When you think of New York, a few things come to mind: skyscrapers, yellow cabs, and, of course, bagels. But Liberty Bagels Midtown isn’t your ordinary bagel shop. It’s a place that dares to mix tradition with innovation, pushing the boundaries of what a bagel can be. If you’re looking for something beyond the ordinary, this is where you’ll find it.
They took something simple — dough, boiled and baked — and made it unforgettable. The result? Bagels that don’t just fill you up, they make you stop, stare, and share. That’s how you know they’re doing something different.
The Rainbow Bagel
The Rainbow Bagel is more than food. It’s a visual experience, a marketing coup, and a slice of joy all in one bite. Most bagels are beige, but Liberty’s Rainbow Bagel? It’s an explosion of color, and that color is paired with a subtle hint of vanilla. It’s familiar but different enough to make you pause and appreciate it. You won’t forget it.
They’re not just baking bagels — they’re giving you something to talk about, to photograph, and, yes, to eat. That’s marketing done right. People come for the Instagram, but they stay for the flavor. And that’s the genius of it.
The Liberty Bagel
Then there’s the Liberty Bagel. It doesn’t need flavor gimmicks. It’s about pure, unadulterated bagel goodness. The colors pop just like the Rainbow Bagel, but the taste stays true to the essence of a New York bagel. Classic, chewy, satisfying. It’s the kind of bagel you want when you’re craving simplicity but don’t mind a little fun on the side. No vanilla. No frills. Just beauty in every bite.
And that’s the point: they’ve taken something you know and love and given it a new identity without losing its soul.
Why Liberty Bagels Midtown Matters
Here’s the thing about Liberty Bagels Midtown: it’s more than just another stop on your culinary tour of New York. It’s a destination in itself. Why? Because they didn’t just create a bagel shop. They created a reason to stop and think about what’s possible. They took tradition, gave it a shake, and turned it into something remarkable.
The world doesn’t need another bagel shop, but it does need a place that redefines the ordinary. And that’s exactly what Liberty Bagels does. They make the mundane feel magical. They make the everyday worth sharing.
A Must-Visit
Whether you’re a local who thinks they’ve seen it all or a visitor who wants to experience something quintessentially New York, Liberty Bagels Midtown is a place you need to visit. Not because they have the best bagels in the city (though, honestly, they’re up there), but because they’ve taken something simple and turned it into a story worth telling.
That’s why it works. That’s why it’s a must-try.
The Homemade Rainbow Bagel Recipe
Why let the experience end at the shop? You can create your own Rainbow Bagels at home. Here’s how:
Vibrant Homemade Bagels
Dive into the world of vibrant homemade bagels that are as delightful to make as they are to eat! This recipe transforms your kitchen into a rainbow wonderland, perfect for impressing family and friends. With a few simple steps, you’ll create bagels that boast a chewy texture and a stunning array of colors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is your ticket to breakfast bliss. Channel your inner chef and get ready to bake up some magic!
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Ingredients
4 cups bread flour
1 tbsp active dry yeast or instant yeast
1 cup warm water (110-115°F)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
Additional water for boiling
Parchment paper for baking
- Alternative Ingredients:
Bread flour substitute: All-purpose flour texture may vary
Sugar substitute: Honey or maple syrup for a different flavor
Vegetable oil substitute: Olive oil or melted butter for richer taste
Directions
- Dough Preparation – In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a dough hook attachment, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mixing and Coloring – Add the bread flour and salt to the yeast mixture and knead until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough into equal portions and knead in different gel food colors into each portion until vibrant.
- First Rise – Place each colored dough ball in separate bowls lightly greased with vegetable oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes or until doubled in size.
- Shaping Bagels – Punch down the dough and shape each portion into bagels using your preferred method (ball and hole or rope method). Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Second Rise – Cover shaped bagels with a damp cloth and let them rise for another 30 minutes.
- Boiling Bagels – Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop bagels into boiling water for 30 seconds on each side for a chewy crust.
- Baking Bagels – Transfer boiled bagels back onto baking sheets and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Equipment
- stand mixer
- baking sheets
- large pot
- parchment paper
Notes
- For best results, ensure your water is at the correct temperature when activating yeast to guarantee a good rise. Serve these vibrant bagels with flavored cream cheese or smoked salmon for an extra treat. Feel free to experiment with different food dye colors or add seeds like sesame or poppy for added texture and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Vitamin A: 0IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 3mg
Why Does It Work?
Because it’s not just a bagel. It’s an experience. And that’s what people remember. When you blend tradition with a splash of color, a dash of creativity, and a pinch of playfulness, you get something that stands out. You get something people will come back for.
That’s why Liberty Bagels works. That’s why they matter. And that’s why you need to go.
