Soft Bagels Made With Greek Yogurt

Name: Soft Bagels Made With Greek Yogurt
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); 1 egg (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Balanced Healthy Meals Ideas

I absolutely love making bagels at home, and using Greek yogurt in the dough gives them a wonderfully soft texture that's just irresistible. I can whip these up in no time, and the best part is that they require no boiling or lengthy rising times—just mix, shape, and bake! The yogurt adds a delightful tanginess, making these bagels perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack any time of day. Let’s dive into this simple and quick recipe that will impress your family and friends!

Created by

Tabitha Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-10T18:17:36.524Z

When I first tried making bagels with Greek yogurt, I was skeptical about skipping the traditional dough techniques. However, this method proved to be both quick and rewarding. The bagels emerged soft and chewy, making them perfect for any topping from cream cheese to lox. I enthusiastically shared them with my family, and they instantly fell in love, asking for a batch every weekend!

I discovered that the secret lies in the ratio of yogurt to flour, which creates a dough that holds its shape beautifully. Adding a touch of baking powder gives that perfect rise without the hassle. The first bite of these warm bagels fresh out of the oven is pure magic—no one can resist them!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Soft and chewy texture that's easy to achieve
No boiling required for a quicker process
Perfectly customizable with your favorite toppings

Understanding the Role of Greek Yogurt

Using Greek yogurt in this bagel recipe not only enhances the texture but also infuses a delightful tanginess. The moisture from the yogurt creates a soft, chewy crumb that contrasts beautifully with any toppings you choose. The acidity in the yogurt can also help break down gluten, making the dough easier to handle and shape, which is crucial in achieving that perfect bagel bounce.

If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can substitute Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt, like soy or almond yogurt. Just ensure it's unsweetened so it doesn't alter the flavor profile of your bagels. This substitution may slightly adjust the moisture content, so keep an eye on the dough consistency as you mix.

Tips for Shaping Bagels

Shaping your bagels correctly is key to achieving that classic look and texture. After dividing the dough into equal pieces, gently roll each piece into a ball before making the hole in the center. The size of the hole matters; it should be about one to two inches wide, as the bagels will puff up during baking. If you find the dough is a bit tough to shape, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten.

Be cautious with the dough’s stickiness. If it clings to your hands or the surface too much, dust lightly with flour rather than adding too much, which could toughen the dough. I suggest using a bench scraper to lift and manipulate the dough and to prevent sticking.

Serving and Storing Your Bagels

Once your bagels are out of the oven and slightly cooled, they're best enjoyed fresh. However, they also store quite well. To keep your bagels soft, wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in a resealable bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, or you can freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to let them cool completely before wrapping for freezing.

To reheat frozen bagels, simply bake them at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. If you want that fresh-baked texture, slice them in half before reheating, and consider adding a light spread of butter or cream cheese for extra flavor during the process.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your bagels.

Bagel Dough Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)

Be sure to have your toppings ready, like everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or cream cheese.

Instructions

Let's get started on making our bagels!

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, Greek yogurt, baking powder, salt, and honey. Stir until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Bagels

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly. Divide it into 8 equal pieces, and shape each piece into a bagel by forming a ring with a hole in the middle.

Prepare for Baking

Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the bagels.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite toppings!

Now that you know how to make your bagels, enjoy experimenting with different flavors and toppings!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try mixing herbs or spices into the dough or topping the bagels with your favorite seeds before baking.

Customizing Your Bagels

The beauty of this bagel recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily incorporate your favorite flavors into the dough. For instance, adding garlic powder or onion powder to the dry ingredients can give a savory twist. For a herbaceous note, mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme; they pair wonderfully with cream cheese or smoked salmon.

Toppings are another area for personalization. Consider sprinkling everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds on top before baking to enhance texture and flavor. If you prefer sweeter bagels, you can experiment by mixing in cinnamon or chocolate chips directly into the dough for a delightful breakfast treat.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your bagels come out too dense, it could be due to over-kneading the dough or using too much flour during shaping. Remember, the dough should be soft and a little sticky. If you unintentionally make it too firm, consider adding a bit more yogurt to the mix next time to maintain that ideal texture.

Should your bagels not rise as expected, check the freshness of your baking powder. Expired baking powder can result in flat bagels. Also, ensure your oven is properly preheated; an inaccurate temperature can affect how your bagels bake. A kitchen thermometer can help ensure accuracy.

Questions About Recipes

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

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.

→ How should I store the bagels?

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

→ What toppings work best with these bagels?

Cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado make great toppings, but feel free to get creative!

→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?

While it's best to bake them fresh, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for a few hours before shaping and baking.