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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!
Why you should make protein bagels at home
- Quick and easy. Making bagels with high protein content is so simple, it just requires two main ingredients and less than 30 minutes of your day. No need for protein powder, no yeast.
- Soft, doughy and tasty. I said they’re simple, but this does not mean that they are any different from the ones you buy. My homemade protein bagels are soft, with a delicious taste and crunchy seeds on top.
- Healthy and high protein. Unlike store-bought breads full of sugar, oil and preservatives, these Greek yogurt bagels are rich in nutrients and high quality protein.
- Versatile and meal prep friendly. High protein everything bagel, everything goes well with bagels. They are perfect for savory breakfasts with eggs and avocado, as a lunch on the go stuffed with salmon, chicken or tofu, and as a side for your meals.
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.
Low carb high protein bagels
To make this recipe lower in carbs, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour. The directions will remain the same, but your dough may need some more flour. Adjust the amounts based on your needs, adding more flour if too sticky.
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.
One bagel provides approximately 13 grams of protein, mostly from the Greek yogurt. However, precise amounts of protein per bagel depends on sizes and ingredients used. Different brands of yogurt may showcase different nutritional values, and different types of flour have different protein contents.
First, let the bagels cool completely to room temperature before storing. After they have cooled, place in an airtight container so that no humidity gets in. At room temperature, they will maintain taste and texture for up to 2 days. In the fridge, they will last for a maximum of 4 days. You can also freeze protein bagels in zipper bags for up to 3 months.
Yes, these homemade protein bagels are healthier than store-bought products. First, they are higher in protein, lower in carbs and lower in fats. Second, they do not contain any sugar, oil or preservative. Third, they are made with Greek yogurt, which is a great source of high quality protein, vitamin B12, and calcium.
This recipe is perfect for healthy breakfasts, lunches, or pre and post workout snacks.
Slice and enjoy protein bagels with cottage cheese, a spread of cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, ham, or fried egg. And consider adding vegetables such as lettuce or sliced tomatoes for a more balanced meal.
For the sweet tooth, try them with almond butter or peanut butter and banana, peanut butter and jelly, or your favorite jam. The best pre workout snack to load up on energy and protein!
More high protein baked goods
Protein Bagels
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cup (210 g) all purpose flour, or use self-rising flour and omit baking powder
- ⅔ cup (180 g) Greek yogurt, 5% or 2% fat percentage
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ to 1 tsp Kosher salt, or sea salt, adjust to taste
- 1 egg, or one egg white
- seeds of choice, optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or preheat air fryer to 280°F (140°C).
- 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).
- Transfer protein 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 or egg white wash, then sprinkle your favorite seeds on top.
How to bake protein bagels in oven
- Transfer Greek yogurt bagels to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in hot oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
How to bake protein bagels in air fryer
- Place 2 to 3 bagels in the basket of your air fryer, leaving enough space between each. Air fry at 280°F (140°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Precise nutritional values, calories and amount of protein per bagel depend on fat percentage of Greek yogurt used and protein content of flour chosen.
Can I use almond fur and 0% fat Greek yogurt?
Hey Glo,
thanks for your comment. Yes, you can also make protein bagels with almond flour and nonfat Greek yogurt but they won’t have the same fluffy texture. Still, they will taste delicious 😉
Have a great day,
Matteo
Love this recipe! What’s the best way to store these?
Hey Astrid,
thanks a lot for your review. So glad you like this recipe! You can find all information on storage and freezing in the blog post up here, before the recipe card 😉
Have a great day,
Matteo
I liked the protein bagel, delicious!
Hey dear Liza,
thanks a lot for your lovely feedback!! I am so glad you liked…They’re so soft!
Have a great day,
Matteo
Really,really good. I would make again.
Hey dear Florence,
thanks a lot for your kind feedback. It truly makes me happy hearing that you liked these high protein bagels…They are definitely one of my favorite recipe as well. Quick, easy and so soft, just like the original 😉
Have a fantastic Sunday,
Matteo
This recipe is AMAZING!!
I have to admit, I had my doubts, but it is so easy and great! My husband loves bagels and he said this is better than any store bought bagel. High praise! Just a little coarse salt on top and we have our own salt bagel without too much salt…delicious
Hey dear Lisa,
thank you SO much for your feedback! Wow, I am so so glad to hear that you both liked my protein bagels recipe. As you said, at the beginning it’s quite hard believing that they are actually that easy to make. Just 2 main ingredients and so much taste. Plus, they are free from all those nasty ingredients such as refined sugar and preservatives. Oh, and they’re high protein too ahah.
Once again, thanks a lot for your kind comment.
Have a great Sunday,
Matteo
Oh yes protein bagels will be part of my breakfast since now
Hey dear Constantino,
oh yes, that’s how we like it! These protein bagels are definitely perfect for breakfast, they’re healthy, tasty and so easy to make. Plus yogurt bagels go well with anything, from sweet to savory combinations.
Best regards,
Matteo
Wow! Your bagel is una prelibatezza??
My dear Liza,
oh yes! Those protein rich bagels are definitely Una Prelibatezza. So quick and easy to make, they are also incredibly fluffy. Better than the ones you buy at the store 😉
Have a fantastic day,
Matteo