Rainbow bagels are a fun and colorful twist on your regular bagels! With bright swirls of dough, they’re as cheerful to look at as they are to eat.
Making these bagels is a messy but joyful adventure! I love how they brighten up my breakfast table and put a smile on everyone’s face. Plus, they taste just as good as they look!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This flour has a high protein content, giving the bagels their chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour, though the bagels may not be as chewy.
Active Dry Yeast: This is the raising agent for your bagels. If you’re in a pinch, you can use instant yeast, which doesn’t require proofing. Just mix it with your dry ingredients.
Warm Water: The water should be about 110°F (43°C) to activate the yeast. If you don’t have a thermometer, test it with your wrist; it should feel warm but not hot.
Food Coloring Gels: These provide the vibrant colors! Gels are better than liquid dyes as they don’t alter the dough’s consistency. If you prefer natural colors, you can use beet juice for red, turmeric for yellow, etc.
Malt Syrup or Honey: This is optional but adds a subtle sweetness and flavor to the bagels. If you’re not using it, you can simply boil the bagels in plain water—no problem!
How Do I Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading develops the gluten in the dough, which is essential for bagel structure. It might seem tricky if you’re new to it, so here are simple steps to follow:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Place your dough on the floured surface and push it away with the heel of your hand.
- Fold it back over, give it a quarter turn, and repeat. You want to stretch and fold, not just mash it.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel springy to the touch. If it’s sticking, add small amounts of flour as needed.
How to Make Rainbow Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- Food coloring gels (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
- 1 tbsp malt syrup or honey (optional, for boiling water)
- Assorted bagel toppings (optional, e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and about 1 hour of rising and baking time. So, in total, expect to spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes to create these colorful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activating the Yeast:
In a small bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Stir lightly, then let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s foamy and bubbly—this means your yeast is active!
2. Mixing the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, add the bread flour and salt. Once your yeast is ready, pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Stir them together until you see a rough dough starting to form.
3. Kneading:
Transfer the rough dough to a floured surface. Knead it with your hands for about 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. If it gets too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour as needed while kneading.
4. Coloring the Dough:
Now it’s time to make it colorful! Divide your dough into 6 equal portions and take one portion at a time. Add a few drops of food coloring gel to each portion and knead until the color is well mixed and vibrant—get creative and have fun!
5. Shaping the Bagels:
Take small sections from each colored dough and roll them into ropes about 8-10 inches long. Press these colored ropes together side by side. Twist and gently roll them to create a multi-color rope, making sure the colors stay separated and vibrant.
6. Forming the Bagels:
Shape each colorful rope into a bagel by forming a ring and pinching the ends together to seal. Place them on a clean surface and cover loosely with a towel. Let them rise for about 30 minutes until they’ve puffed up a little.
7. Prepping for Baking:
While your bagels are rising, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, in a large pot, bring water to a boil. If you’re using malt syrup or honey, add it to the boiling water; this will make the bagels extra chewy!
8. Boiling the Bagels:
Drop the bagels into the boiling water, 2-3 at a time. Boil them for about 1 minute on each side. This is what gives bagels their unique texture! Once boiled, use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a wire rack to drip dry.
9. Adding Toppings:
While the bagels are still wet, sprinkle your favorite toppings on top. Get creative—try sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even everything bagel seasoning!
10. Baking:
Transfer the bagels to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they look golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
11. Cooling:
Once baked, let the bagels cool on a wire rack before enjoying. They’re perfect for breakfast or as a fun snack that looks beautiful and tastes delicious!
Enjoy your vibrant, chewy Rainbow Bagels!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour, but keep in mind that the texture might be a bit less chewy. Bread flour has higher protein content, which is ideal for bagels.
How To Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw and toast when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Bagels Without Food Coloring?
Absolutely! If you prefer natural bagels, you can skip the food coloring. Alternatively, you could use natural food dyes, like beet juice for red or spinach puree for green, if you want to add a hint of color without artificial dyes.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky while kneading, simply sprinkle in small amounts of additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour, as this can make the bagels tough.
