John M

Your bagels are dense because of a handful of common dough and technique mistakes, and the good news is every single one of them is fixable.   If you’ve ever pulled a tray of bagels out of the oven only to find they’re heavy, tough, and more like hockey pucks than the airy, chewy rounds … Read more

Your bagels are sinking because they aren’t holding onto the air and structure they need to rise properly in the oven.   Sinking bagels are a frustrating problem, but it’s also one of the most common issues home bakers face.   If you’ve been asking why are my bagels sinking, the short answer usually comes … Read more

Your bagels aren’t smooth because the dough lacks proper gluten development, isn’t hydrated enough, or wasn’t handled with the right technique during shaping and boiling.   If you’ve been staring at lumpy, dimpled, or wrinkly bagels wondering why they don’t have that glossy, tight skin from your favorite bakery, you’re not alone.   Many home … Read more

Your bagels are not browning because of a specific set of baking conditions that are easy to overlook.   If you’ve ever pulled a tray of bagels from the oven and found them pale and unappealing, you’re not alone, and the good news is that the fix is usually straightforward.   The main reasons your … Read more

Your bagels are gummy because of a few common baking mistakes that trap excess moisture inside the dough. If you’ve been wondering why are my bagels gummy, the answer usually comes down to how you handle the dough, the boiling process, and the baking time. Gummy bagels happen when the inside stays dense and chewy … Read more

Your bagels are doughy because they haven’t been boiled and baked long enough, or because the dough was too hydrated when it went into the oven.   If you’ve ever pulled a bagel out of the oven only to find a heavy, pale, and gummy center, you know exactly how frustrating it is to bite … Read more