Homemade Protein Bagels Step By Step

Name: Homemade Protein Bagels Step By Step
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups high-protein flour; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional); Water (for boiling)

Highlighted under: Quick Fix Dishes

When I decided to make homemade protein bagels, I was both excited and skeptical. I wanted to create a recipe that wouldn’t compromise on flavor while still delivering a high-protein punch. After experimenting with various flour types and protein additions, I finally found the perfect combination! These bagels are surprisingly easy to make and require just a handful of ingredients. Plus, they’re versatile enough to enjoy with any toppings you love, making them perfect for breakfast or snack time.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-01-22T09:28:12.720Z

During my trials, I discovered that the key to a chewy yet fluffy bagel lies in the boiling stage. Boiling them before baking allows the outside to form a beautiful crust while keeping the inside airy. I also learned that using a mix of high-protein flour with Greek yogurt gives these bagels a wonderful texture and a nutrition boost!

One of my favorite experiences was experimenting with toppings. I tried everything from sesame seeds to everything bagel seasoning, and each variation was a hit! I recommend brushing them lightly with an egg wash for a shiny finish. Enjoy these bagels fresh or toasted, and they make the perfect base for your favorite spreads.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Packed with protein for a satisfying bite
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Easy to make and perfect for meal prep

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of high-protein flour is essential for creating a sturdy yet tender bagel. This type of flour, often made from wheat with higher protein content than all-purpose flour, helps develop gluten, resulting in the chewy texture traditional bagels are known for. If high-protein flour is unavailable, a blend of whole wheat flour and vital wheat gluten can serve as a suitable substitute, maintaining the protein levels while offering a wholesome flavor.

Greek yogurt plays a pivotal role beyond adding protein; it provides moisture and contributes to the bagels’ delightful tanginess. The acidity of yogurt can react with the baking powder, giving the bagels a slight lift during baking. I recommend using full-fat or at least 2% yogurt for the best texture. For a dairy-free option, unsweetened almond or coconut yogurt could be used, keeping in mind the potential variation in flavor.

Perfecting the Bagel Shape

Shaping the bagels is a critical step that can affect both the cooking process and final appearance. When rolling out each piece, aim for symmetry to ensure even cooking. A hole diameter of about 1-2 inches is ideal because it allows the bagels to cook through properly without becoming too dense. Another tip I’ve found helpful is to gently stretch the dough while forming the hole, as this can help maintain the shape while allowing for some expansion during boiling and baking.

When dividing the dough, think about keeping everything uniform to achieve consistent cooking times. Using a kitchen scale, you can weigh each piece to ensure you're working with approximately the same amount of dough. If you prefer a larger bagel, scale up the weight slightly, but remember to adjust the boiling and baking times accordingly.

Ingredients

For the Bagels

2 cups high-protein flour
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional)
Water (for boiling)

Get creative with toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning!

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the high-protein flour, Greek yogurt, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms. Knead lightly until smooth.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then create a hole in the center to form a bagel shape. Make sure the hole is about 1-2 inches wide.

Boil the Bagels

In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add the bagels carefully, a few at a time, and boil for about 1-2 minutes on each side. This step is crucial for the perfect bagel texture.

Bake the Bagels

Place the boiled bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with an egg wash if desired and sprinkle your favorite toppings. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy

Allow the bagels to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy them fresh or toasted with your favorite spread!

These bagels can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding spices or herbs directly into the dough. Adding a little garlic powder or onion powder can create a delicious savory bagel.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These protein bagels can be made in advance, which makes them perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For optimal freshness, consider freezing them. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat them in the toaster or oven directly from the freezer for a quick breakfast.

If you find yourself with more bagels than you can consume, you can also slice them before freezing. This makes it even easier to pop them into the toaster for a quick meal. Just ensure they are fully cooled before slicing to avoid a squished bagel.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These bagels are incredibly versatile, inviting a variety of toppings and spreads to enhance your experience. Try topping them with everything from classic cream cheese to avocado, or experiment with hummus and roasted veggies for a hearty snack. For an unconventional twist, consider adding spices like everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds before baking to impart additional flavor and texture.

You can also infuse your dough with additional protein by mixing in seeds or nutritional yeast. For a sweeter take, add a touch of cinnamon or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries before shaping. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor your bagels to suit any mood or meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular flour instead of high-protein flour?

While you can use regular flour, using high-protein flour will yield a chewier and more protein-rich bagel.

→ How should I store leftover bagels?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer-lasting freshness.

→ Can I add flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like diced jalapeños, herbs, or cheese for unique bagel flavors.

→ What’s the best way to reheat bagels?

Toast them in a toaster or oven for a crispy texture. You can also microwave them for a quick option, but they won’t be as crusty.