Rainbow bagels are a fun twist on our favorite breakfast treat! With their bright colors and soft texture, these bagels are not just tasty but also a feast for the eyes.
Whenever I make rainbow bagels, it feels like I’m playing with food! They bring a smile to everyone’s face—perfect for brunch or just a fun snack any day of the week!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: This is key for bagels’ chewy texture. If you don’t have bread flour, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute, but the texture may be slightly softer.
Instant Yeast: Instant yeast is great for quick rising. If you only have active dry yeast, that works too—just dissolve it in warm water first.
Malt Syrup: This ingredient adds flavor and a nice shine. If you can’t find malt syrup, try using honey or sugar during boiling instead.
Food Coloring Gels: These give your bagels their vibrant colors. Use any safe food coloring you have on hand, but gels produce the best results as they mix easily without adding too much liquid.
Toppings: Have fun with toppings! Sesame seeds and colorful sprinkles are my favorites for a festive look, but oats or poppy seeds add a nice crunch.
How Do I Knead the Dough Like a Pro?
Kneading develops the gluten, giving the bagels their characteristic chew. Don’t rush this step! Here’s how to do it:
- Lightly flour your surface before you start to prevent sticking.
- Press the dough down with your palms, then fold it over and push again.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn after each fold to ensure even kneading.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic.
When it’s done, the dough should bounce back if you gently poke it. This means it’s ready for shaping and coloring!
How to Make Rainbow Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 4 cups bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F/45°C)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Coloring:
- Food coloring gels (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
For Boiling (Optional):
- 1 tablespoon malt syrup (optional, for boiling)
For Toppings (Optional):
- sesame seeds
- poppy seeds
- oats
- colorful sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 2 hours, including 15-20 minutes for preparation, 30-45 minutes for proofing, and 20-25 minutes for baking. After they cool, you’re all set to enjoy your colorful creations!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, instant yeast, salt, and granulated sugar. Pour in the warm water and vegetable oil. Mix everything until a rough dough starts to form. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to get it all together!
2. Knead the Dough:
Transfer your dough to a floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes, or until it feels smooth and elastic. When done, divide the dough into six equal portions to prepare for coloring.
3. Color the Dough:
Grab some food coloring gels and add a few drops to each portion of dough. Knead each piece until the colors are evenly mixed in. Don’t forget to put on plastic gloves to keep your hands clean!
4. Rest the Dough:
Shape each piece of colored dough into a ball. Cover them with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let them rest for 10 minutes. This gives the gluten a chance to relax.
5. Form the Rainbow Strands:
Now, take each colored dough ball and roll it into a long rope, about 12 inches long. Lay all the colored ropes side by side and gently twist or press them together to create one long multi-colored log.
6. Shape the Bagels:
Cut the multi-colored log into 6 equal pieces. Each piece will become one bagel. Roll each piece into a ring shape, making sure to press the ends together firmly so they stick.
7. Proof the Bagels:
Place your shaped bagels on a parchment-lined tray. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap, and let them rise in a warm spot for 30-45 minutes, or until they are slightly puffy.
8. Boil the Bagels:
While the bagels are proofing, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a gentle boil. If you want to use malt syrup, add it to the water. Boil the bagels, 1-2 at a time, for 1 minute on each side. Carefully remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain a bit.
9. Add Toppings:
While the bagels are still wet from boiling, sprinkle your choice of toppings on top. Be creative—this is where you can make them extra fun!
10. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then bake them for 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
11. Cool and Enjoy:
Finally, let the rainbow bagels cool on a rack before serving. Enjoy them plain or with your favorite spreads. They’re not just colorful—they’re super tasty too!
Can I Use Active Dry Yeast Instead of Instant Yeast?
Yes, you can! Just remember to dissolve it in warm water before adding to the other ingredients. This activates the yeast, allowing your bagels to rise properly.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they’re wrapped tightly!
What If I Don’t Have Food Coloring Gels?
If food coloring gels aren’t available, liquid food coloring can work too, but it may make the dough wetter. You can also use natural alternatives like beet juice for red or turmeric for yellow, although the colors won’t be as vibrant.
Can I Make These Bagels Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum to help the dough hold together. The bagels may have a slightly different texture but should still be delicious!