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 plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); 1 egg (for egg wash); Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (for topping)

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I absolutely love making these soft bagels with Greek yogurt! They are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal ingredients, which is perfect for a busy morning. The yogurt gives them a wonderfully tender texture, and I've found that they puff up beautifully while baking. With just a bit of seasoning, these bagels are terrific on their own or with your favorite toppings. Whether I’m having a lazy brunch or needing a quick snack, these bagels are my go-to recipe that never disappoints.

Created by

Seraphina Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-10T20:01:36.057Z

When I first tried making bagels with Greek yogurt, I was amazed at how simple and effective the technique was. The yogurt adds a subtle tang and ensures the bagels remain soft and chewy. I experimented with adding spices and herbs to the dough, and I loved how versatile this recipe turned out to be.

One key tip I learned is to not over-knead the dough. A gentle hand is all that's needed to create that perfect texture. The beauty of these bagels is in their ease, making them an ideal choice whenever I want a warm, homemade treat without the fuss.

Why You'll Love These Bagels
Incredibly soft and chewy texture
Quick and easy preparation time
Versatile for sweet or savory toppings

Mastering the Dough

Achieving the perfect dough is essential for soft bagels. The combination of Greek yogurt and flour creates a unique hydration level that keeps them soft and chewy. When mixing, it’s important to work the dough just until combined; over-mixing can lead to tough bagels. If you find the dough too sticky, adding a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, can help achieve the right consistency.

Kneading is a crucial step that helps develop the gluten structure, providing the elasticity needed for bagels. Aim for 1-2 minutes of kneading; you're not looking for a perfect ball, just a smooth texture. If you're uncertain about whether you kneaded enough, you can perform a windowpane test by stretching a small piece of dough—if it stretches without breaking, you’re good to go!

Bagel Shapes and Sizes

Shaping the bagels correctly ensures even cooking and a pleasing appearance. After dividing the dough into equal pieces, gently roll each piece into a ball before making the hole in the center. Make sure to create a hole that is about 1-1.5 inches wide, as the dough will puff during baking. If the hole closes up during baking, try rolling the dough slightly thinner next time to allow for expansion.

You can experiment with the size of the bagels too! If you want smaller bagels for sandwiches or snacks, divide the dough into 10-12 pieces instead of 8. Just remember that baking time may vary slightly—check for that golden brown color to indicate doneness.

Making Ahead and Storing

These bagels are incredibly versatile! If you plan to make them ahead of time, consider shaping the bagels and placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can then freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let the bagels thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, apply the egg wash, and bake as directed.

For storage, keep any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just slice them in half before freezing, so you can toast them straight from the freezer—perfect for a quick breakfast!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your bagels:

Bagel Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (for topping)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious 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 large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and mix until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and gently knead it for about 1-2 minutes, just until it's smooth.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole through the center to shape it into a bagel.

Apply Egg Wash

Place the shapes on the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of the bagels. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything seasoning if desired.

Bake the Bagels

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bagels are golden brown.

Let them cool for a few minutes before enjoying!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, mix in spices like garlic powder or dried herbs into the dough before shaping your bagels.

Flavor Variations

While the base bagel recipe is delightful on its own, feel free to customize it to suit your taste. Before mixing the dough, try adding herbs like dried basil, onion powder, or garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor. For a sweet twist, incorporate a tablespoon of cinnamon or a handful of raisins, which pairs beautifully with cream cheese.

Toppings can also transform your bagels. Consider adding seeds like poppy or chia, or experimenting with toppings like shredded cheese. Just remember to sprinkle them on before baking, so they adhere to the surface nicely and enhance both flavor and presentation.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your bagels do not puff up as expected, ensure that your baking powder is fresh. Stale ingredients can lead to poor rising action. Always check the expiration date! Additionally, making sure the oven is preheated can have a significant impact on the bagel’s final texture. If you notice they are dry, reduce the flour slightly on your next attempt or add a touch more yogurt.

In case your bagels turn out overly dense, it might be due to excessive kneading or not enough baking time. Keep an eye on the color; they should be golden brown on the outside. If they are too pale, give them an extra few minutes in the oven to achieve that perfect crust.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these bagels?

Yes! You can freeze the bagels after baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer.

→ What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

You can substitute the Greek yogurt with regular yogurt or even cottage cheese, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

→ How can I store leftover bagels?

Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life.

→ Can I add toppings to the dough?

Absolutely! You can mix in ingredients like cheese, herbs, or spices into the dough before shaping the bagels for added flavor.