If you’re craving a homemade treat that’s hearty, wholesome, and seriously satisfying, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Easy High Protein Bagels (Only 5 Ingredients) Recipe. It’s unbelievably simple, requiring just a handful of pantry staples that come together to make bagels bursting with flavor and packed with protein. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast boost or a snack that keeps you powered through the afternoon, these bagels are pure magic — soft on the inside, golden and slightly crispy on the outside, and totally customizable with your favorite toppings. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bought bagels from the store again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, especially when they are this straightforward yet essential. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the flour giving structure, to the yogurt adding moisture and that protein kick, to the baking powder helping the bagels rise just right. These five ingredients are the perfect foundation for bagels that are chewy, flavorful, and nutritious.
- All purpose flour (2 cups plus ¼ cup for shaping): This provides the body and chewiness classic bagels are beloved for, with extra on hand to keep the dough manageable.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): The gentle leavening agent that ensures your bagels puff up beautifully without complicated yeast rising.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Just the right amount to enhance all the flavors and balance the richness of yogurt.
- Plain Greek yogurt (2 cups): This is the protein powerhouse of the recipe, adding moisture and tangy depth while keeping the bagels tender.
- Large egg (beaten): Used for brushing on the bagels, it creates that irresistible glossy, golden crust everyone loves.
- Everything but the bagel seasoning (1 tablespoon or your favorite toppings): This optional topping gives your bagels a flavorful crunch and a savory twist to wake up your taste buds.
How to Make Easy High Protein Bagels (Only 5 Ingredients) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This temperature is perfect for baking the bagels evenly and getting that golden crust. Line a half cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures the leavening and salt distribute evenly throughout your dough, setting you up for a consistent texture and flavor with every bite.
Step 3: Add Yogurt and Form the Dough
Next, add your 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt to the dry mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms — it might look a little rough at first, but that’s exactly what you want. The yogurt not only adds protein but also gives the dough a lovely moistness and slight tanginess.
Step 4: Knead Until Smooth
Transfer the dough to a clean surface dusted with a bit of flour. Knead for about 5 minutes, adding up to ¼ cup more flour as needed just to keep the dough from sticking. You’re aiming for a smooth, pliable dough that’s not sticky but still soft to the touch.
Step 5: Shape Your Bagels
Divide your dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope, then bring the ends together and pinch to form the classic bagel ring shape. This step is where your bagels start to take on personality, so have fun with it and don’t worry about perfection!
Step 6: Add Egg Wash and Seasonings
Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet. Brush them generously with the beaten egg, which will give that iconic golden shine once baked. Sprinkle with everything but the bagel seasoning or your choice of toppings—this is your chance to add an extra punch of flavor and texture that’s simply irresistible.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Bake your bagels in the middle rack of the oven for 23 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a gorgeous golden color. When done, let them cool for at least 10 minutes—patience here rewards you with the best texture and easy slicing.
How to Serve Easy High Protein Bagels (Only 5 Ingredients) Recipe
Garnishes
These bagels are a paper blank for your favorite garnishes. Classic schmears like cream cheese or avocado spread are always winners, but you can also experiment with hummus, smoked salmon, or nut butters for a twist. Fresh herbs or a sprinkle of your favorite seeds add an extra burst of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair your high protein bagels with a side salad or some fresh fruit to balance out your meal. A bowl of yogurt with honey and nuts makes a lovely complement in the morning, while roasted veggies or a warming soup turn this bagel into a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bagels and toasting them lightly; then layer with your favorite sandwich fillings like eggs and cheese, turkey and spinach, or even a sweet combo like almond butter and banana slices. For a fun brunch idea, mini bagel pizzas topped with marinara and mozzarella are a joyful crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your bagels have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 days, making your next day breakfast or snack super convenient.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bagels longer, freezing is your friend. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bagels stay delicious for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the microwave.
Reheating
For best results, slice your bagel and toast it straight from the fridge or freezer. This revives that perfect crust and chewiness, making your Easy High Protein Bagels (Only 5 Ingredients) Recipe feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
You can substitute all purpose flour with whole wheat or a gluten-free blend, but keep in mind the texture and rise might vary slightly. Whole wheat adds nuttiness, while gluten-free blends may need a binding agent.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for this recipe?
Greek yogurt is key because of its thick texture and protein content; it gives these bagels their unique softness and nutrition punch. Using regular yogurt or sour cream will change the texture, but it can still work in a pinch.
Can I make these bagels vegan?
To make a vegan version, you’d need to substitute the egg wash with plant-based milk or an alternative glaze like olive oil and skip dairy yogurt for a thick coconut or almond yogurt. The texture changes a bit but still tasty!
Do I have to boil the bagels before baking?
This recipe skips the traditional boiling step to keep it simple and quick, which still produces a lovely chewy texture. Boiling adds that classic bagel crust, but these are delicious as-is.
What toppings work best on these bagels?
Everything but the bagel seasoning is a classic, but feel free to get creative with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, or even a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for extra flavor dimension.
Final Thoughts
Once you dive into this Easy High Protein Bagels (Only 5 Ingredients) Recipe, you’ll realize how wonderfully simple it is to make your own bagels that are plentiful in protein and flavor. Whether you’re a bagel enthusiast or just starting on your homemade baking journey, these bagels will impress and satisfy every time. So grab your ingredients and let the bagel magic begin—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6 bagels)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Easy High Protein Bagels are a simple and delicious homemade treat made with just five ingredients. Perfectly soft on the inside and golden on the outside, they are packed with protein thanks to Greek yogurt and require no yeast or lengthy rising time. Ideal for a quick breakfast or snack, these bagels can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour (plus ¼ cup for shaping)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon everything but the bagel seasoning (or your favorite toppings)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a half sheet cookie tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add Yogurt and Form Dough: Add 2 cups of plain Greek yogurt to the dry mix and stir until a shaggy dough forms, combining all ingredients thoroughly.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and not sticky. Add up to ¼ cup additional flour as needed to prevent sticking during kneading.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch rope and pinch the ends together firmly to form a closed bagel shape.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped bagels on the prepared cookie sheet. Brush each bagel with the beaten egg to give a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle your chosen bagel toppings evenly over each.
- Bake: Bake on the middle rack at 375°F for 23-25 minutes or until the bagels turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bagels to cool on a rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the interior texture sets well.
Notes
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt with a full-fat or low-fat version depending on your preference and dietary needs.
- Toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt can be used instead of everything bagel seasoning.
- Make sure not to add too much extra flour to keep the bagels tender inside.
- For a crispier crust, bake a small oven-safe dish of water on the bottom rack to create steam during baking.
- Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
