Bagels tend to get hotter in the toaster compared to normal bread due to their density and thickness. The key factors that contribute to this difference in toasting behavior are:
Density: Bagels are denser than regular sliced bread. They have a chewy and compact texture, often achieved through boiling the dough before baking. The increased density means that more mass is packed into a smaller volume, which results in slower heat transfer during toasting.
Thickness: Bagels are typically thicker than slices of bread. The extra thickness means that more material needs to be heated throughout the bagel, again leading to slower and more concentrated heat transfer.
Because of these factors, bagels take longer to heat up and release heat less readily than regular bread slices. The extra time in the toaster allows more heat to be absorbed by the bagel's interior, making the surface and interior much hotter compared to bread slices. As a result, the exterior of the bagel may become very hot, potentially reaching a higher temperature than a slice of bread toasted for the same duration.
It's important to be cautious when handling hot bagels to avoid burns. Allow them to cool for a moment before eating or using oven mitts or tongs to remove them from the toaster safely.