Oh my goodness, you absolutely have to try these! When I first made these high protein bagels, I was skeptical they could be this good, but trust me, they are the perfect quick breakfast. We’re talking soft and fluffy on the inside, perfectly golden brown on the outside—it’s unbelievable for something that takes less than 40 minutes total. Seriously, these have saved my busy mornings more times than I can count. No more sad toast! These homemade bagels hit the spot every single time, and they are loaded with good stuff.
Essential Ingredients for Your High Protein Bagels
The beauty of these bagels is that they rely on just a handful of everyday pantry staples. You don’t need yeast, long proofing times, or weird specialty flours, which is why I love them for a rushed Tuesday morning. But ingredient quality really does matter here, especially with the yogurt!
You absolutely must use 1 cup of nonfat plain Greek yogurt. Don’t try to substitute regular yogurt; it has too much water and will throw off the entire dough structure. We need that thick, tangy yogurt for binding everything together and getting that protein punch. Then we have 1 cup of all-purpose flour, which gives us the structure we need for that classic bagel chew.
For lift, we use just 1 teaspoon of baking powder—it’s our secret weapon since we skip the yeast. A tiny bit of fine sea salt helps balance the flavor, and don’t forget the 2 large egg whites! They help create that beautiful golden crust when brushed on top. Finally, the 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds is optional, but honestly, why skip the crunch? They make them look like real bakery bagels!
Ingredient Clarifications and Swaps for High Protein Bagels
I know some of you look for ways to sneak in a little extra fiber, and I totally support that! If you want to boost the nutrition slightly, you can swap out half of your all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. Just use half a cup of each. It will make the dough a tiny bit denser, but you’ll get that added fiber benefit without losing the core texture.
Remember, Greek yogurt is non-negotiable; it’s the star here. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh! If it’s old, your bagels will look flat and sad, and we definitely don’t want that. These simple ingredients are why these easy bagels come together so fast! You can see more quick recipe ideas on our Medium page.
Equipment Needed for Baking High Protein Bagels
You don’t need a stand mixer or any fancy tools for these, which is why they are so great for beginners! Just grab these basics, and you’re good to go:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Floured surface for kneading
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Silicone brush (for the egg wash)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making High Protein Bagels
Okay, let’s get these beauties into the oven! This whole process moves really fast once you get started, so have your ingredients measured out before you begin. We want to keep the pace up so the baking powder can do its job properly.
Preparing the Dough for High Protein Bagels
First things first: get your oven preheated to 375°F right away, and line one of your baking sheets with parchment paper. This paper is crucial—it stops the yogurt dough from sticking, which can happen easily. Now, grab a medium bowl. We’re mixing the dry stuff first. Whisk together your flour, the baking powder, and that pinch of salt. Make sure they are evenly distributed; you don’t want a pocket of baking powder sitting in one spot!
Next, add your 1 cup of thick Greek yogurt right into the dry ingredients. Don’t try to mix it gently at first! Just stir it with a spoon or spatula until everything is just combined and looks shaggy—you know, like a messy cloud of flour and yogurt. That’s exactly what you want. Now, dump that whole shaggy mess onto a lightly floured surface. This dough doesn’t need a ton of work, which is the magic of the yogurt method. Knead it just until it comes together and looks smooth, which should only take about 60 seconds. Seriously, over-kneading will make them tough, so stop as soon as it’s uniform.
Shaping and Topping Your High Protein Bagels
Once your dough is smooth, it’s time to make bagels! Divide that ball evenly into four pieces. I usually eyeball it, but if you’re a perfectionist, a kitchen scale helps make them uniform. Take each piece and roll it into a rope shape—about 6 to 8 inches long feels right for a standard size. Then, bring the ends of that rope together and pinch them firmly to seal them into a circle. Make sure that seam is really well sealed, or you might get a little bagel explosion in the oven!
Place your four shaped bagels onto that prepared, parchment-lined sheet, making sure they have a little space between them because they will puff up. Now for the shiny top! Lightly brush the tops of the bagels with those reserved egg whites. This is what gives us that gorgeous, professional shine. As soon as the egg white is on, sprinkle them generously with your sesame seeds. Press them gently so they stick!
Baking Time and Visual Cues for High Protein Bagels
Time to bake! Slide that sheet into your preheated 375°F oven. They need about 20 to 22 minutes in there. You’re looking for them to be nicely puffed up and a deep, beautiful golden brown color all over. If the tops look done but the centers seem a little pale, you can gently turn the tray halfway through. Don’t let them bake too long, or they’ll dry out!
When they hit that perfect color, pull them out! The most important, and hardest, part is waiting. Let these high protein bagels cool on the baking sheet for a full 5 minutes before you even think about slicing them. They are still setting up their structure during this time. After five minutes, move them to a wire rack to cool completely, or slice them open while they are still warm for the best texture. If you want to save this recipe, check out our Pinterest board!
