Easy Protein Bagels (13 g Protein) (2024)

Introducing the easiest homemade Protein Bagels, with over 13 g of protein each. This high protein bagel recipe requires just 2 main ingredients, flour and Greek yogurt - no yeast. Served for breakfast or as a meal prep lunch, they are soft, fluffy and tasty like the original.

I like, love and live for bread. If there is one thing I can't resist, it's savory baked goods. Growing up in Italy surrounded by freshly baked bread from the local Panetteria, oily focaccia, and delicious pizza, how could this be any different?

But it wasn't until 18 that I tasted bagels. Despite my "dedication" to all things bread-related, I'd never tried them before, because in my tiny town in the mountains of Northern Italy, they simply did not exist. I just used to see them in movies and series from the States.

I became officially "adult" (ahah, at least on the paper) in July 2018, and two days after I was already on a plane to America. As soon as I set foot in New York, I headed straight off to a bakery and got myself a bagel. Soft and doughy, it was so good that...well, welcome to my addiction. I absolutely love bagels, but here in Europe they are not that common. So I now make my own, healthy and high in protein, just like my protein bread recipe. Ladies and gentlemen, these are the best protein bagels with Greek yogurt!

Ingredients & substitutes

I started the blog post saying that this is the easiest protein bagels recipe.Well, it wasn't not a clickbait. At all. You'll only need two basic ingredients, plus baking powder, salt and egg wash if desired. No protein powder and no yeast are required, so that anyone can make their own bagels high in protein at home. Here are more details about ingredients and substitutes.

• Flour. I recommend all purpose flour because it produces a softer and fluffier texture, in comparison to whole-wheat flours. Some recipes use self-rising flour, but I know that many people do not have it - me included. In case you make bagels with self-rising flour, omit the baking powder.
• Greek yogurt. The best protein bagels are made with full-fat Greek yogurt, a 5% or 2% fat content is ideal. In comparison to nonfat Greek yogurt, it has a much richer taste and makes the dough softer. You can still use low fat Greek yogurt, but the result won't be exactly the same. Lactose-free alternatives will also work, if necessary.
• Baking powder. This is going to be the main leaving agent, which will make our homemade bagels rise and get softer. You won't need any baking powder, if you used self-rising flour.
• Kosher salt. The salt gives taste and helps the dough rise. I recommend kosher salt, but you can replace it with regular sea salt.
• Egg or egg white. One large egg or one egg white is used for the egg wash, which is going to give your high protein bagels a golden topping. Brushing the top with egg wash is not necessary, however. So, feel free to skip this ingredient.
• Optional toppings. Sprinkle the top of your Greek yogurt protein bagels with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, everything bagel seasoning, minced garlic or grated cheese.

How to make protein bagels from scratch

• Make the yeast-free dough. In a large bowl combine all purpose flour with baking powder and salt. Add Greek yogurt, then quickly stir until it comes to form a dough(add more flour if it is sticky or more Greek yogurt if the dough is too dry).

• Shape the bagels. Transfer the dough over a clean floured surface and knead to form a soft ball. Divide into 4 equal size pieces. One at a time, roll each piece of dough into a log about 15 cm (6 inches) in length and shape into a ring. Brush the surface of each bagel with egg wash or egg white wash, then sprinkle your favorite seeds.

• Bake in the oven. Transfer Greek yogurt bagels to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake in hot oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
• Or air fry. Place 2 to 3 buns in the basket of your air fryer, leaving enough space between each. Air fry protein bagels in air fryer at 280°F (140°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool for at 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Success tips

• Prefer full-fat Greek yogurt. Opt for full-fat Greek yogurt to add richness and moisture to your bagels, enhancing their flavor and texture.
• Customize to your likings. Experiment with different toppings, mix-ins, and flavor combinations to match your preferences. If you have the sweet tooth, make cinnamon raisin bagels by incorporating in the dough some ground cinnamon, raisins and brown sugar.
• Do not over-knead dough. Avoid overworking the dough to prevent a tough and dense texture. You know it's ready when it gets smooth and elastic.
• Monitor baking time. Keep an eye on your bagels while they're baking to prevent them from becoming dry and burning. Adjust the baking time as needed, based on oven or air fryer characteristics.
• Let cool before serving. Allow the buns to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes before eating to ensure they develop the perfect texture and are easier to slice.

More high protein baked goods

• Protein bread
• Homemade protein pizza
• Cottage cheese pizza
• Protein banana bread
• Protein muffins

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