Bagel Preparation

• In a small bowl, add the warm water, dry active yeast and brown sugar. Stir to combine and set aside.
• In a large bowl or in the bowl of a stand mixer, add the 4 ½ cups of bread flour, everything bagel seasoning and salt. Stir to combine.
• Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients.
• If using a stand mixer, use the dough hook and knead for 10 minutes, adding extra flour as needed.
• If mixing by hand, stir the dry ingredients into the yeast mixture until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand for 10 minutes.
• Allow the dough to rest for 5 minutes.
• Cut the dough into 8 equal sized pieces.
• Shape each portion of dough into a bagel and rise for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 425°F after rising.
• Boil water and drop the bagels in, boiling each for about 1 minute on each side.
• Remove the bagels and place them back on the cookie sheet. Top with cheese and bacon bits.
• Bake in the oven for 15-17 minutes until golden brown.
• Allow to cool for 10 minutes before cutting.