Bagels

Bagels are a type of bread shaped like a donut, with a hole in the middle. They have a chewy inside and a shiny, crispy crust. Bagels started in Poland hundreds of years ago. Today, they are very popular in New York City and around the world.

How Bagels Are Made

What makes bagels special is how they are cooked. First, the dough is shaped into rings. Then the rings are boiled in hot water for a short time. After boiling, they are baked in a hot oven. This is why bagels have their chewy texture and shiny crust. Most other breads are not boiled before baking.

Bagel Toppings and Flavors

Bagels come in many flavors. Plain, sesame, poppy seed, and 'everything' bagels are common. Everything bagels have seeds, garlic, onion, and salt on top. People love to slice bagels in half and spread cream cheese on them. Some add smoked salmon, called lox, for a classic New York breakfast.

Fun Facts

• The hole in a bagel helps it cook more evenly.
• New Yorkers eat more bagels than people in most other cities.
• A bagel even went to space with an astronaut in 2008.

Did You Know?

The word bagel comes from an old word meaning 'ring' or 'bracelet' because of its round shape.