The Blueberry Bagel from Einstein Bros. Bagels features a fluffy, chewy texture studded with juicy blueberries, delivering a sweet and tangy flavor that makes it a delightful breakfast treat.
Equipments
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Slotted spoon
- Large pot (for boiling)
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 package (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon honey (for boiling water)
- Cornmeal (for dusting)
Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used in the recipe, but fresh berries may provide a more vibrant flavor and texture. Ensure your water is warm, around 110degF, to properly activate the active dry yeast for an ideal dough rise. Measuring ingredients accurately with cups and spoons will help maintain consistency when making the bagels. Honey in the boiling water adds a subtle sweetness and helps achieve a shiny crust. You will enjoy creating a Blueberry Bagel from Einstein Bros. Bagels copycat menu that captures the chewy texture and sweet-tangy burst of blueberries.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a measuring cup, dissolve active dry yeast in warm water; let sit until foamy (5 minutes).
- Add yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Use the stand mixer with dough hook to knead dough until smooth and elastic (8–10 minutes).
- Gently fold in blueberries with rubber spatula.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl; cover and let rise until doubled (about 1–1.5 hours).
- Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape.
- Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet; cover and let rest 15–20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add honey.
- Lower bagels (a few at a time) into boiling water using a slotted spoon; boil each side for 1 minute.
- Remove bagels and drain on a cooling rack.
- Sprinkle baking sheet with cornmeal; place bagels on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool on a cooling rack.
Substitution
The Blueberry Bagel from Einstein Bros. Bagels copycat menu blends chewy dough with bursts of sweet blueberries for a perfect breakfast indulgence. If fresh blueberries are not available, frozen ones work well but should be thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the dough. When boiling the bagels, adding honey to the water enhances the crust's shine and slight sweetness without overpowering the berry flavor. Cornmeal on the baking sheet prevents sticking and adds a subtle crunch to the bagel's base. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook ensures thorough kneading, which you can also do by hand if necessary, though it requires more time and effort.
Tips
Ensure your water is warm but not hot when activating the yeast, ideally around 110degF, to avoid killing the yeast and prevent dough from rising. When folding in blueberries, do so gently with a rubber spatula to avoid breaking them and turning the dough blue. Use cornmeal on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and achieve a desirable crust texture. You should boil bagels with honey in the water, as it adds a subtle sweetness and helps create the bagel's characteristic shiny crust.
Nutritions
The Blueberry Bagel from Einstein Bros. Bagels provides a good source of carbohydrates primarily from bread flour, which fuels your body with energy throughout the day. The addition of fresh or frozen blueberries contributes antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting your immune system and overall health. Each bagel contains moderate amounts of sugar, especially from the blueberries and the honey used in the boiling process, enhancing flavor while adding a small caloric boost. You can enjoy this bagel as a balanced breakfast, pairing it with protein or healthy fats to maximize nutritional benefits.
Storage
Store your Blueberry Bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain their soft, chewy texture. For longer storage, individually wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in a toaster oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute fresh blueberries with dried blueberries soaked in warm water for 10 minutes to maintain moisture and flavor if fresh berries are unavailable. Consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for an enhanced citrusy aroma that complements the blueberries. For a different texture, try boiling the bagels in water mixed with malt syrup instead of honey, which adds a richer flavor and glossy crust. To make your bagels extra chewy, allow the dough to rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight before shaping and boiling.
Allergies
The Blueberry Bagel contains wheat flour, which can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with gluten or wheat allergies. Blueberries are generally safe but may cause reactions in rare cases of fruit allergies. If you have food sensitivities, be cautious of honey and yeast, which might also cause adverse reactions in some people.
Why this recipe?
Einstein Bros. Bagels' Blueberry Bagel offers a perfect balance of sweet blueberries and a soft, chewy texture that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences. The bagel is made with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a flavorful and satisfying bite each time. You can recreate this popular menu item at home to enjoy the fresh taste and customize sweetness or texture to suit your liking. Copycat recipes allow you to save money while experiencing the same delicious blueberry flavor without leaving your kitchen.