Dough ingredients:

• 500g bread flour
• 250g lukewarm water
• 125g active, bubbly starter
• 30g honey (or granulated sugar)
• 11g salt

Water bath:

• 6 cups water
• 1 tbsp honey (or granulated sugar)

Toppings (optional):

• Mozzarella cheese
• Pizza sauce
• Pepperoni
• Any other preferred pizza toppings

Put the bowl of your stand mixer on a kitchen scale and add all of your dough ingredients. Then, using the dough hook, mix on the lowest setting for 6-7 minutes (or by hand for about 10 minutes). This is a stiff dough, and will be smooth, elastic, and form a ball when mixing is done. If it’s still a little sticky, you can knead it by hand in the bowl for a minute or so after using the mixer.

Cover and let rise on the counter for about 10-12 hours. My kitchen is 72-74F and it took 9 hours, so if your kitchen is colder or warmer, you may need to adjust your time.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray. Dump your dough onto a clean, dry work surface. Divide it into 12 equal sections and shape each into a ball.

Working with one ball at a time, place them in front of you on the counter and press a hole through the middle with your thumb. Then pick it up, and gently work it into a ring shape. Place it on the parchment paper and repeat with the other dough balls.

Cover the rings with a tea towel and rest for an additional 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you could also put them in the fridge for a cold proof instead of the second rise.

In the meantime, preheat your oven to 425F and bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the honey or sugar to the water and mix to dissolve.

Working with 2-3 bagels at a time (you do not want to crowd the pot), boil your bagels for 30-60 seconds on each side (45 seconds is the sweet spot for me). Use a mesh strainer, spider skimmer, or slotted spoon to remove them from the water and return them to the parchment paper lined baking sheet.

Then bake them for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack, or enjoy warm.

Slice your bagels open and assemble your pizzas (sauce, cheese, pepperoni or other toppings). Place them on parchment paper lined baking sheet, and bake at 400F for about 6-7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.