Greek Yogurt Bagels

Featured in Breakfast Worth Getting Up For.

You can enjoy homemade protein-packed bagels without the hassle of yeast or hours of dough prep. Each bagel delivers 10g of protein thanks to Greek yogurt, which also brings a nice, soft texture. This no-fuss recipe uses only five ingredients and takes about 15 minutes to put together. These bagels are ideal for meal prepping, easy to customize, and stay fresh for a few days. Try them with sesame seeds, bagel seasoning, or even cinnamon for variety. Great for toasting or topping however you like.
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:31:00 GMT
Some bagels topped with poppy seeds stacked up. Pin it
Some bagels topped with poppy seeds stacked up. | mecooking.com

Upgrade your morning meals with these super easy high protein bagels that don't need yeast, skipping the boil, and take barely any time. Regular bagels take forever and need special skills, but these smart treats use Greek yogurt as the magic touch for that chewy feel while packing in protein. Every golden, chewy bagel gives you about 10 grams of protein to kick-start your day or help you bounce back after working out. You'll mix up the dough in just minutes with only five simple items you probably have at home, so you can enjoy fresh bagels even when life gets crazy busy.

I stumbled on this method during a hectic training period when I couldn't spend hours meal prepping but needed good protein options. The first batch surprised me completely – they tasted just like traditional bagels but took way less effort. Now I bake these regularly, especially when I know mornings will be rushed. My husband can't get enough of them toasted, saying they're perfect for egg sandwiches that keep him going through back-to-back meetings.

Basic Kitchen Ingredients

  • All-purpose or bread flour: Builds that key framework giving these bagels their true-to-form chew and substantial bite.
  • Baking powder: Makes everything puff up nicely, so you get proper bagels without bothering with yeast.
  • Kosher salt: Kicks up the taste while also helping control how the bagels rise for the right texture.
  • Greek yogurt: Works double duty as your wet ingredient and protein booster while making the inside tender.
  • Egg white: Gives that shiny outside layer that helps toppings stick and creates that lovely golden color.

Detailed Process

Setting Up Your Kitchen:
Put the oven rack right in the middle so heat spreads evenly while baking. Get your oven nice and hot at 375°F (190°C), and let it warm up fully for at least 15 minutes before you start baking.
Starting Mix:
Grab a big bowl and stir together your flour, baking powder, and salt really well so everything's evenly mixed.
Getting Your Dough Right:
Dump in the Greek yogurt with your dry stuff, mix with a strong spoon until you see big chunks forming, then gently work it together until you've got smooth dough.
Making Bagel Shapes:
Cut the dough into six equal pieces, roll them into smooth balls, then push your finger through the middle to create holes before laying them on a paper-lined baking tray.
Adding Extras:
Brush some egg white over each bagel and sprinkle your favorite toppings on top.
Baking Them Up:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 22-25 minutes until they're golden brown and sound hollow when you tap them.

When I first told my sister about making 'quick bagels,' she laughed and didn't believe they'd be any good. After she tried one toasted with cream cheese spread, she had to admit they captured what makes bagels so special without all the fuss.

A plate of bagels with sesame seeds. Pin it
A plate of bagels with sesame seeds. | mecooking.com

Tasty Options

Make these bagels your own by adding everything bagel mix, mixing in cinnamon with raisins, or throwing in jalapeños and cheddar for something different while keeping all that good protein.

Health Benefits

Boost these bagels with some flaxseed for healthy fats, mix in whey protein for even more muscle-building power, or scatter mixed seeds on top for extra nutrients and crunch.

Tasty Companions

Try these bagels with mashed avocado and eggs, some cream cheese and smoked salmon, or spread with peanut butter and sliced bananas for a filling, healthy meal.

Keeping Them Fresh

Keep them in a paper bag on the counter for two days, in the fridge for up to five days, or wrap them separately and freeze for up to three months.

