In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast and brown sugar. Stir to combine and set aside until bubbly and foamy.

In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl if kneading by hand, measure out and combine the 4 1/2 cup bread flour, salt, marinara sauce, garlic powder and basil.

If using a stand mixer, pour the bubbly yeast mixture into the mixer. Using the dough hook, knead the dough together for 10 minutes. Add up to 1/4 cup extra flour, if needed. The dough should be soft, but not sticky.

If kneading by hand, pour the bubbly yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir with a sturdy spoon until you can’t stir anymore. At that point, pour the dough out onto a clean countertop and knead by hand until a soft dough forms. If the dough sticks to the counter or your hands, add a bit more flour until it can be easily worked with without sticking to your hands. It should be slightly tacky, but not sticky.

Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.

Once the dough has rested, use a bench scraper to divide the dough into 8 equal sized pieces.

Shape your bagels by rolling each piece into a tight ball and pushing and pulling on the counter with the palm of your hand on the top of the dough, moving it in circles.

Flatten the dough slightly and then press your thumb into the dough to create the center hole. Pull gently while moving the dough around your thumb to create the bagel shape.

Repeat with remaining dough and arrange on a silicone line cookie sheet.

Cover and allow the bagels to rise for 30 minutes.

When the bagels have been rising for about 20 minutes, fill a large pot with about 4 inches of water and place on the stovetop over high heat and bring to a boil.

Preheat the oven to 425° F.

Once the water is boiling, working in batches, boil each bagel for 30 seconds to 1 minute, flipping the bagel and repeating the process. The longer they boil for the chewier their crust will be.

Remove from the boiling water and place back on the parchment lined cookie sheet.

Once the bagels have been boiled, add some cheese on top of the bagel, then place 4 pepperoni slices on top and then top with more cheese (both mozzarella and parmesan).

Repeat until all bagels are topped with cheese and pepperoni.

Bake at 425° F for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow the bagels to cool for 10 minutes after coming out of the oven and then enjoy!