RecipeSandwichCanadian CuisineSous-Chef60 Min Prep

From-Scratch Power Up Breakfast Bagel Masterclass

Let's be honest, mornings can be brutal.

That's why we created the Power Up Breakfast Bagel here at Coffee Culture Cafe And Eatery in Scarborough – a flavor explosion designed to kickstart your day.

But forget the drive-thru, we're going to build this masterpiece from the ground up.

I'm talking everything: the chewy, sesame-studded bagel, the rich and tangy hollandaise, the crisp bacon, and even a perfectly fried egg.

This isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure.

We'll use techniques that elevate each component, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.

Think about the satisfying crackle of bacon fat rendering in the pan, the vibrant yellow of a homemade hollandaise emulsifying to creamy perfection, the yeasty aroma of a freshly baked bagel filling your kitchen.

Forget store-bought shortcuts, we're unlocking the secrets to restaurant-quality flavor right in your own home.

This is more than just breakfast; it's an experience, a skill, a way to impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary prowess.

We'll guide you every step of the way, sharing our kitchen wisdom and pro tips to ensure your bagel is a triumph.

So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and let's get ready to power up our breakfast game.

This isn't just about making a bagel; it's about mastering the fundamentals and understanding how each element contributes to the overall symphony of flavors.

Trust me, once you taste the difference between a store-bought bagel and one you crafted with your own hands, you'll never go back.

And who knows, maybe you'll even open your own cafe someday! Are you ready to embark on this journey with us?

Let's make some magic happen in the kitchen!

SweetSaltySourBitterUmami

Taste Profile

Ingredients

5 items
1Servings

Total Time

3h 30m

1

Everything Bagel

180 min
Ingredients
  • 500 g Bread Flour
  • 320 ml Water
  • 7 g Active Dry Yeast
  • 1 tbsp Malt Syrup
  • 10 g Salt
  • 2 tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tbsp Honey
Instructions
  1. 1

    In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water with malt syrup. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. We always proof our yeast to ensure it's alive and kicking!

  2. 2

    In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the bread flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Our kitchen trick? A little extra kneading goes a long way!

  3. 3

    Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. We look for that telltale puffiness and airy texture.

  4. 4

    Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and form into a bagel shape, pinching the ends to seal. We aim for uniform size and shape for even baking.

  5. 5

    Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for 30 minutes. A shorter rise this time, just to let them relax a bit.

  6. 6

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add baking soda and honey. Gently drop the bagels into the boiling water, 1-2 at a time. Boil for 1 minute per side. This step is crucial for that signature chewy texture.

  7. 7

    Remove the bagels from the water and place them back on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Don't be shy with the seasoning!

  8. 8

    Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crusty. The aroma in your kitchen will be intoxicating!

Hollandaise Sauce

15 min
Ingredients
  • 3 piece Egg Yolks
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 0.5 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 0.125 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 0.125 tsp Salt
  • 113 g Unsalted Butter
Instructions
  1. 1

    In a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water (double boiler), whisk together the egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt until pale and slightly thickened. Be careful not to scramble the eggs!

  2. 2

    Slowly drizzle in the melted and clarified butter, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thick, glossy, and emulsified. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. This requires patience and a steady hand.

  3. 3

    Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice for brightness or salt for flavor.

  4. 4

    Keep the hollandaise sauce warm in the double boiler until ready to use, whisking occasionally to prevent separation. Hold it too long and it'll break on you!

Main Recipe

01

Prepare the Bacon

In a cold pan, lay the bacon slices flat. Turn the heat to medium and allow the fat to render slowly, creating crispy, evenly cooked bacon. We always start with a cold pan; it prevents the bacon from seizing up and encourages even cooking. The sizzle should be gentle, not violent.

02

Fry the Egg

In the rendered bacon fat (or fresh butter), gently crack the egg. Cook to your desired doneness. For a runny yolk, cook until the whites are set but the yolk is still jiggly. We prefer medium-low heat to avoid rubbery whites.

03

Toast the Bagel

Slice the bagel in half and toast until golden brown and slightly crunchy. A little char is welcome, but don't burn it! The aroma of toasted bagel should fill your kitchen.

04

Assemble the Bagel

On the bottom bagel slice, layer the cheddar cheese (if using), crispy bacon, and fried egg. Drizzle generously with homemade hollandaise sauce. Top with the other bagel slice.

05

Serve Immediately

Serve your Power Up Breakfast Bagel immediately while the egg is still warm and the bagel is still toasty. Enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures!

Try These Variations

Vegetarian Delight

Swap out the bacon for grilled halloumi cheese and add some sliced avocado for a creamy, vegetarian-friendly option.

  • Replace bacon with grilled halloumi
  • Add sliced avocado

Spicy Kick

Add a dash of sriracha to the hollandaise sauce and use a spicy Italian sausage instead of bacon for a fiery start to your day.

  • Add sriracha to hollandaise
  • Use spicy Italian sausage
From the Kitchen

Chef's Notes

Wisdom

1For the perfect bagel texture, use a high-gluten bread flour.

2When poaching the egg, add a splash of vinegar to the water to help the whites set quickly.

3Toast the bagel slices until golden brown for a satisfying crunch.

Pitfalls

1Overmixing the bagel dough can result in a tough bagel.

2Letting the hollandaise sauce get too hot can cause it to curdle.

Origin Story

Bagels originated in Poland in the 17th century, becoming a staple food for the Jewish community.

Did you know?

The bagel has a hole because Polish bakers wanted to easily string them together for transport!

Perfect Pairings

  • Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Iced latte
  • Fruit salad

Inspired by Agincourt

This recipe captures the essence of Coffee Culture Cafe And Eatery in Scarborough. Authenticity isn't just about ingredients; it's about place.

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