Why You’ll Love Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bagels

There are so many reasons to fall in love with these Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bagels. Here are some key factors that make them a standout:

• Unique Fusion of Two Favorites – The combination of bagel and pretzel brings together the best of both worlds. The soft, doughy interior of a bagel and the crispy, salty pretzel exterior creates a delightful contrast that makes each bite irresistible. It’s a fusion of flavors and textures that you won’t find in any regular bagel or pretzel.
• Sourdough Flavor – The use of sourdough discard adds a distinct tangy depth to the bagels, giving them a more complex and interesting flavor. The sourdough discard brings a subtle fermented taste that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the pretzel crust.
• Minimal Waste – One of the most beneficial aspects of using sourdough discard is that it reduces food waste. Instead of tossing out the discard that accumulates while feeding your sourdough starter, you can turn it into something delicious, which makes this recipe not only tasty but also environmentally friendly.
• Easy to Make – Although these bagels involve a few extra steps compared to regular bagels, the process is still straightforward. From mixing the dough to shaping and boiling, each step is manageable, and the end result is incredibly rewarding. Plus, with just a few ingredients, you can create a batch of these bagels with minimal effort.
• Versatile for Any Meal – These pretzel bagels can be enjoyed at any time of day. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, as a snack, or even as a side dish to accompany soups and salads. You can top them with your favorite spreads like cream cheese, butter, or even avocado. They’re incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your tastes.
• Freezer-Friendly – These bagels freeze beautifully, so you can make a batch, store them in the freezer, and enjoy fresh bagels whenever you like. Simply warm them in the oven or toaster for a few minutes, and you’ll have that crispy, chewy goodness any time you want.

The Role of Sourdough Discard

The use of sourdough discard in this recipe gives the bagels a unique flavor profile and makes them stand out from regular bagels. Here’s why sourdough discard is the perfect addition:

• Tangy and Complex Flavor – Sourdough discard is fermented, which means it has a naturally tangy taste. This fermented flavor enhances the dough and gives the bagels a more interesting taste compared to bagels made with regular yeast.
• Reduces Food Waste – If you’re maintaining a sourdough starter, you likely have leftover discard after each feeding. Instead of tossing it out, using it in this recipe allows you to make the most of the discard, contributing to less waste. It’s a great way to repurpose that excess sourdough starter.
• Improved Texture – The fermentation process also improves the texture of the dough, resulting in bagels that have a slightly chewier bite, reminiscent of traditional pretzels. The natural rise and development of the sourdough starter adds to the bagel’s overall doughy texture.

The Perfect Pretzel Exterior

One of the defining features of these Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bagels is the crisp, salty pretzel crust. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Baking Soda Bath – To achieve the iconic pretzel crust, these bagels are dunked in a baking soda bath before baking. The alkaline solution helps the exterior of the dough brown beautifully and develop that signature crunch that pretzels are known for. This step is what gives the bagels their crispy texture and deep golden color.
• Salt Topping – Just like traditional pretzels, these bagels are topped with flaky sea salt to create that salty kick that contrasts beautifully with the mild, slightly sweet bagel dough. The salt enhances the flavor and adds an extra layer of savory satisfaction to each bite.
• Crispy and Golden – The combination of the baking soda bath and the egg wash creates a crisp and shiny exterior that complements the soft, chewy interior. The bagels bake to a golden-brown perfection, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Shaping the Bagels

Shaping the dough into bagels is an important step to achieve the characteristic bagel form. Here’s why it matters:

• Classic Bagel Shape – The process of rolling the dough into balls and then using your thumb to create the hole in the center ensures that these bagels have the classic bagel shape. This shape is important not only for presentation but also for even cooking. The hole allows the bagels to cook uniformly and helps achieve the perfect texture.
• Chewy Texture – The shaping technique ensures that the dough rises in a way that gives the bagels a chewy and dense texture. The hole in the center is key for bagel baking because it allows the bagel to maintain its shape as it bakes to perfection.

Freezing for Future Enjoyment

One of the great perks of these Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bagels is that they freeze well, so you can enjoy them later. Here’s how you can make the most of this feature:

• Make Ahead for Busy Mornings – If you’re someone who enjoys fresh bagels for breakfast but doesn’t have time to bake every morning, making a batch and freezing them is the perfect solution. Simply bake the bagels, let them cool, and freeze them in an airtight container or bag. When you’re ready to eat, pop one in the oven or toaster for a quick and easy breakfast.
• Long-Term Storage – These bagels freeze well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy them long after they’re made. Having a stash of homemade bagels on hand ensures that you always have a fresh, flavorful snack or breakfast option available.
• Reheating Tips – To reheat the bagels, simply warm them in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also toast them for a few minutes if you prefer a crispy bagel.

Serving and Enjoying Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bagels

These bagels are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for enjoying them:

• With Cream Cheese – The classic way to enjoy bagels is with a generous spread of cream cheese. You can even add some smoked salmon or fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers for a more filling meal.
• As a Breakfast Sandwich – Use these bagels as the base for a breakfast sandwich. Layer them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon for a hearty and satisfying start to your day.
• With Avocado – For a lighter, healthier option, slice open the bagel and spread it with mashed avocado, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple yet flavorful breakfast or snack.
• With Nut Butter – If you’re looking for a more indulgent treat, spread peanut butter or almond butter on these warm bagels and drizzle with honey or jam for a sweet and salty snack.

Conclusion

Sourdough Discard Pretzel Bagels are the perfect blend of two beloved treats—bagels and pretzels. With a crispy, salty exterior and a chewy, soft interior, they deliver the best of both worlds. The addition of sourdough discard not only gives these bagels a unique tangy flavor but also helps reduce food waste, making the recipe both delicious and eco-friendly.

Easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, these bagels are a great addition to any baker’s repertoire. Whether enjoyed with cream cheese for breakfast or used as the base for a savory sandwich, these bagels will quickly become a favorite in your home. So, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious fusion of bagels and pretzels in every bite!