Tips for Achieving Expert Results with High Protein Bagels
I’ve made these high protein bagels so many times that I know exactly what makes them go from good to absolutely incredible. The biggest thing I learned right away is texture management. Because these use yogurt instead of yeast, they are at their peak textural perfection the very day you bake them. Seriously, eat one warm if you can!
If you’re meal prepping, which I totally do on Sundays, only bake what you plan to eat that day. Store the unbaked dough balls in the fridge for up to 24 hours instead. When you’re ready, just brush with egg wash and bake straight from the fridge—you might need an extra minute or two in the oven. This is my secret for having fresh bagels whenever I need them! For more quick meal ideas, check out this chicken noodle soup recipe.
Another thing I noticed when testing different flours: don’t skip the fine sea salt. It sounds small, but the yogurt can be a little bland, and that salt is what makes the flavor pop against the protein base. Also, when you’re kneading, stop yourself after one minute, even if it doesn’t feel perfectly smooth yet. Overworking this yogurt dough leads to a tough, rubbery bagel, and we want fluffy and tender, remember?
Storage and Reheating Instructions for High Protein Bagels
Like I mentioned before, these greek yogurt bagels really shine on the day they are baked. The texture is just unbeatable when they are fresh! But if you have leftovers—and sometimes I do, if I’m being honest—you need to store them correctly so they don’t get hard.
If you know you won’t eat them the next day, you can keep them sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Anything longer than that, and they start to lose their softness. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is the best bet. Just make sure they are completely cooled before you wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil!
Storage Guide Table for High Protein Bagels
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tip |
| Airtight Container (Room Temp) | 1-2 Days | Microwave for 10 seconds or toast lightly. |
| Freezer (Wrapped) | Up to 1 Month | Wrap in damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds. |
Frequently Asked Questions About High Protein Bagels
I get so many questions about these simple bagels popping up in my inbox, so I figured I’d answer the most common ones right here! It’s amazing how much interest these easy bagels generate.
Q1. Why are my high protein bagels a little tough instead of soft?
This usually happens if you over-knead the dough! Remember, since we aren’t using yeast, we only knead for about a minute until it’s smooth. If you work it too long, the gluten tightens up and you end up with a chewy, almost rubbery texture instead of the soft inside we want. Also, make sure you’re using nonfat plain Greek yogurt—anything else throws off the moisture balance.
Q2. Can I freeze these homemade bagels before baking?
Yes, this is my favorite trick for busy weeks! Once you’ve shaped the raw dough balls, place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want a fresh bagel, just brush with egg white and bake from frozen; add about 3 to 5 extra minutes to the baking time.
Q3. How long does it really take to make these brunch bagels?
The total time is under 40 minutes, which is fantastic! Prep time is about 15 minutes where you mix, knead, and shape. The actual baking time is just 20 to 22 minutes. It’s so much faster than traditional bagels that require hours of rising time. It’s the perfect grab-and-go option! If you are looking for another quick bread option, try these 4 ingredient greek yogurt bagels.
Q4. How much protein is actually in one of these bagels?
Since we are using a cup of Greek yogurt and two egg whites, these packs a great punch! Each bagel comes out to about 14 grams of protein. That’s why I call them my high protein bagels—it’s a fantastic way to start the day feeling full and satisfied!
Understanding the Nutritional Profile of Your High Protein Bagels
We talked about how these high protein bagels are great for busy mornings, but let’s look at what’s actually fueling you up! Since we are using nonfat Greek yogurt and keeping the fat low overall, these turn out pretty lean for a baked good. Remember that these numbers are estimates based on the recipe as written, so your totals might wiggle a little depending on your exact flour brand or yogurt consistency.
The best part is that protein count—14 grams is fantastic for a breakfast item that isn’t meat! They keep you full right until lunchtime. They are also naturally low in sugar and fat, which makes them a winner in my book for everyday eating. For more recipes focusing on high protein, check out this high protein cheesecake fluff.
Nutritional Information Table for High Protein Bagels
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimate) |
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Share Your Experience Making High Protein Bagels
I truly hope these high protein bagels become a staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine! They’re such a game-changer for quick, healthy breakfasts. Did they turn out soft and golden for you? Please take a second to rate this recipe and leave a comment below telling me what you topped yours with. I love hearing about your breakfast successes! If you are interested in other quick breakfast ideas, consider this chocolate chip protein muffins recipe.
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Amazing 14g high protein bagels ready fast
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make high-protein brunch bagels with simple pantry ingredients. They are soft inside, golden outside, and perfect for meal prep or busy mornings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Add the Greek yogurt and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Divide the dough into four equal pieces and roll each into a rope.
- Shape each rope into a circle and pinch the ends to seal.
- Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with egg whites and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Bake for 20 to 22 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- These bagels are best eaten the day they are made for the best texture.
- You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: Low
- Sodium: Low
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: Low
- Unsaturated Fat: Low
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: Low
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: Low

