Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels

These Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels are an absolute delight! Made from your sourdough discard, these bagels are easy to whip up and burst with flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a midday snack, they come together with minimal effort. Once you try these homemade bagels, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday ingredients, making it accessible and budget-friendly.
• Flavorful Twist: Fresh blueberries add a burst of sweetness that elevates the classic bagel experience.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Enjoy these bagels with cream cheese in the morning or turn them into a quick sandwich for lunch.
• Great for Leftovers: Use your sourdough discard creatively while avoiding waste, making this recipe environmentally friendly.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out blueberries for other fruits or toppings, keeping it fresh and exciting every time.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious bagels, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• stand mixer
• measuring cups
• baking sheet
• large pot
• bench scraper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer: This tool makes kneading effortless, ensuring your dough is mixed thoroughly without tiring your arms.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving perfect consistency in your dough.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked bagels.
• Bench Scraper: This handy tool makes dividing and shaping the dough easier, giving you better control over your bagel sizes.

Ingredients

These are the simplest bagels you will ever make! They are made with just a few ingredients, including your sourdough discard. Once you have tried these, it’s hard to imagine buying store-bought bagels ever again.

For the Dough

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 2 ¼ tsp yeast
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 cup sourdough discard
• 2 tbs honey

For Boiling and Baking

• 1 tbs baking soda
• 1 tbs sugar
• 1 egg for egg wash

How to Make Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In the stand mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast. In a separate small bowl, mix together the warm water, honey, and sourdough discard until fully dissolved.

Step 2: Knead the Dough

With the stand mixer on low speed, slowly add in the sourdough discard mixture. Let it knead on low for about 5-10 minutes. When the dough is almost formed, gently fold in the fresh blueberries until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Cover the dough with a tea towel or bowl cover. Allow it to rest on the counter for two hours or until it has doubled in size.

Step 4: Shape Your Bagels

Once risen, transfer the dough to a clean work surface. Use your bench scraper to divide it into 8 equal parts. Shape each piece into a bagel by either pushing a hole through the center or rolling them into snakes and connecting the ends.

Step 5: Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add in baking soda and sugar. Carefully place 2-3 bagels at a time into boiling water. Boil each side for about 30-45 seconds before flipping them over with a slotted spoon.

Step 6: Bake Your Bagels

Transfer boiled bagels onto a baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Whisk an egg with a splash of water and brush this egg wash over each bagel before baking them at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Let cool slightly before slicing open. These delightful Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels can be enjoyed plain or with cream cheese or as part of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!

How to Serve Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels

Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels are delightful on their own, but they can be enhanced in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your bagel experience.

With Cream Cheese

• Classic Spread: A smooth layer of cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of blueberries.
• Flavored Cream Cheese: Try flavored varieties like chive or strawberry for an exciting twist.

As a Breakfast Sandwich

• Egg and Cheese: Layer a fried egg and cheese for a hearty breakfast option that keeps you full all morning.
• Avocado Toast Style: Smash avocado on the bagel and top with salt, pepper, and chili flakes for a trendy brunch dish.

With Nut Butters

• Peanut Butter: Spread natural peanut butter on your bagel for a protein-packed snack that complements the blueberries.
• Almond Butter: Almond butter offers a nutty flavor that pairs well with fresh fruit slices on top.

As a Sweet Treat

• With Honey Drizzle: Drizzling honey over your bagel enhances its sweetness, making it a delightful dessert option.
• Fruit Jam: Pairing the bagel with your favorite fruit jam will bring out the blueberry flavor even more.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels

Serving Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some ideas that pair nicely.

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a wholesome breakfast option.
2. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bagel perfectly.
3. Oven-Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side dish that complements any meal.
4. Vegetable Soup: A light vegetable soup is soothing and works well alongside these flavorful bagels.
5. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad adds crunch and brightness to your meal, enhancing flavors without overwhelming.
6. Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious pudding can be served as a sweet side or dessert, offering additional fiber and healthy fats.
7. Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds provides energy, making it ideal as part of breakfast or brunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect yeast measurement: Using too much or too little yeast can affect the bagels’ rise. Always measure your ingredients accurately for best results.
• Not using warm water: Cold water can hinder the yeast activation process. Ensure your water is warm, around 110°F (43°C), for optimal fermentation.
• Overmixing dough: Kneading the dough too much can make the bagels tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the dough is smooth.
• Skipping the boiling step: Boiling bagels is essential for achieving that chewy texture. Don’t skip this crucial step; it makes all the difference!
• Inadequate rising time: Rushing through the resting time can lead to dense bagels. Allow at least two hours for the dough to rise and double in size.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven affects cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels

• Place cooled bagels in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with date!

Reheating Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds until soft.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side, ensuring they don’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels unique?

These bagels utilize sourdough discard, adding a delightful tanginess and reducing waste while creating delicious treats.

Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them into the dough to avoid excess moisture.

How do I customize my Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels?

Feel free to add different fruits like raspberries or chocolate chips, or incorporate spices like cinnamon for added flavor.

How long do Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels last?

When stored properly, they last about 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough Discard Blueberry Bagels are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Their delightful blueberry flavor combined with sourdough tang makes them a perfect breakfast treat. Feel free to customize them with your favorite flavors or toppings. Give this recipe a try; you’ll never want store-bought bagels again!