The bagel, once a humble breakfast staple in the United States, has made its way across the globe and captured the hearts of food enthusiasts everywhere. Malaysia, too, has embraced the bagel craze, witnessing a surge in bagel specialty shops offering a variety of innovative flavors and fillings.
Beyond the classic plain bagel, there's a world of flavor combinations waiting to be explored. From classic plain bagels to delicious combinations like matcha with chestnut, chocolate chip or cheesy wholemeal, there's a bagel for every palate.
In our previous post, we explored the different textures of bagels, the type of suitable flour as well as a step-by-step guide on how to shape bagels.
Today we will explore a variety of bagels that will tantalize your taste buds.
PLAIN BAGELS
The classic plain bagel, the OG of bagels, remains a timeless favorite. Bagels with their crunchy exterior and dense, chewy texture inside and their neutral flavoured profile makes them the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings.
For a quick and delicious breakfast, plain bagels would make a great pairing with either sweet or savory cream cheese filling. Toast, slice then generously layer on with your favourite cream cheese spread!
WHOLEMEAL BAGELS
Add some wholemeal flour into the dough for a more nutty flavour and aroma. We used Minoterie's T80 Mill Stone Farine De Mon Pere.
Wholemeal bagels are more nutty than a plain bagel, so it is a popular choice for folks seeking a more fibrous breakfast option. Pair a whole wheat bagel with a drizzle of honey for sweetness or plain cream cheese.
In the photo above, cheese is baked into the bagel dough. When cheese is baked into the bagel dough, it melts and creates a gooey, cheesy center. This adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the chewy texture of the bagel.
Sprinkling cheese on top of the bagel would also be a great idea as that adds a layer of crispiness and a concentrated burst of cheesy flavor. This can create a delightful contrast between the soft, chewy interior and the crunchy exterior.
MATCHA BAGELS
Matcha bagels offer a delightful fusion of the chewy texture of traditional bagels with the earthy, slightly bitter sweet taste of matcha.
We incorporated matcha powder into the dough itself. For a sweet and savory combination, consider trying matcha bagels filled with red beans, which offer a burst of sweetness and a delightful contrast in texture.
Alternatively, chestnut paste can add a touch of nutty sweetness to the matcha-flavored bagel, creating a harmonious and indulgent treat.
CHOCOLATE BAGELS
Chocolate is a classic flavor that appeals to almost everyone. A chocolate bagel is a decadent treat that combines the classic chewy texture of bagels with the rich, satisfying flavor of chocolate.
Chocolate bagels can be made with cocoa-infused dough, or they can be filled with chocolate chips or a generous drizzle of chocolate ganache/sauce.
Pictured above in the center, we have chocolate chip bagels which are a dream come true for chocolate lovers. Soft, chewy, and loaded with rich dark chocolate chips, these bagels are simply irresistible.
For a delightful crunch, try a chocolate bagel filled with nuts, which adds a satisfying texture and a touch of nuttiness.
Whether you prefer a classic chocolate chip bagel or a more adventurous chocolate walnut combination, there's a chocolate bagel to satisfy every craving.
