If you’ve ever dreamed of pulling warm, chewy bagels out of your oven without the fuss of boiling, yeast proofing, or hours of waiting—this is your recipe. Greek Yogurt Bagels are taking over breakfast tables because they’re simple, quick, and high in protein.
In just 45 minutes and with only 2 ingredients, you can enjoy bakery-style bagels that are soft inside, golden outside, and perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or simply craving a healthier homemade bagel, this recipe is your new go-to.
Why Greek Yogurt Bagels Are Different
Traditional bagels use yeast, water, sugar, and a long boiling-and-baking process. This recipe skips all of that by relying on the natural lactic acid in Greek yogurt, which activates the baking powder in self-rising flour. The result? A chewy, slightly tangy bagel with:
- ✅ More protein than regular bagels
- ✅ Lower calories than store-bought ones
- ✅ Faster prep time (ready in under an hour)
- ✅ No yeast, no boiling, no rise time
These bagels first gained fame in 2018 as part of Weight Watchers and fitness-friendly meal plans, but they’ve since become a kitchen staple because they deliver both flavor and convenience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups self-rising flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat or 2%)
Egg Wash (for golden crust):
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional Toppings:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Sesame or poppy seeds
- Garlic flakes
- Sea salt
👉 No self-rising flour? Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour + 1 tablespoon baking powder + ½ teaspoon salt.
👉 Dietary swaps: Use gluten-free flour with xanthan gum for GF bagels, or a thick dairy-free yogurt for vegan-friendly ones (texture may vary).
Kitchen Tools Required
- Mixing bowl & spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet + parchment paper
- Pastry brush
- Cooling rack
Optional: Stand mixer with dough hook for easier kneading.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the Dough
Mix flour + yogurt in a large bowl until a rough dough forms. Knead lightly for 2–3 minutes until smooth. Add extra flour if sticky.
3. Shape the Bagels
Divide into 6 equal pieces. Roll into balls, poke a hole in the center, and stretch gently to about 1½ inches wide.
4. Egg Wash & Toppings
Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with seeds or seasoning.
5. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
6. Cool & Serve
Cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Best enjoyed warm!
⏱️ Total Time: 40–45 minutes | 🍴 Yield: 6 bagels
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairings
- Cream cheese & smoked salmon
- Peanut butter & banana
- Avocado + lemon + everything seasoning
Breakfast Sandwich Ideas
- Fried egg + spinach + cheddar
- Turkey bacon + avocado + scrambled egg
- Vegetarian hummus + cucumber + sprouts
Lunch Favorites
- Turkey & provolone bagel sandwich
- Chicken salad bagel melt
- Caprese with tomato, basil & mozzarella
💡 Hosting brunch? Set up a DIY Bagel Bar with different spreads, toppings, and fresh veggies for a crowd-pleasing table centerpiece.
Nutritional Benefits (Per Bagel, ~3 oz)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Compared to traditional bagels (250–300 calories & only 9g protein), Greek yogurt bagels are lighter, higher in protein, and more satisfying.
Diet-Friendly Notes:
- ✔️ Weight Watchers: Fewer points than regular bagels
- ✔️ High-Protein Diets: Extra protein from yogurt
- ✔️ Lower-Calorie Diets: Great for portion control
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temp: Store in airtight container for up to 2 days
- Fridge: Keeps 4–5 days (toast before serving)
- Freezer: Wrap individually & freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in toaster or oven.
Troubleshooting Guide
- Bagels too dense? Dough was too dry—add a spoon of yogurt.
- Bagels sticky? Add more flour gradually.
- Pale color? Increase egg wash or bake a few extra minutes.
Variations & Flavor Ideas
- 🥯 Sweet: Blueberry, cinnamon raisin, chocolate chip
- 🥯 Savory: Jalapeño cheddar, garlic herb, sun-dried tomato & basil
- 🥯 High-Fiber: Add chia, flax, or whole wheat flour
FAQs
Q1. Can I make Greek yogurt bagels without egg wash?
Yes! Skip egg wash or use milk/plant milk for a lighter crust.
Q2. Are these bagels gluten-free?
Not with regular flour, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free blend with xanthan gum.
Q3. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
No—regular yogurt has too much liquid and will make the dough sticky.
Q4. Can I freeze Greek yogurt bagels?
Absolutely. Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Q5. Do these taste like real bagels?
They’re slightly softer, but still chewy, golden, and very close to bakery-style bagels.
Conclusion
Homemade Greek Yogurt Bagels prove that simple can still mean delicious. With just two ingredients and no yeast, you can bake warm, golden bagels that rival store-bought ones—while boosting protein and cutting calories.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to long, complicated bagel methods again. Customize them with your favorite flavors, prep a batch for the week, or impress guests with a bagel bar at brunch.
🥯✨ Give it a try this weekend—you’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying homemade bagels can be!
