Soft Bagels Made With Greek Yogurt

Name: Soft Bagels Made With Greek Yogurt
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 egg (for egg wash); Optional toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning)

Highlighted under: Nourishing Dishes

I absolutely love making soft bagels with Greek yogurt because they come together quickly and require minimal ingredients. This method not only simplifies the process but also keeps the bagels delightfully tender. The yogurt adds a nice tang and moisture, making them a perfect companion to your favorite spreads. In just a short amount of time, you can have fresh, homemade bagels that rival those from your local bakery. Trust me, once you try this technique, you'll never want to go back to store-bought bagels again!

Created by

Gwendolyn Reed

Last updated on 2026-02-10T19:55:36.367Z

When I first discovered the magic of Greek yogurt in bagel-making, I was blown away by how much easier it made the process. The dough is incredibly quick to prepare and doesn't require any yeast or lengthy rising times. I remember the first time I made them; I couldn’t believe how fluffy and delicious they turned out! Each bite is an experience, thanks to the yogurt’s creamy texture.

One key tip I've learned is to avoid overworking the dough. Gently mixing until just combined ensures that the bagels stay soft and light. I like to top them with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for an added flavor boost. These bagels have become a staple in my home, perfect for breakfast or a snack!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients
Perfectly soft and fluffy texture
Healthier alternative with Greek yogurt
Versatile for any toppings or spreads

The Role of Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a key player in this bagel recipe, not only contributing moisture but also enhancing the texture. Its protein content helps achieve a chewy, satisfying bite that’s often missing in traditional bagels made with just flour and water. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider using low-fat Greek yogurt, which still maintains the tangy flavor while reducing calories.

Another benefit of using Greek yogurt is its acidity, which reacts with baking powder to create a light, airy dough. This reaction produces the perfect rise in your bagels, giving them that fluffy interior. If you don't have Greek yogurt on hand, regular yogurt can be used, but the bagels may not be as rich in flavor or have the same texture.

Shaping Tips for Perfect Bagels

Shaping the dough into bagels can be a fun but challenging step. To create a uniform shape, I recommend rolling each piece of dough into a tight ball before poking a hole in the center. Be careful not to over-stretch the dough; the hole should be about 1-2 inches wide, as it will shrink during baking, ensuring an even rise.

If you find the dough too sticky to handle, a light dusting of flour on your hands and work surface will help. Alternatively, if you prefer a different shape, you could opt to make bagel bites by rolling them into smaller balls without the hole. Just remember that baking time may vary slightly in this case, so keep an eye on them as they bake.

Ingredients

Bagel Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning)

Mix all ingredients well to form a dough.

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, Greek yogurt, baking powder, and salt until just combined. The mixture should form a sticky dough. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and stretch to form a bagel shape.

Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet

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

Add Egg Wash and Toppings

Beat the egg and brush it over the bagels. Sprinkle your desired toppings on top.

Bake

Place the bagels in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Let the bagels cool slightly before serving. Enjoy fresh out of the oven!

Serve with your favorite spreads.

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider adding herbs or spices directly into the dough. Additionally, if you like a chewy bagel, boil them in water before baking for a few minutes.

Troubleshooting Bagel Issues

If your bagels don’t rise as expected, it could be due to outdated baking powder. Ensure your leavening agent is within its shelf life for the best results. Additionally, if the dough seems too dry, this can hinder the rise; don’t hesitate to add a tablespoon of yogurt or water to enhance moisture.

Overbaking can lead to dense, hard bagels. Keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark; they should be a beautiful golden brown on the outside. If you’re unsure, pay attention to their aroma and texture; they should feel slightly firm but still spring back when touched.

Storing and Reheating Bagels

These bagels are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the bagels individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy a frozen bagel, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. To reheat, you can pop it directly into a toaster or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring a crisp exterior while retaining a soft interior.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture slightly.

→ How can I store leftover bagels?

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

→ Can I add toppings before baking?

Absolutely! Adding toppings before baking will give your bagels extra flavor and texture.

→ What can I serve with these bagels?

They are great with cream cheese, butter, or even avocado spread for a delicious breakfast.