California chopped BLT bagel,

California Chopped BLT Bagel: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

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California Chopped BLT Bagel: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

If you’re a fan of bagels, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re diving into the world of homemade bagels with a focus on a mouthwatering variation: the California Chopped BLT Bagel. This recipe combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with the chewy, satisfying texture of a homemade bagel. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this guide will walk you through every step to create the perfect bagel at home.

Why Make Homemade Bagels?

Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about why making bagels at home is worth the effort. Store-bought bagels can be delicious, but nothing compares to the taste and texture of a freshly baked, homemade bagel. Plus, when you make them yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more customizable option.

The California Chopped BLT Bagel is a unique twist on the traditional bagel, combining the smoky flavors of bacon, the freshness of lettuce and tomato, and the creamy richness of mayonnaise. It’s a perfect breakfast, brunch, or even lunch option that will impress your family and friends.

The Perfect Homemade Bagel Recipe

To create the California Chopped BLT Bagel, we’ll start with a base of homemade bagels. This recipe has been tested and loved by hundreds of home cooks, with a 4.4-star rating and over 300 reviews. It’s the perfect foundation for our BLT-inspired creation.

Ingredients for Homemade Bagels

Here’s what you’ll need to make 6 authentic, chewy bagels:

For the Bagels:

  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • 4 ½ cups bread flour
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast
  • 4 quarts water (for boiling)
  • 1 cup honey (optional, for boiling)

For the Toppings (Optional):

  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine 1 ¼ cups water, 4 ½ cups bread flour, 3 tablespoons white sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1 tablespoon instant yeast.
  2. Mix on low speed until the dough is well-developed, about 8 minutes. To test if the gluten has developed fully, take a walnut-sized piece of dough and stretch it. If it tears immediately, knead for a few more minutes. The dough should form a thin, translucent “windowpane” when stretched.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rise

  1. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 2 hours.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels

  1. After the dough has risen, punch it down and place it on a lightly floured work surface.
  2. Use a knife or dough scraper to divide the dough into 6 equal pieces.
  3. Roll each piece into a sausage shape about 6 inches long, then join the ends to form a circle.
  4. Let the bagels rest for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Boil the Bagels

  1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of honey (if using) to the water for a hint of sweetness and a chewy texture.
  3. Boil the bagels in batches of three, cooking for about 1 minute per side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Add Toppings

  1. Dip the tops of the wet bagels into your desired toppings, such as poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or dried onion flakes.
  2. Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Bagels

  1. Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they begin to brown.
  2. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Creating the California Chopped BLT Bagel

Now that you have your freshly baked bagels, it’s time to transform them into the ultimate California Chopped BLT Bagel. Here’s how:

Ingredients for the BLT Topping:

  • 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, finely chopped
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Slice the homemade bagels in half and lightly toast them.
  2. In a bowl, combine the chopped bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
  3. Mix in the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Spread the BLT mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bagel.
  5. Top with the other half of the bagel and serve immediately.

The Art of Making Homemade Bagels

Making homemade bagels is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy fresh, chewy, and flavorful bagels right from your kitchen. The process begins with a simple dough made from bread flour, water, sugar, salt, vegetable oil, and yeast. The key to achieving the perfect bagel texture lies in the kneading and boiling steps. Kneading the dough until it passes the “windowpane test” ensures that the gluten is fully developed, giving the bagels their signature chewiness. After shaping the dough into rings, the bagels are briefly boiled in water (often with honey or barley malt syrup) before baking. This step creates a glossy exterior and a dense, chewy interior. Homemade bagels are incredibly versatile and can be customized with various toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt. By mastering this recipe, you’ll have a foundation for creating endless bagel variations, including the California Chopped BLT Bagel.

 Why the California Chopped BLT Bagel Stands Out

The California Chopped BLT Bagel is a creative twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining the smoky flavors of bacon, the freshness of lettuce and tomato, and the creamy richness of mayonnaise—all served on a homemade bagel. What makes this dish unique is the contrast between the chewy, slightly sweet bagel and the savory, crunchy BLT topping. This recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors and textures. The chopped BLT mixture is easy to prepare and can be customized with additional ingredients like avocado, red onion, or a fried egg. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, the California Chopped BLT Bagel is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Plus, using homemade bagels elevates the dish, making it a standout option for any occasion.

 Tips for Perfecting Your California Chopped BLT Bagel

To ensure your California Chopped BLT Bagel turns out perfectly, follow these tips:

  1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce are essential for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Toast the Bagels Lightly: Toasting the bagels adds a slight crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy when topped with the BLT mixture.
  3. Customize the Toppings: Add avocado, red onion, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
  4. Prepare Ahead: You can make the bagels a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Assemble the BLT topping just before serving to keep everything fresh.
  5. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding a dash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard to the mayonnaise for a tangy kick. By following these tips, you’ll create a California Chopped BLT Bagel that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing and Instagram-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The California Chopped BLT Bagel is more than just a sandwich—it’s an experience. The combination of the chewy, slightly sweet homemade bagel with the savory, smoky BLT topping is irresistible. Plus, making your own bagels allows you to enjoy a fresher, healthier alternative to store-bought options.

This recipe is perfect for:

  • Weekend Brunch: Impress your guests with a unique and delicious dish.
  • Meal Prep: Prepare the bagels and BLT mixture separately for quick, easy meals throughout the week.
  • Special Occasions: Serve these bagels at your next gathering for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (based on the original bagel recipe, without toppings):

  • Calories: 320
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the toppings and BLT mixture used.

Print

California Chopped BLT Bagel: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

California chopped BLT bagel,
Print Recipe

Bagels are a classic breakfast or snack item, and making them at home is easier than you might think! This recipe yields chewy, flavorful bagels with a golden crust. Customize them with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt. Follow the tips below for perfect results every time.

  • Author: Emma Parker
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bagels:

  • 1 ¼ cups water
  • 4 ½ cups bread flour
  • 3 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon instant yeast

For Boiling:

  • 4 quarts water
  • 1 cup honey (optional, for sweetness and chewiness)

Toppings (optional):

  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough:
    • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine water, flour, sugar, salt, vegetable oil, and yeast.
    • Mix on low speed for 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
    • Perform the “windowpane test”: Stretch a small piece of dough. If it tears easily, knead for another 1-2 minutes.
  2. First Rise:
    • Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel.
    • Let it rise for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  3. Shape the Bagels:
    • Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces.
    • Roll each piece into a 6-inch log, then join the ends to form a circle.
    • Let the shaped bagels rest for 15 minutes.
  4. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Place toppings (if using) on small plates near the baking sheet.
  5. Boil the Bagels:
    • Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add honey if desired.
    • Boil 3 bagels at a time for 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on the baking sheet.
  6. Add Toppings:
    • Dip the tops of the wet bagels into your desired toppings.
    • Sprinkle with coarse salt if desired.
  7. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Cool and Serve:
    • Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

  1. Gluten Development: Ensure the dough is kneaded enough to pass the “windowpane test” for a chewy texture.
  2. Boiling the Bagels: Boiling gives bagels their signature crust. Don’t skip this step!
  3. Toppings: Add toppings immediately after boiling while the bagels are still wet for better adhesion.
  4. Storage: Store bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320 kcal per serving
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g

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Final Thoughts

The California Chopped BLT Bagel is a delightful fusion of classic flavors and homemade goodness. By following this recipe, you’ll not only master the art of making bagels but also create a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, this bagel is a true crowd-pleaser.

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