A plate of bagels with sesame seeds on top. Pin it
A plate of bagels with sesame seeds on top. | mecooking.com

Weighing your flour instead of using measuring cups gives you better bagels every time. If you don't have a scale, just spoon flour into the cup and level it off to avoid packing too much in, which makes your bagels lighter and chewier.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap non-fat Greek yogurt for full-fat in these bagels?
Definitely! Non-fat Greek yogurt works just as well, and might even be a little higher in protein. The difference in texture is super small. Just make sure to use thick Greek yogurt, not regular yogurt, to keep the dough right.
→ Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Yes! You can switch the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. You may need to add 2-3 extra tablespoons of yogurt since gluten-free flour tends to soak up more moisture.
→ How should I store these to keep them fresh?
Keep your cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temp for about 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4. If you want them to last longer, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temp or zap in the microwave for 30 seconds before toasting.
→ Why are my bagels not as smooth as store-bought ones?
These quick bagels are a little different from traditional ones. To get a smoother look, knead the dough until it’s not sticky and roll each piece into a smooth ball before shaping. Letting them rest for 10 minutes before baking also helps.
→ Can I add flavors to the dough for variety?
Of course! Stir in extras like 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon with some raisins for sweet bagels, or go savory with 1/3 cup of grated cheese, chopped jalapeños, or herbs. Gently mix them in after the dough forms to avoid overworking it.
→ Why didn’t my bagels puff up like I thought they would?
Old baking powder is usually the problem. Test yours by adding it to hot water—it should fizz a lot. You also need the full 4 teaspoons from the recipe. Letting shaped bagels rest for 5-10 minutes can give them an extra lift before baking.

Greek Yogurt Bagels

Quick and easy bagels made with Greek yogurt for a protein boost! Ready in 45 minutes with just 5 ingredients, no yeast involved.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Breakfast

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 bagels)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Bagel Dough

01 1½ cups thick Greek yogurt
02 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
03 4 teaspoons baking powder
04 2¼ cups bread or all-purpose flour

→ Topping

05 Sesame seeds or everything bagel blend
06 1 egg white, gently whisked

Instructions

Step 01

Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), making sure the rack is in the middle. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper and leave it nearby.

Step 02

In a big mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt until it looks uniform. Toss the Greek yogurt into the dry mix and combine until dough forms. To mix completely, using your hands might be easiest.

Step 03

Put the dough on a countertop or clean space. If it sticks, dust the area lightly with flour, though you might not need to. Split the dough into six even clumps.

Step 04

Take a portion of dough and stretch it into a rope about 7-8 inches long. Connect the ends to shape a circle, pressing them together gently. To seal well, place the joined ends on the counter and roll lightly with your palm. Place the dough rings on the baking sheet, letting them rest for 5-10 minutes to puff slightly.

Step 05

Put one bagel on a flat plate and coat the top using a pastry brush with the egg white. Sprinkle sesame seeds or an everything blend generously on top. Return it to the sheet, repeating for all other bagels.

Step 06

Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are nicely golden. Take the sheet out and place the bagels on a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting.

Step 07

After cooling, cut the bagels and toast if you like. Serve them with cream cheese or whatever spread you enjoy. Store leftovers airtight for four days max.

Notes

  1. Greek yogurt replaces yeast here, so each bagel has 10 grams of protein.
  2. Swap the flour, salt, and baking powder for 2¼ cups of self-rising flour and ¼ teaspoon salt if you prefer.
  3. To use an air fryer, warm it at 300°F and cook the bagels for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Experiment with toppings like dried onion, garlic, or try the Jalapeño Cheddar flavor variation.

Tools You'll Need

  • Tray for baking
  • Parchment sheet
  • Large bowl for mixing
  • Cooling rack for after baking
  • Pastry brush for glazing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (Greek yogurt)
  • Eggs are involved (egg white glaze)
  • Contains gluten (bread or all-purpose flour)
  • May have sesame traces (if seeds or everything blend are used)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 206
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 10 g