Soft Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bagels

Name: Soft Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups Greek yogurt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); 1 egg (for egg wash); Sesame or poppy seeds (for topping, optional)

Highlighted under: Fresh & Fit Meals

I absolutely love starting my day with these Soft Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bagels. They are wonderfully soft and slightly chewy, making every bite delightful. The best part is that they come together quickly with minimal fuss, thanks to the magic of Greek yogurt. I enjoy them fresh out of the oven, topped with cream cheese, or even just plain. They have become a staple in our breakfast rotation, and I think they will become yours too!

Created by

Delilah Spencer

Last updated on 2026-02-16T10:41:37.111Z

When I first tried making bagels at home, I was amazed by how easy they were to prepare with Greek yogurt. The yogurt not only provides a rich flavor but also creates a wonderful texture. It's incredible to see how just two main ingredients can yield something so satisfying. After experimenting, I found that a quick boil before baking gives them that authentic bagel chewiness without the long proving time.

These bagels quickly became a favorite in my household. They're perfect for meal prep as they freeze wonderfully. I love pulling one out in the morning, toasting it up, and enjoying the comforting scent filling my kitchen. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings to make them your own!

Why You'll Love These Bagels
Soft and fluffy texture that’s hard to resist
Simple ingredients and quick preparation
Versatile toppings to customize your breakfast

The Power of Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is not just a creamy ingredient; it plays a crucial role in the texture of these bagels. Its high protein content contributes to the dough’s elasticity, resulting in that gorgeous soft and fluffy bite. By using Greek yogurt, you can reduce the amount of flour necessary for a great rise and also enhance the nutritional profile of your breakfast. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, try using a thick coconut yogurt as a substitute, but be aware that it might alter the flavor slightly.

Incorporating Greek yogurt into your bagel dough also helps in speeding up preparation. Unlike traditional bagel recipes that require fermentation and lengthy rising times, this method allows you to bake fresh bagels quickly. You’ll notice that the dough doesn’t require extensive kneading, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Watch the dough closely during mixing; it should come together to form a slightly sticky but manageable consistency that you can easily shape.

Perfecting the Boil

Boiling the bagels before baking is a critical step in achieving that classic chewy crust. When you drop the shaped bagels into simmering water, the starches on the surface gelatinize, creating a barrier that seals in moisture while baking. This method can be adjusted: for a more tender bagel, reduce boiling time to 30 seconds per side. Conversely, if you prefer a firmer texture, increase boiling time slightly but avoid overcooking, as this can result in tough bagels.

Remember to keep the water at a gentle simmer; a rolling boil can cause the bagels to lose their shape. Adding a splash of honey or a tablespoon of baking soda to boiling water can enhance glossiness and flavor, giving your bagels that perfect finish. If you're making a large batch, consider boiling in groups of two or three to maintain water temperature and ensure even cooking.

Serving and Storage Tips

Once your bagels are baked to a golden brown, allow them to rest for at least 10 minutes on a cooling rack. This resting period lets the steam escape, keeping the exterior crisp while allowing the interior to retain its softness. Serve them warm with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or fresh fruit spreads for a delightful breakfast. These bagels can also be sliced and toasted for added texture and flavor.

For make-ahead convenience, store baked bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, place them in a plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, restoring their fresh-baked quality.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create irresistible bagels:

Bagel Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Sesame or poppy seeds (for topping, optional)

Once you have everything ready, you're all set to make your bagels!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Soft Greek Yogurt Breakfast Bagels:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and honey, then mix until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for about 1-2 minutes until it’s just smooth.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 8 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Poke a hole in the center of each ball to shape into a bagel.

Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer. Boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side, then place them on the baking sheet.

Egg Wash and Bake

Beat the egg and brush it over the bagels, adding sesame or poppy seeds if desired. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Let the bagels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a sweeter version, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the dough. Experiment with different toppings like everything seasoning or cheese for added flavor!

Bagel Variations

Feel free to get creative with your bagel toppings! Besides the classic sesame or poppy seeds, you can sprinkle everything bagel seasoning for an exciting flavor twist. Adding chopped herbs like dill or onion flakes into the dough before shaping can also introduce a new layer of taste, perfect for savory breakfasts. Don't forget about sweet options, like cinnamon sugar or even chocolate chips, to cater to various breakfast preferences.

If you're gluten-free, substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend can work well, though you might need to adjust the yogurt slightly to maintain dough consistency. Similarly, for a whole grain option, use whole wheat flour, bearing in mind that the texture will be denser, so you may want to increase the yogurt content to maintain moisture.

Troubleshooting Your Bagels

If your bagels turn out too dense, this might indicate that the dough was over-kneaded. Remember, just a minute or two of kneading is all you need. Additionally, if they flatten out during the boiling process, try shaping them more tightly before boiling; this can help them retain their shape better while cooking.

Should you find that the bagels have too tough a crust, check your baking time and temperature. If the bagels are browning too quickly, try lowering the oven temperature slightly and extending the baking time. Conversely, if they are too soft, you might want to ensure they’re appropriately boiled, as undercooking can lead to a soft exterior.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

→ How do I store leftover bagels?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ What can I use as toppings?

You can use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, cheese, or your favorite spice blend.

→ Can I add flavors to the dough?

Absolutely! Try adding herbs or spices directly into the dough for a unique flavor.