How To Defrost A Bagel Quickly? Easy Hacks

It is undeniable that bagels are in their best condition when they are fresh, except those that are eaten as soon as they are fresh from the oven, while the rest need to be properly stored. Therefore, freezing bagels will save their flavor at a later date. Proper defrosting will help restore them to a close as freshly bakes state as possible.

To defrost the bagel quickly, place the whole bagel onto a microwave-safe plate and set it in the microwave oven. Set the microwave to a high setting and then heat the bagel for about half a minute to defrost it enough and allow it to slice in half.

Just a piece of reminder, use frozen bagels within six months of freezing. Store thawed or fresh bagels in the refrigerator in the paper bag for up to one week.

Mist the bagel with a spray bottle of cool water to give them a crispy outer layer.

If you freeze these bagels pre-sliced with a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap so you can pop the halves into the toaster right straight from the oven.

Steps To Defrost A Bagel

Step 1: Moisten the bagel under running water and bake it for the most authentic flavor

Hold the frozen bagel under cool running water for about 30 seconds. Place the frozen bagel in the toaster oven or just a regular oven at 177 C (350 F) for about 5 minutes to defrost it.

Note:

• The oven does not need to be preheated in this method
• Bagels are cooked by boiling, then baking. This method is the closest thing to replicating the original cooking process of the bagel.

Wait until the bagel becomes crusty and warm in the middle to eat it for the closest thing to a fresh-baked bagel.

Step 2: Microwave the frozen bagel for a 10-second interval if you are short in time.

Moisten the paper towel and wrap it around the bagel before microwaving it. Stick the bagel in the microwave and heat it on high for 10 seconds or until it becomes defrosted.

You can follow this method by broiling the bagel in the oven for about two minutes to make it crusty if you have extra time and just want a better-tasting bagel.

Allow them 20 to 30 minutes to cool before eating.

Step 3: Defrost frozen bagels at room temperature overnight if you want them the next day.

Take out the bagels if you want to thaw them from the freezer and place them on the tray. Leave them overnight in a cool and dry place to defrost and they will be ready to be eaten the next day.

The fresher the bagels when you put them in the freezer, the fresher they will taste when you defrost them with this method.

How To Freeze Bagels?

We all know that the key to preserving bagels is freezing.

But if you put them in the freezer whole, you have to wait for them to defrost or microwave the bagels before they are ready to be sliced and toasted.

The solution is simple: slice them before freezing.

Here are the ways on how to freeze bagels properly :

Step 1: Wrap the bagels in aluminum foil to store them in the freezer for 1 month

Make sure that the bagels are completely cool before you freeze them. Wrap each bagel tightly in the aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, freeze them, and eat them within a month to get the best flavor.

You can leave the bagels in the foil wrap and defrost them in the room temperature method before you want to eat them.

Tip: Freeze the bagels the same day you bake or buy them for optimal freshness when you defrost them.

Step 2: Put the bagels in zip-top freezer bags to freeze them for up to 6 months

Put each bagel in an individual freezer bag with a zip-top and squeeze the air out before closing the bag. Bagels should be stored in the freezer with this method to prevent freezer burn for about 3 to 6 months.

Label the bags with the date you freeze them to remember to eat the bagels in time. You can slice the bagels before you place them in the freezer so you have ready-to-toast slices when you are about to eat them.

Step 3: Wrap the bagels in plastic wrap and put them in the freezer bag for more protection

The plastic wrap will add an extra layer of protection against freezer burn. Wrap each bagel individually, then place several in a large zip-top freezer bag and then freeze them.

Bagels that are stored in this manner will stay good for at least 6 months. After 6 months, the chances that they will get freezer burn are higher.

Can You Refreeze A Bagel?

You can refreeze bagels. It is done how you are freezing them the first time you bought them. To freeze them, wrap each bagel in aluminum foil and then place them in zip lock freezer bags.

Better if you use two plastic bags. Get rid of as much air as possible when sealing. Place the bag into the freezer and they will be good for several weeks to a month.

Some people prefer slicing them before freezing them; however, this can increase the risk of freezer burn. Leaving the bagels whole exposing less surface area to the cold can minimize freezer burn.

How Do You Refresh A Frozen Bagel?

When you are ready to enjoy a bagel, take one out of the freezer and let it defrost for a few hours before baking it in the oven to get the freshest tasting option. Here are the steps to refresh a frozen bagel.

Step 1: Defrost the bagel at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours

If the bagel was wrapped individually, leave it in its wrap while it defrosting. If it was not, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil when you take it out of the freezer to help retain its moisture level while it defrosts.

You can also defrost the bagel overnight, which comes in handy if you want to eat a bagel first thing in the morning.

Step 2: Sprinkle the exterior of the bagel with water

Wet the tips of your finger and flick the water onto the slides of the bagel. Repeat this step 2 to 3 times, so that each side is even. This will create a bit of steam in the oven, which will give a crispier crust.

If the bagel is already sliced, it is okay if some water gets into the interior of the bagel.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 400 F for about 10 to 15 minutes before you get ready to eat.

Once the bagel is defrosted, turn on the oven and set it to an appropriate temperature. Allow the oven 5 to 10 minutes to preheat fully.

• If you prefer a less-crispy exterior, set the oven to 350 F instead of 400 F.
• For an extra crispy bagel, set the oven at 420 F.

Step 4: Put the bagel into the toaster and set it to the desired level of doneness

If the oven is not available, you can use your toaster. Some toasters have bagel-specific settings that you can use. Keep in mind that you can always toast a bagel more, but if it is overdone you cannot make it less toasted.

Every toaster is different, it is your call when deciding the setting to use. It should be higher than what you use for toast since bagels are thicker than sliced bread.

Step 5: Use your favorite bagel topping to create a satisfying meal or snack

Once it is done, remove it from the oven or toaster and then set it on the plate. Expect that it will be really hot, so be careful not to burn your fingers.

Here are some great bagel toppings:

• Cream cheese
• Nutella
• Peanut butter
• Egg
• Smashed avocado
• Pizza sauce and cheese