When it comes to choosing the perfect bagel, it can be overwhelming with all the options available. But don’t worry, you can easily navigate through the different types of bagels and find the one that fits your taste (and preferences).
We’ll go over the six characteristics of a great bagel — and how to use them to make the best choice for you.
Table of contents
Types of Bagels: The Differences
There are various types of bagels: plain, sesame, poppy seed, everything, garlic and onion, and more. Each type has a distinct flavor and texture, so it’s essential to understand the differences to make the right choice.
Plain bagels are the classic option and are perfect for those who want a simple and traditional taste. Sesame bagels — on the other hand — have a nutty flavor and a slightly crustier texture. Poppy seed bagels have a subtle crunch and a slightly sweeter taste. Everything bagels (as the name suggests), have a combination of different seeds and spices, giving a unique while complex flavor. Garlic and onion bagels have a savory taste and a stronger flavor.
Bagel101 Ingredients to Look For
A quality bagel should be made with only a few basic ingredients, including flour, water, yeast, sugar, and salt. Avoid bagels that contain preservatives, additives, and artificial flavors. These ingredients can negatively impact the taste and texture of the bagel – and they’re not healthy for you.
You should also look for bagels made with high-quality flour, as this can greatly affect the taste and texture of the final product. Additionally, you could look for bagels that are made with malt — it gives a nice sweetness to the bagel.
Freshness in a Bagel
A fresh bagel should have a slightly crispy crust and a soft, chewy inside. It should also have a slight yeasty aroma. Avoid bagels that are stale, hard, or have an off smell — these are signs that the bagel is not fresh.
How to Store and Reheat a Bagel
This is also an important factor to consider. The best way to store a bagel is to wrap it in a paper bag and keep it at room temperature. This will prevent the bagel from becoming stale and will preserve its freshness.
When reheating a bagel, you could use a toaster, oven, or microwave. Toasting the bagel in a toaster or oven will help to create a crispy crust and a warm, soft inside. That’s my favorite way to reheat them.
Microwaving the bagel will make it soft and warm but won’t give it the crispy crust that toasting does. If you don’t want the crispy crust — or are just in a hurry — this could be the way to go.
Bagels: Right Spreads and Toppings
This is a crucial aspect of enjoying your bagel to the fullest.
Pairing Bagels with the Right Spreads and Toppings is a crucial aspect of enjoying your bagel to the fullest.
Different types of bagels pair well with different spreads and toppings. For example, plain bagels are perfect with cream cheese, butter, or jam. Sesame bagels pair well with hummus or avocado spread. Poppy seed bagels are great with lox and cream cheese. Everything bagels are versatile and can be paired with a variety of spreads and toppings. Garlic and onion bagels are great with butter or cream cheese and smoked salmon.
Bagel Shops vs. Supermarkets: Where to Find the Best Bagels
This is the last important consideration.
While supermarkets may offer a variety of bagels, they may not always be of the highest quality. The best bagels are often found at small, local bagel shops that specialize in making fresh, high-quality bagels. These shops often use traditional methods and high-quality ingredients to make their bagels, resulting in superior taste and perfect texture.
In conclusion, choosing the right bagel can seem like a daunting task, but by understanding the differences in types of bagels, looking for quality ingredients, prioritizing freshness, storing and reheating properly, pairing with the right spreads and toppings, and knowing where to find the best bagels (in your local bagel shops), you can easily find the perfect bagel texture characteristics that fits your taste and preferences.
