels and leave them shaped and covered in the fridge overnight for a speedy breakfast the next day!
Sourdough Discard: Adjust the consistency of the dough based on the hydration level of your sourdough discard. It may vary from batch to batch.
Storage: Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months—thaw and toast when you’re ready to enjoy!
Slicing Secrets: Use a serrated bread knife for clean, even slices when cutting your bagels.

Nutrition Information per Serving

Serving Size: 1 bagel
Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 41g
Sugar: 2g
Fat: 1g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can shape the bagels and refrigerate them overnight before boiling and baking.

Can I use different ingredients?
Certainly! Swap in whole wheat flour for part of the bread flour for a heartier bagel or experiment with flavorings.

How do I store leftovers?
Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

How long do they last?
When properly stored, bagels last about 3 days at room temperature or longer if frozen!

Wrapping It Up

These Sourdough Discard Bagels are not just delicious but also tell a story of resourcefulness and warmth, ideal for every cozy gathering or simple breakfast. Whether you’re reminiscing over fond family memories or making new ones, these bagels are sure to bring joy to your table. Save this Sourdough Discard Bagels recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!