How to Make Bagels Recipe Homemade Greek Yogurt

How to Make Bagels Recipe Homemade Greek Yogurt: The Easiest Way to Bake Soft, Chewy Bagels at Home

Have you ever thought bagels were too complicated to make at home? Most people imagine that perfect golden crust and chewy inside can only come from a bakery—but here’s the secret: you can make them yourself with just a few simple ingredients and no fancy equipment. And the best part? You don’t even need yeast or long proofing times when you use Greek yogurt.

This homemade Greek yogurt bagels recipe is one of the easiest ways to enjoy freshly baked bagels at home. They’re soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and packed with protein. Whether you top them with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or a simple brush of honey, these bagels are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you want a fresh, warm bite.

Let’s dive in and see how you can make your own bagels recipe homemade Greek yogurt in less than an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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This bagel recipe stands out because it’s simple, quick, and wholesome. You only need two main ingredients—Greek yogurt and self-rising flour—and you don’t have to deal with boiling water or long rise times like traditional bagels.

These bagels are:

• High in protein thanks to Greek yogurt.
• Yeast-free, which makes them quicker and easier to prepare.
• Versatile, allowing you to add any toppings or mix-ins you like.
• Kid-friendly, perfect for lunchboxes or snacks.

Even if you’ve never baked before, you’ll find this recipe approachable and fun.

Time & Difficulty

• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Baking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: About 35 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy – beginner-friendly

You don’t need any special baking tools, just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and an oven.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these soft, chewy Greek yogurt bagels:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened) – This is the secret to soft, moist bagels. Make sure to use thick Greek yogurt, not regular yogurt, which has too much liquid.
• 1 cup self-rising flour – This gives the bagels their rise without yeast. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt.
• 1 egg (for egg wash) – This helps create that shiny, golden crust.
• Pinch of salt – To enhance flavor.
• Optional toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, cinnamon sugar, or shredded cheese.

Substitutions and Variations

• Dairy-free option: Use a plant-based Greek-style yogurt.
• Whole wheat version: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
• Sweet bagels: Add a spoonful of honey or vanilla to the dough and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.

This step ensures your bagels bake evenly and don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. Stir with a spoon until the dough begins to come together.

At first, it might look crumbly—don’t worry, that’s normal. Use your hands to knead the dough gently in the bowl for about 1 to 2 minutes until it’s smooth and soft. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.

Step 3: Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long, then shape it into a ring. Press the ends together gently to seal.

You can also flatten them slightly if you prefer a wider bagel shape.

Step 4: Add the Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Brush the tops of the bagels with the egg wash. This will give them that beautiful golden-brown finish.

Sprinkle your favorite toppings on top—everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or shredded cheese are all great choices.

Step 5: Bake

Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown.

For an extra crisp crust, you can broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely so they don’t burn).

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bagels cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps them set and keeps them from tearing when you cut them.

Assembly and Serving Tips

Once baked, you can enjoy these bagels in many ways:

• Classic style: Slice and toast, then spread with cream cheese or butter.
• Breakfast sandwich: Add eggs, cheese, and bacon or avocado.
• Sweet twist: Spread with peanut butter and drizzle with honey.
• Healthy option: Use Greek yogurt bagels as a base for veggie sandwiches or smoked salmon.

For presentation, serve them on a wooden board with small bowls of cream cheese, fruit jam, and fresh herbs for a café-style breakfast setup.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Homemade Greek yogurt bagels are best eaten fresh, but they store well too:

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the fridge: Keep them in a sealed bag or container for up to 5 days.
• In the freezer: Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave.

If you’re planning ahead, you can also make the dough the night before, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it. Just let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before shaping and baking.

Recipe Variations

There are so many ways to make these bagels your own:

1. Everything Bagels: Mix garlic powder, onion flakes, sesame, and poppy seeds for the topping.
2. Cheddar Bagels: Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the dough and sprinkle more on top before baking.
3. Blueberry Bagels: Gently fold in a handful of fresh or dried blueberries for a fruity twist.
4. Cinnamon Raisin Bagels: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a handful of raisins to the dough.
5. Garlic Herb Bagels: Mix dried basil, oregano, and minced garlic into the dough for a savory version.

Each variation brings a new flavor to your breakfast table—without changing the simple base recipe.

Tips for the Perfect Bagels

• Don’t over-knead the dough; it just needs to come together smoothly.
• Use thick Greek yogurt, not regular or watery types.
• Always preheat your oven for even baking.
• Let the bagels rest before slicing—they continue cooking slightly as they cool.
• For a crispier crust, brush with egg wash twice (before and midway through baking).

Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt Bagels

Greek yogurt adds more than just flavor—it makes these bagels lighter, higher in protein, and lower in fat than traditional ones. Here’s why they’re a great choice:

• High in protein: Keeps you fuller longer.
• Lower in fat: Especially if you use nonfat or low-fat yogurt.
• No yeast: Easier to digest for some people.
• Contains probiotics: Supports gut health (when using live-culture yogurt).

It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a bakery-style breakfast at home.

FAQs About Bagels Recipe Homemade Greek Yogurt

Q1: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
It’s not recommended because regular yogurt has too much liquid and will make the dough sticky. If you only have regular yogurt, strain it through a cheesecloth for a few hours to thicken it first.

Q2: Do I need to boil the bagels before baking?
No. That’s the beauty of this recipe—it skips the boiling step completely while still giving a chewy texture.

Q3: Can I make them without an egg wash?
Yes, you can brush the tops with milk or olive oil instead, but they’ll be less shiny.

Q4: Are these bagels healthy?
Yes! They’re rich in protein and lower in carbs compared to traditional bagels. You can make them even healthier by using whole wheat flour or low-fat yogurt.

Q5: How can I reheat them?
Just pop them in the toaster or oven for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave for too long—it can make them tough.

Q6: Can I add fillings inside the dough?
Absolutely. Try folding in raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, or herbs before shaping.

Conclusion

Making a bagels recipe homemade Greek yogurt is much easier than it looks—and the results are delicious every time. In less than an hour, you can enjoy fresh, warm, golden bagels that taste like they came from your favorite bakery.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll never want store-bought bagels again. Experiment with toppings, fillings, and flavors to make them your own. Whether you enjoy them plain, toasted, or topped with your favorite spread, these Greek yogurt bagels will become a go-to breakfast in your kitchen.