Toasted bagels are the perfect combination of crunchy and chewy that can make a delicious and scrumptious accompaniment to any breakfast. Even better, bagels freeze just fine. So you can keep them in stock, without having to spend them all at once. Whether you buy freshly baked bagels and freeze them yourself, or buy pre-frozen bagels from the store, thawing bagels is easy. And if you have leftover bagels you want to keep, freezing them is easy too!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Defrosting Frozen Bagels
Step 1. Moisten the bagels under running water and bake them for the most authentic flavor
Hold the frozen bagel under cold running water for about 30 seconds. Place the bagels in the toaster or regular oven at 180 °C for about 5 minutes to defrost.
- A regular oven or toaster oven does not need to be preheated for this method.
- Bagels are cooked by boiling, then baking. So, this is the most similar method of replicating the original cooking process.
Tip:
Wait until the bagels are crispy and warm in the middle to eat them so they will taste the most like a freshly baked bagel.
Step 2. Microwave the frozen bagels at 10-second intervals if your time is limited
Moisten the tissue paper and wrap the bagel before placing it in the microwave. Put the bagels in the microwave and then heat them on high every 10 seconds until they are completely thawed.
If you have more time and want a bagel that tastes better, continue this method by baking it in the regular oven or toaster oven for 2 minutes to make it crispy
Step 3. Thaw frozen bagels at room temperature overnight if you wish the next day
Remove the bagels to be defrosted from the freezer and place them on a tray. Leave it overnight in a cool, dry place to thaw it so it's ready to eat the next day.
Newer bagels will taste more original when thawed using this method
Method 2 of 2: Freezing Bagels Properly
Step 1. Wrap the bagel in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 1 month
Make sure the bagels are completely cold before freezing. Wrap each bagel tightly in aluminum foil to prevent it from freezing, freeze it, and eat it in less than a month so it still tastes great.
You can leave the bagels wrapped in aluminum foil and thaw at room temperature before eating
Tip:
Freeze bagels the same day they are baked or purchased to optimize their freshness when thawed later.
Step 2. Place the bagels in a special freezer ziplock bag to freeze for up to 6 months
Put each bagel in an individual bag with a zipper on top and let the air out of the bag before closing. Bagels stored in the freezer with this method will not freeze for 3-6 months.
- Label the bag with the date it was frozen to remember to eat the bagel before it expires.
- You can slice the bagels first before placing them in the freezer so that you have the slices ready to bake when the bagels are ready to eat.
Step 3. Wrap the bagel in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for more protection
The plastic wrap will add an extra layer of protection to prevent frostbite. Wrap each bagel separately, then put some fruit in a large ziplock bag specifically for the freezer, then freeze.
