If you have ever dreamed of biting into a perfect, chewy bagel that is both wholesome and delightfully soft, this Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe is just the treasure you’ve been waiting for. Made with simple pantry staples and creamy full-fat Greek yogurt, these bagels bring a wonderful tang and tender texture without any complicated steps or lengthy rising times. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a curious novice, these bagels are a fun, quick way to enjoy a classic favorite right at home. I love how versatile they are, easily dressed up with a variety of toppings or enjoyed straight from the oven with butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here are straightforward, yet each plays an essential role in crafting bagels that are fluffy on the inside and just perfectly golden on the outside. From the protein-packed Greek yogurt that adds moisture and tang to the flour providing structure, every component works in harmony to create delicious results.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or self-rising flour): The base that gives the bagel its hearty texture; use self-rising flour to skip adding baking powder.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the bagels puff up nicely; omit if using self-rising flour for convenience.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dough perfectly.
- 1½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt: The secret weapon for moisture and a subtle tanginess that sets these bagels apart.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional): Adds a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory toppings.
- 1 egg (for egg wash): Creates that irresistible shiny, golden crust.
- Sesame seeds: Classic topping that adds a lovely nutty crunch.
- Poppy seeds: Tiny bursts of earthy flavor and texture.
- Everything bagel seasoning: A mix of garlic, onion, and seeds that makes the bagels instantly crave-worthy.
- Flax seeds: Nutty and wholesome addition for a subtle crunch and nutritional boost.
How to Make Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your bagels won’t stick and clean-up is a breeze. This small prep step ensures your bagels will bake evenly and release effortlessly once golden.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder (if needed), and salt until well combined. This ensures the leavening and seasonings distribute evenly, giving your bagels the uniform rise and taste they deserve.
Step 3: Add Greek Yogurt and Honey
Next, add the full-fat Greek yogurt and optional honey to the dry mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until a soft and pliable dough forms. This is where the magic begins — the yogurt provides moisture and a gentle tang that really elevates the flavor.
Step 4: Knead the Dough Lightly
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead carefully for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth. Resist the urge to overwork it; gentle kneading keeps the bagels tender without making them dense. It’s a quick step that pays off beautifully in texture.
Step 5: Shape the Bagels
Divide your dough into six equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger and gently stretch it to form that iconic bagel shape. This hands-on step is so satisfying and sets the stage for that classic bagel look.
Step 6: Egg Wash and Add Toppings
Place your shaped bagels on the baking sheet, beat the egg, and brush it over the tops. This creates a shiny golden surface once baked. Then, sprinkle with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or the beloved everything bagel seasoning. You can also add flax seeds for an extra nutritious crunch.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your bagels in the preheated oven for about 18 to 22 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden brown color and a puffed-up appearance — this means the bagels are perfectly cooked inside and out. The smell alone will make it hard to wait!
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once out of the oven, transfer the bagels to a wire rack and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This short rest allows the bagels to set so they slice beautifully without crumbling. Then it’s time to savor your homemade creations!
How to Serve Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
While these bagels are lovely on their own, adding garnishes really takes them to the next level. Try spreading cream cheese and topping with smoked salmon or avocado for a fresh and creamy bite. A drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of flaky sea salt also highlights their flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, fresh fruit, or even a bowl of hummus if you’re aiming for a light meal. For breakfast, a side of scrambled eggs or a simple yogurt parfait complements the bagels perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative! You can slice them horizontally and make mini sandwiches with deli meat and veggies, or toast slices and top with nut butter and banana for a sweet treat. These bagels are super versatile, so feel free to experiment with toppings and presentations that excite your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Greek yogurt bagels in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and soft enough to enjoy without losing their tender crumb.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the bagels individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay fresh for up to 3 months this way, making it easy to enjoy your Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe any time.
Reheating
To reheat, simply toast the frozen or refrigerated bagel halves until warm and slightly crispy. This refreshes their texture and brings back that just-baked feeling, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of full-fat?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat Greek yogurt, but keep in mind that full-fat yogurt yields a richer, moister bagel. Low-fat may result in a slightly drier texture, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil for extra moisture.
Do I have to use baking powder if I use self-rising flour?
No, if you’re using self-rising flour, skip the baking powder since self-rising flour already contains leavening agents. This keeps the balance right and prevents your bagels from rising too much or tasting bitter.
Can I make these bagels gluten-free?
Unfortunately, this recipe relies on the structure flour provides, so substituting with gluten-free flour blends may change the texture significantly. If you try, look for a blend that is designed for yeast-bread-type textures and expect some experimentation.
What’s the best way to shape the bagels?
Rolling the dough into balls and then poking a hole in the center with your finger is simple and effective. Gently stretching the hole to about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter ensures even baking and the classic bagel shape.
Can I add herbs or spices to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding herbs like dried rosemary, thyme, or even garlic powder to the dough before mixing can add amazing flavor layers. Just adjust the salt accordingly to balance the tastes.
Final Thoughts
Making your own bagels from scratch doesn’t have to be intimidating, and this Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe proves it beautifully. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll soon be enjoying warm, chewy bagels that bring joy to your breakfast table. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing these as I do — once you try them, you’ll never want store-bought again!
Print
Greek Yogurt Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 bagels
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Yogurt Bagels recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade bagels without the need for yeast or multiple rising times. Combining all-purpose flour and thick, full-fat Greek yogurt, these bagels are tender, slightly tangy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Customize them with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning, and enjoy warm, freshly baked bagels in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or self-rising flour)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (skip if using self-rising flour)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt (thick and unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
Toppings & Finishing
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Flax seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bagels from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder (if using all-purpose flour), and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Greek Yogurt and Honey: Add the full-fat Greek yogurt and honey (if using) to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or mix with your hands until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Lightly: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 1–2 minutes until smooth. Avoid over-kneading to keep the bagels tender.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger. Gently stretch the hole to create a classic bagel shape.
- Egg Wash and Add Toppings: Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of each bagel. Sprinkle with your choice of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or flax seeds.
- Bake the Bagels: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, until the bagels are golden brown and puffed up.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Using self-rising flour eliminates the need for baking powder.
- Do not over-knead the dough to ensure the bagels stay tender and soft.
- Feel free to experiment with different toppings or leave them plain.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for best texture; thinner yogurts may result in a wetter dough.
- Store leftover bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
