How We Make Our Bagels

If you’re a fan of bagels, chances are you’ve had one of our famous Kettlemans bagels. Known for our delicious, hand-rolled bagels that are baked in a wood fire oven, Kettlemans has become a go-to spot for bagel lovers. But have you ever wondered how these delectable bagels are made? Well, wonder no more as we take you through the process of making them. 

Step 1: Mixing the Dough 

The first step in making our bagels is preparing the dough. This process starts with mixing all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. The ingredients are carefully measured to create the perfect balance of flavours. The dough is then kneaded until it becomes smooth and elastic. This is an important step as it creates the chewy texture that Montreal bagels are known for. 

Step 2: Rolling it Out 

After the dough has been mixed and kneaded, it is time to shape the bagels. The dough is divided into equal portions and rolled into a circular shape. A hole is then made in the center, giving the bagel its classic shape. This process requires skill and precision to ensure that each bagel is uniform in size and shape. 

Step 3: Kettling them in Honey Water 

Now comes the unique step that sets Kettlemans bagels apart from others – kettling. Kettling is a process where the bagels are boiled in a mixture of water and honey. This not only adds a touch of sweetness to the bagels but also gives them their signature shiny crust. The bagels are boiled for a short amount of time, just enough to give them a chewy but yet crispy texture.  

Step 4: Baking them in a Wood Fire Oven 

The final step in making Kettlemans bagels is baking them in a wood fire oven. This traditional method gives them a crispy crust. The oven is heated to a high temperature, and the bagels are placed on a wooden board called a shiva and slid into the oven. As the bagels bake, they get flipped and moved around in the oven for all of them to have an even bake. The aroma of freshly baked bagels fills the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. 

They are taken out of the oven and left to cool for a few minutes before being served. Nothing beats a fresh out of the oven bagel.