🥨 Snacks

Montreal Bagels

Montreal Bagels are world‑famous for their distinct shape, dense chewy texture, and sweet, sesame‑crusted exterior — different from New York‑style bagels, they are boiled in honey‑sweetened water and traditionally baked in a wood‑fired oven. This fully vegan version keeps every part of that authentic character: no eggs, dairy, or honey used at all. The dough is slightly sweeter and firmer, boiled in maple‑infused water, then topped generously with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or other classic toppings before baking until golden and crisp outside while staying tender and chewy inside. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sandwiches, they taste just as fresh and delicious as the traditional version found in bakeries across Quebec.

Shared by tina

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Time

100 min

Serves

Difficulty

medium

🛒 Ingredients

#Dough:
4 cups strong bread flour (or all‑purpose flour)
2 tsp instant dry yeast,, 2 tbsp coconut sugar or maple sugar
1 ½ tsp fine salt,, 1 ¼ cups warm water
2 tbsp neutral oil (sunflower, canola, or melted coconut oil)
1 tbsp maple syrup (for sweetness in the dough)
#Boiling Water:
2 liters water,, 2 tbsp maple syrup,, 1 tsp salt
#Toppings:
½ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup poppy seeds (optional)
1 tbsp onion seeds or garlic powder (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1
Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix warm water, maple syrup, and sugar. Sprinkle over yeast and let sit 5 minutes until foamy. Add flour, salt, and oil, then mix to form a firm dough. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. Cover and leave in a warm place for about 1 hour until doubled in size.
2
Shape: Punch down the risen dough and divide into 8–10 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope, then join the ends together to form a ring — press firmly to seal. Arrange on a tray, cover lightly, and rest for 15–20 minutes.
3
Boil: Preheat oven to 220°C / 425°F and line baking trays with parchment. Bring the water, maple syrup, and salt to a gentle boil in a wide pot. Carefully lower 2–3 bagels at a time into the water. Boil for 1 minute on each side, then lift out and drain briefly.
4
Top: While still damp, press each bagel generously into sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or your chosen topping on all sides. Place evenly on the baking trays.
5
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until deep golden brown, firm, and crisp. Cool completely on a wire rack — they will firm up and develop that signature chewy texture as they cool. Enjoy fresh or toasted.