The Ultimate Guide to St. Louis' Sliced Bagels: A Local's Perspective
Hey there, bagel lovers! Welcome to our ultimate guide to St. Louis' sliced bagels. We're about to dive deep into the world of these delicious, chewy treats, so grab a cup of coffee (or a Dr. Pepper, because, St. Louis) and let's get started. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and st louis sliced bagels.
What Makes St. Louis Sliced Bagels Unique?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about what sets St. Louis sliced bagels apart from the rest. St. Louis-style bagels are known for their dense, chewy interior and a thin, crisp crust. They're typically smaller than their New York or Montreal counterparts, but don't let that fool you – they pack a serious flavor punch. The secret? It's all in the water, or so the legend goes.
The History of St. Louis Bagels
The story of St. Louis bagels begins in the late 19th century when Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe brought their bagel-making traditions with them. As the city's Jewish population grew, so did the demand for bagels. By the mid-20th century, St. Louis had become a bagel powerhouse, with local bakeries like Kohn's, Sarah's, and Crown Sweet Shop serving up thousands of bagels every day.
The Great St. Louis Bagel Debate: Boiled or Baked?
One of the most contentious debates in the world of St. Louis bagels is whether they should be boiled or baked. Traditional bagel-making methods involve boiling the dough before baking, which gives the exterior that signature crispiness and helps the interior stay soft and chewy. However, some St. Louis bakeries skip the boiling step, claiming that it's not necessary for achieving the perfect St. Louis bagel.
The Boiled Bagel: A Classic Approach
Proponents of the boiled bagel argue that this method is the only way to achieve the perfect St. Louis bagel. They point to the fact that many of the city's most iconic bagel shops, like Kohn's and Sarah's, have been boiling their bagels for generations. Boiling also allows for a wider range of flavors, as the dough can absorb additional ingredients like sesame seeds or poppy seeds during the boiling process.
The Baked Bagel: A Modern Take
On the other hand, some St. Louis bakeries have started to experiment with baking their bagels without boiling them first. They argue that this method results in a lighter, more airy bagel that's still true to the St. Louis style. While this approach may not produce the same crispy exterior as boiled bagels, it does allow for a greater variety of toppings and flavors to be added after baking.
The Best St. Louis Bagel Shops
Now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about where to find the best sliced bagels in St. Louis. From classic, no-frills bagel shops to trendy cafes, there's something for everyone in this city. Here are some of our favorite spots:
Kohn's Bagels & Deli
Address: 11178 Manchester Rd, St. Louis, MO 63131
Website:
Kohn's is a St. Louis institution, serving up boiled bagels and delicious deli sandwiches since 1946. Their bagels are chewy, dense, and full of flavor, with a variety of toppings to choose from. Don't miss their famous cream cheese, made fresh in-house every day.
Sarah's Cake & Pastry Shop
Address: 5401 Hampton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109
Website:
Sarah's has been a St. Louis favorite since 1935, offering a wide range of baked goods, including their famous boiled bagels. Their bagels are smaller than some, but don't let that fool you – they're packed with flavor and have a perfect crispy exterior. Plus, their cream cheese is out of this world.
Crown Sweet Shop
Address: 3701 S Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63139
Website:
Crown Sweet Shop has been serving up bagels and other treats since 1941, making it one of the oldest and most beloved bagel shops in St. Louis. Their boiled bagels are dense, chewy, and full of flavor, with a variety of toppings to choose from. Be sure to try their famous chocolate chip cookies while you're there – they're a St. Louis classic.
Companion
Address: 15816 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63117
Website:
Companion is a modern bakery and cafe that's gained a reputation for its high-quality, artisanal bagels. They skip the boiling step, opting for a lighter, more airy bagel that's still true to the St. Louis style. Their bagels come in a variety of unique flavors, like Everything Bagel Seasoning and Sesame Semolina.
How to Make St. Louis-Style Bagels at Home
If you're feeling ambitious, you can try making St. Louis-style bagels at home. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups warm water 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast 3 tbsp granulated sugar 4 1/2 cups bread flour, plus more for dusting 2 tsp salt 1 egg white, beaten * Toppings of your choice (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.)
Instructions:
- 1. In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the yeast is frothy.
- 2. Add the flour and salt to the bowl, and mix until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to ensure everything is well combined.
- 3. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- 4. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Poke a hole in the center of each ball with your thumb and stretch it out to form a ring shape.
- 5. Let the bagels rest for about 10 minutes, then preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- 6. Boil the bagels for about 1 minute on each side, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 7. Brush the bagels with the beaten egg white and sprinkle with your desired toppings.
- 8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown.
- 9. Let the bagels cool for a few minutes before serving.
The Perfect Bagel Toppings
Now that you've got your St. Louis-style bagels, it's time to think about toppings. Here are some classic combinations to get you started:
Plain with Cream Cheese: A classic for a reason, plain bagels with cream cheese are a St. Louis staple. Everything Bagel: This bagel is topped with a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt – it's the ultimate savory treat. Lox and Cream Cheese: For a taste of the sea, try topping your bagel with smoked salmon (lox) and cream cheese. Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet treat, try a cinnamon sugar bagel – it's like a breakfast cinnamon roll, but better.
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate guide to St. Louis sliced bagels. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just visiting, there's no denying that these chewy, delicious treats are a St. Louis institution. So grab a bagel, spread on some cream cheese, and enjoy a little taste of the Lou.
Happy bagel-eating!