Asiago Cheese Bagels
- 2 cups + 2 Tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 package (0.25 ounce) instant yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water (115 degrees F)
- 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1-1/2 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
- 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) asiago cheese or six-cheese blend, shredded
- In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, yeast, 1-1/2 Tablespoons sugar, Parmesan, dried onion, and salt. Add warm water and combine with dough hooks on low mixer speed until dough forms. Add a little more flour or water if necessary to reach desired consistency.
- Roll out dough on lightly-floured surface. Knead until dough becomes smooth and elastic (a few minutes or so). Let rest in a lightly oiled bowl, covered, for 10 minutes.
- With floured scissors, cut into six portions of equal size. Shape each portion into a smooth ball and poke a hole in center. Gently pull dough outwards until hole reaches 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Place on greased baking sheet and cover dough with a warm, damp cloth. Let rise 20 minutes.
- While dough is rising, place 1 gallon water mixed with 1 Tablespoon sugar in a large, deep pot over high heat. Once water begins boiling, lower heat until water reaches a simmer. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Broil bagels on low at least 6 inches from heat for 3 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Gently drop 3-4 bagels at a time into simmering water. Cook 7 minutes, turning once halfway through. Drain on paper towels. Return bagels to greased baking sheet and bake 25 minutes. When about 12-15 minutes of cook time remains, quickly remove baking sheet from oven, sprinkle asiago cheese atop each bagel, and then continue baking for remainder of time.