Bagels and donuts are two of the most popular breakfast foods in the world. Their flavor and nutritional value are quite similar. However, they’re very different in many ways, especially when it comes to their preparation method.
This article will help you better understand the difference between bagels and donuts as well as what makes them similar. So after reading this article, you should have a better idea of which is best for you.
What are bagels?
Bagels are small, ring-shaped bread made from wheat flour, salt, sugar, water, and yeast. They’re boiled and then baked in a hot oven to give them their characteristic chewy crust.
Bagels are a popular snack for breakfast or lunch as well as for dinner. They come in several flavors, and you can get them plain or with various toppings such as seeds or nuts.
You can eat bagels alone or serve them with several foods, including cream cheese, smoked salmon, and avocado. You can also make bagels more interesting by using them as a base for sandwiches or salads.
Bagel nutrition facts
According to the USDA, one plain medium-sized bagel (about 98 grams) contains the following nutrients:
- Calories – 245
- Protein – 10g
- Fat – 1.5g
- Carbohydrate – 48g
- Dietary fiber – 4g
- Sodium – 430.2mg
- Potassium – 161.7mg
- Iron – 15% (DV)
- Vitamin B6 – 5% (DV)
- Magnesium – 12% (DV)
- Calcium – 1% (DV)
SEE: Are Bagels Safe For Vegans To Eat?
What are donuts?
Donuts, also known as doughnuts, are a kind of ring-shaped pastry made from flour, water, sugar, milk, eggs, butter, and yeast. They’re deep-fried on medium heat to make them crispy and crunchy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
Donuts are delicious alone or as part of a meal. They’re also great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and you can choose from a variety of toppings. In addition, donuts are available in a wide variety of flavors, including chocolate, cinnamon, and strawberry.
SEE: What Is The Shape Of A Donut?
Donut nutrition facts
According to the USDA, one plain medium-sized donut (about 100 grams) contains the following nutrients:
- Calories – 426
- Fat – 23g
- Carbohydrate – 51g
- Protein – 5g
- Dietary fiber – 1.5g
- Cholesterol – 32mg
- Potassium – 102mg
- Sodium – 402mg
- Iron – 6% (DV)
- Magnesium – 4% (DV)
- Calcium – 6% (DV)
- Cobalamin – 3% (DV)
SEE: Should You Order Dunkin’ Donuts Catering?
What is the difference between bagels and donuts?
The main difference between bagels and donuts is that bagels are boiled and then baked in an oven, while donuts are deep-fried in oil on medium heat.
Another difference is that bagel dough is thicker and chewier than donut dough, so it holds up better when eating it.
Lastly, the dough for bagels consists of flour, yeast, salt, sugar, and water. Meanwhile, the dough for donuts consists of eggs, milk, butter, sugar, water, and yeast.
SEE: Enjoy Discount on Foods During Happy Hour At Culinary Dropout
What are the similarities between bagels and donuts?
Bagels and donuts are similar in many ways. First of all, they are both made from flour and contain yeast, which makes them rise while cooking.
Also, they both contain holes and come in a variety of flavors and sizes. In addition, they are both delicious, and you can eat them at any time of the day.
Last but not least, both bagels and donuts are easy to make at home because they only require a few ingredients. A person can bake a batch of either in less than three hours if they know how to measure ingredients properly.
Which is healthier, bagels or donuts?
Bagels are healthier than donuts because they are boiled and baked, while donuts are fried. They also have more fiber than donuts which is a good thing since fiber can help you lose weight by making you feel full longer.
How to make bagels
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 ½ cup warm water
- 2 tbsp. white or brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tbsp. active dry yeast
Directions:
- Mix the flour, white or brown sugar, kosher salt, and yeast in a large bowl.
- Add the water and mix until you have a dough that is soft but not too sticky, like bread dough. (You can add more flour if the dough seems too wet.)
- Knead until you have a smooth, elastic dough (about 10 minutes). If you don’t knead for long enough, your bagels will be tough and chewy instead of light and airy.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise for 1 to 2 hours.
- Place the dough onto a lightly floured surface and punch down on it with your fist. This releases all the air bubbles trapped inside.
- Divide the dough into 6 to 8 pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
- Poke a hole through the center of each ball with your finger, then boil in water for about 2 minutes on each side.
- Preheat your oven to 475°F/245°C.
- Bake the bagels for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
SEE: How To Make Bread Fluffy At Home
How to make donuts
Ingredients:
- 4 cups flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
- Vegetable oil for frying
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In another bowl, combine the milk, water, eggs, and butter, then stir with a wooden spoon.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, pour in the milk mixture, and stir until a soft dough forms (about 8 minutes).
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface, knead for about 10 minutes, and then shape it into a ball.
- Place the ball in an oiled container, cover with a damp cloth, and leave to rise for about 1 hour.
- When the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 8 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball, make a hole in the center, and fry in oil over medium heat.
SEE: Get a Free Meal At Checkers & Rally’s
What to eat with bagels and donuts
Cream cheese
Cream cheese is the traditional go-to spread for bagels and donuts. Slice your bagel or donut in half, then spread the cream cheese on one half. Add your favorite toppings, such as nuts or seeds, place the halves on each other and enjoy.
Smoked salmon
Smoked salmon is the perfect complement to any bagel or donut — whether it’s plain or glazed. You can also add toppings like sliced tomatoes and scallion slices to taste.
Yogurt
Yogurt is one of my favorite foods to eat with donuts and bagels because it adds just enough moisture without being too heavy or creamy. If you’re trying to eat healthily, try pairing your bagels or donuts with Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
Avocado
If you’re looking for something sweet and good for your health, avocado is always a safe bet. You can make this meal even more delicious by topping your bagels or donuts with onion and lettuce.
Lox
If you’re feeling fancy, try eating your bagels or donuts with sliced lox. Lox is a thinly sliced cured salmon that has a sweet but salty taste.
FAQs
Are bagels the same as English muffins?
No, they are not. The most important difference between bagels and English muffins is their shape. Bagels have a hole in their center, whereas English muffins do not. The hole in the middle of bagels is what makes them so popular around the world.
Should you eat bagels hot or cold?
The best way to eat bagels is hot (fresh out of the oven). If you buy your bagels at the store, be sure to get one that still feels warm when you pick it up.
Can you eat donuts for breakfast?
Yes, you can. Donuts are the perfect carb-filled breakfast food. They’re also great for lunch and dinner, especially when you serve them with cream cheese.
Can you make donuts at home?
Yes, you can. Donuts are super easy to make at home, and you can make them in less than three hours. Keep in mind that donut recipes vary, so find one that suits your taste buds and overall health.
Conclusion
The similarities between bagels and donuts come from the fact that they’re both made from flour and have holes in their middle.
However, bagels are entirely different from donuts; they’re boiled in water and then baked, whereas donuts are fried. Bagels are also thicker than donuts and consist of only flour, water, sugar, salt, and yeast.
Thanks for reading.
Visit Cheffist for more information on bagels and other types of baked goods.
