Halacha Orach Chaim 168

In order to consider a mixture of flour and water bread, it is necessary for the mixture to be cooked.

The question arises regarding bagels that are not cooked, but boiled in water. Bread is generally categorized as something baked, not boiled.

The Rambam rules that bread that is boiled and not baked requires a Mezonos, and not Hamotzei.

The Rabeinu Tam rules that bread that is boiled in water requires a Hamotzei. Mishna Berura explains the reason for this. Since it came from dough, and appears to be bread, we consider it as if it is bread.

Because of this disagreement, the Mechaber writes that G-d fearing Jews should only eat products like this in a meal where they are washing on real bread.

Does this mean we should not eat bagels without reciting a Bracha on other bread first?
Our bagels would seemingly fall into this difference of opinion. However, the Chazon Ish writes that everyone would agree that bagels require a Hamotzei. The reason for this is because bagels are placed into the oven for a short time after they are boiled. Because of this, we consider them baked, and all will recite a Bracha of Hamotzei on them. Although one may argue they are placed in the oven strictly to give them color, and not for baking, there are other variables to take into consideration that will be discussed in our next post.