First, in a big bowl combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. (I use the bowl of a stand mixer)

Second, add the warm water and mix until a dough forms.

Third, knead the bread dough by hand for 4 minutes or on low speed of a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment for 2 minutes or until the consistency of the dough becomes smooth. (Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed)

Then, cover the dough with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel, set it in a warm place, (or at least room temperature) and let the dough rise for 30-45 minutes or until it's doubled in size. (I prefer a warmer place so that the dough rises more quickly so that I can keep this recipe within the 1-hour time frame. If the room is cold, it will take at least an hour to rise if not more.)

After the dough has risen, place it onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for a minute.

Next, divide dough and cut into 8 equal-sized portions. (Each portion will be about 57 grams)

Roll the pieces of dough in your hands forming them into smooth balls and then push down with your thumb to make a hole in the center and shape like a bagel.

Let the bagels rest on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet for 10 minutes while you put a pot of water on to boil and preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

Once the water has come to a boil, add the bagels and let them cook for 1 minute on each side.

After boiling each bagel, return them to the baking sheet lined with parchment paper and top them with whatever you would like. Here are the flavors I decided to do:

Jalapeno Cheddar - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and jalapeno slices on top of the dough.

Everything but Bagel - Sprinkle everything but bagel seasoning generously on top of each bagel.

Brown sugar, cinnamon, raisin - Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle on top of the dough followed by raisins pushed into the top of the dough slightly.

Honey Butter - Brush the top of the bagels with a mixture of melted butter and honey.

Bake the bagels at 425 degrees F. for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Finally, serve while warm with butter or cream cheese!