Bagelfest Day

Bagelfest Day: A Toast to Joy, Community, and Homemade Goodness

July 26th: Celebrate Bagelfest Day with Homemade Joy from Good Thyme Gal

Bagels are more than breakfast—they’re a celebration of comfort, culture, and connection. That’s why Bagelfest Day (July 26) is one of our favorite unsung food holidays here at Good Thyme Gal. Whether toasted and smeared with cream cheese, topped with avocado and veggies, or sandwiched with savory goodness, bagels are a blank canvas for creativity and a staple in kitchens across America.

And because we’re passionate about equity in the kitchen, we’re excited to share a homemade bagel recipe that’s budget-friendly, approachable, and perfect for first-time bakers.

Why Bagelfest Day Matters

Bagelfest Day is a celebration that started in Mattoon, Illinois; home to one of America’s original bagel factories. Over the years, it’s grown into a reminder of how food can bring people together regardless of background, income, or lifestyle.

At Good Thyme Gal, that ethos runs deep. We believe everyone deserves a place at the table, and recipes should be more about joy and nourishment than expensive ingredients or fancy equipment.

Bagels, like our mission, are humble yet powerful. They’ve traveled from Eastern Europe to New York delis to morning meetings and Sunday brunches across the nation. They feed communities. They make memories. They spark conversation, and that's why we celebrate them.

Why This Holiday Aligns with Good Thyme Gal

Good Thyme Gal is about creating delicious, meaningful food experiences that are affordable and welcoming. Bagelfest Day aligns with our values because:

• Bagels are accessible: Made with pantry staples and customizable to suit any diet.

• They encourage creativity: Sweet, savory, gluten-free, vegan (you can make a bagel your own).

• They represent cultural richness: Rooted in Jewish baking traditions, but beloved worldwide.

So let’s honor Bagelfest Day by rolling up our sleeves and baking something that feeds the body and soul together.

🥯 Equitable & Easy Homemade Bagels (No Fancy Tools Needed!)

Yields: 8 bagelsPrep Time: 20 minutes + 1 hour riseCook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups warm water

• 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)

• 1 tbsp sugar or honey

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (or a mix of whole wheat)

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp baking soda (for water bath)

• Toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, cinnamon sugar, etc.

Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast: In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until bubbly.

2. Make Dough: Add flour and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth.

3. Rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.

4. Shape Bagels: Divide dough into 8 balls. Poke a hole in the center and shape into rings.

5. Boil: Preheat oven to 425°F. Boil a large pot of water with baking soda. Boil bagels 1 minute per side.

6. Bake: Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Add toppings. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

7. Enjoy: Serve warm with cream cheese, jam, eggs, or your favorite spread!

   
   

Celebrate Flavor, Celebrate You

Whether you’re a first-time baker or a bagel fanatic, this recipe brings the bakery to your home. It’s simple, satisfying, and best of all, affordable. Pair it with your favorite toppings, serve it at brunch, or gift a batch to a neighbor.

At Good Thyme Gal, we believe every meal is a chance to nourish, connect, and thrive, no matter your background or budget. Bagelfest Day is a delicious reminder that sometimes the most comforting foods are also the most unifying.

Let’s Make It a Bagelfest Bash!

🎥 Level Up Your Baking Skills with Good Thyme Gal on YouTube! 🎥🍰

Looking for a little extra guidance in the kitchen? Whether you're mastering a new recipe or perfecting an old favorite, my Good Thyme Gal YouTube channel is here to help! I share step-by-step tutorials, helpful tips, and fun tricks to make baking easier and more enjoyable. From cookies and cakes to savory treats, you’ll gain the confidence to create something amazing!

Let’s celebrate together! 🎉👉 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel today and let’s bake up some magic together!#BakingTips #GoodThymeGal #YouTubeBaking #CookingConfidence #BakeWithMe

Share your bagel creations with us on Instagram @Chrstyleeb and tag your post with #BagelWithThyme. We can’t wait to see how you make this recipe your own!

Until next thyme,

– Good Thyme Gal 🌿