Sourdough Blueberry Bagels: The EASY Homemade Recipe

Sourdough blueberry bagels, oh how I love them! There’s something so comforting about biting into a chewy, slightly tangy sourdough bagel bursting with sweet, juicy blueberries. These aren’t your average bakery bagels; these are homemade with love, patience, and a whole lot of sourdough goodness. Each bite of these sourdough blueberry bagels takes me back to Sunday mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the aroma of baking bread and the sweet scent of berries. 

This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients, slow fermentation, and the magic that happens when you combine sourdough with the vibrant flavor of blueberries. Whether you’re a sourdough enthusiast or just looking for a delicious breakfast treat, these bagels are guaranteed to become a new favorite. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game!

Why You Will Love This Sourdough Blueberry Bagels Recipe

This homemade sourdough bagels recipe is more than just a typical breakfast treat; it’s an experience. Firstly, the comforting tang of sourdough pairs perfectly with the burst of sweetness from the blueberries, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. Second, they are surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple steps, you can create bakery-quality bagels in the comfort of your own home. Moreover? The aroma of baking sourdough fills your kitchen.

There’s a certain magic in watching simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Plus, baking your own bagels means you can customize them to your exact liking, adding more blueberries or experimenting with different toppings. And truly nothing beats the satisfaction of enjoying a warm, chewy bagel you made from scratch. It’s a labor of love, but the reward is absolutely worth it. If you are looking for another way to use your sourdough, check out my Sourdough Blueberry Lemon Quick Bread for another berry-filled treat!

Ingredients Needed for This Sourdough Blueberry Bagels Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful blueberry sourdough bagels. Remember, the quality of your ingredients will impact the final flavor, so choose the best you can find.

For the Sourdough Starter:

• 1/2 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (420g) bread flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)

For Boiling:

• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons honey or barley malt syrup (optional, for added shine and flavor)

For Topping (Optional):

• Extra blueberries
• Everything bagel seasoning etc

How to Make This Sourdough Blueberry Bagels Recipe

Now for the fun part! Follow these step by step instructions to bake up chewy, delicious blueberry sourdough bagels.

1. 1. Activate the Sourdough Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. Feed it 4-6 hours before starting the dough.

1. 2. Combine the Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the active sourdough starter, warm water, honey or maple syrup, and salt. Add the bread flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

1. 3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 6-8 minutes.

1. 4. Incorporate the Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the blueberries to bleed and turn the dough purple.

1. 5. Bulk Fermentation: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let it bulk ferment for 8-12 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator. The dough should double in size. Remember that fermentation times can vary depending on the strength of your starter.

1. 6. Shape the Bagels: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long. Bring the ends together to form a circle, pinching the ends to seal tightly.

1. 7. Proof the Bagels: Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let them proof for 30-60 minutes. They should puff up slightly.

1. 8. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

1. 9. Boil the Bagels: Bring the water and honey or barley malt syrup (if using) to a boil in a large pot. Gently drop 2-3 bagels into the boiling water at a time. Boil for 1 minute per side.

1. 10. Add Toppings: Remove the bagels from the water with a slotted spoon and place them back on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, add extra blueberries or other toppings to the tops of the bagels.

1. 11. Bake the Bagels: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.

1. 12. Cool and Enjoy: Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying.

How to Serve This Sourdough Blueberry Bagels Recipe

These sourdough blueberry bagels are absolutely delicious on their own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate your experience. I love to toast them and spread them with cream cheese or a light ricotta for added richness. For a sweeter treat serve with a dollop of homemade jam.

These bagels also pair well with savory options. Try them with smoked salmon and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a delightful contrast of flavors. A slice of avocado and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also offer a satisfying, healthy topping. No matter how you choose to serve them, these bagels are guaranteed to be a hit.

How to Store This Sourdough Blueberry Bagels Recipe

Proper storage is key to keeping your homemade bagels fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration Instructions: Store leftover bagels in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
Freezing Guidelines: For longer storage, freeze the bagels. Place them in a freezer safe bag and store in the freezer fro up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, thaw at room temperature, slice horizontally, and toast until golden brown. This will restore their crispy exterior and chewy interior. You can also reheat bagels in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, but they may become a bit softer.

Tips to Make This Sourdough Blueberry Bagels Recipe

Want to perfect your bagel baking game? Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Don’t overmix: Be gentle when folding in the blueberries to prevent the dough from turning purple.
• Proper fermentation: Ensure your starter is active. The bulk fermentation is crucial for developing the signature sourdough flavor and texture.
• Boiling is key: Don’t skip the boiling step. This helps to create the bagels’ signature chewy crust.
• Toast before eating. Toasting brings out the beautiful flavors in these bagels even more!

Helpful Notes for This Sourdough Blueberry Bagels Recipe

Here are some extra tidbits and recommendations:

• Bread Flour: Bread flour is crucial for achieving the right chewy texture. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can add 1 teaspoon of vital wheat gluten per cup of flour to improve the texture.
• Sourdough Starter: The strength and activity of your sourdough starter will affect the rise time of the dough. Make sure your starter is bubbly and active before mixing the dough. I often use discard from my starter to make my 4 Ingredient Sourdough Discard Tortillas for an easy and delicious treat.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: You can use your preferred sweetener. Honey adds a subtle floral note, while maple syrup provides a richer, caramel like flavor.
• Follow us on Pinterest for more sourdough inspiration and delicious recipes!

Variation of This Sourdough Blueberry Bagels Recipe

Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to try:

• Lemon Blueberry Bagels: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist to the recipe. Consider making them into sourdough blueberry lemon donuts instead for the best of both treats.
• Cinnamon Swirl Blueberry Bagels: Sprinkle cinnamon into the dough to add a warm spice element to the recipe. Consider my recipe for The Best Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls and see if it inspires you to modify these bagels with cinnamon!
• Chocolate Chip Blueberry Bagels: Add chocolate chips or cacao nibs when you add the blueberries for a decadent, extra rich flavor.

Conclusion

Ready to bake up your new favorite breakfast? These sourdough blueberry bagels are a delightful combination of tangy sourdough and sweet blueberries, perfect for a weekend brunch or weekday treat. The process is simple, rewarding, and oh so delicious. Give these homemade sourdough blueberry bagels a try, and let the aroma of freshly baked bread fill your kitchen and warm your heart! Leave a comment below and let me know how they turn out!

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