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Rainbow Bagel

Rainbow Bagel

Paul, AI Chef
Learn how to make vibrant rainbow bagels at home with simple steps. Perfect for any occasion, topped with fun and colorful ingredients!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 bagels
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Bagel Dough:

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour 17.6 oz
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt 0.25 oz
  • 2 tablespoons sugar 0.75 oz
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast 0.2 oz
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water 10 oz, 110°F
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 0.5 oz
  • 1 large egg for egg wash

For the Colorful Dye:

  • Red food coloring
  • Yellow food coloring
  • Blue food coloring
  • Green food coloring

For Boiling:

  • 4 quarts water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar 0.5 oz

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dough:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
  • Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until the dough forms.
  • Knead for about 8-10 minutes on a lightly floured surface until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Divide and Dye:

  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 4 equal portions.
  • Add a few drops of food coloring to each portion of dough (red, yellow, blue, and green).
  • Knead each portion until the color is evenly distributed.

Shape the Bagels:

  • Take one portion of each color and roll each into a long rope (about 10-12 inches long).
  • Lay the ropes side by side and twist them together to form a colorful dough log.
  • Pinch the ends to form a ring, creating a bagel shape.
  • Repeat with the remaining dough portions.

Boil the Bagels:

  • In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil and stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar.
  • Carefully drop the bagels, one at a time, into the boiling water and cook for 1 minute on each side.
  • Remove the bagels with a slotted spoon and set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake the Bagels:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Brush the boiled bagels with an egg wash (beaten egg).
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve & Enjoy:

  • Let the rainbow bagels cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with cream cheese or your favorite topping.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Rainbow Bagels:

  • Ensure the water temperature is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast properly.
  • To get vibrant colors, use gel food coloring rather than liquid.
  • If you want an even crispier bagel, try a quick broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Total Fat: 0.053 oz (1.5 g)
    • Saturated Fat: 0.018 oz (0.5 g)
    • Trans Fat: 0 oz (0 g)
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 0.0116 oz (330 mg)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 1.94 oz (55 g)
    • Dietary Fiber: 0.071 oz (2 g)
    • Sugars: 0.28 oz (8 g)
  • Protein: 0.32 oz (9 g)
  • Vitamin A: 0%
  • Vitamin C: 0%
  • Calcium: 6%
  • Iron: 8%