High Protein Bagel Recipe

I still remember the first time I tried making homemade bagels – what a disaster! After years of testing (and some spectacular failures), I’ve finally perfected this super simple high protein bagel recipe that’s become a morning staple in my kitchen. The amazing thing? They’re ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish, just like our Quick Protein Bagels – perfect for busy mornings.

It all started in my quest to recreate those warm, chewy bagels from my favorite neighborhood bakery without all the fuss. You know that feeling – craving something delicious but not wanting to spend hours in the kitchen or deal with complicated techniques. That’s exactly why I fell in love with this high protein bagel recipe! These protein-packed bagels bring that authentic chewiness and golden crust you’d expect, much like the Cottage Cheese Bagels (Gluten-Free) I often bake for my gluten-sensitive friends. But with a fraction of the effort. The secret is Greek yogurt, which adds a wonderful protein boost while keeping the dough perfectly manageable for even beginner bakers.

I’ve made these countless Sunday mornings with my kids (who love adding their own toppings!), and there’s something magical about pulling warm, homemade bagels from the oven. The way the kitchen fills with that fresh-baked aroma reminds me of my Grandma’s heartland kitchen – simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. Ready to bring that same magic to your kitchen?

Why You’ll Love These High Protein Bagel Recipe

My journey with these bagels started during a busy season when I needed wholesome breakfasts but had zero time for traditional bagel-making. What began as a practical solution turned into a family favorite that I’m thrilled to share with you!

• Incredibly simple to make – If you can stir ingredients in a bowl, you can make these bagels! No fancy equipment or techniques needed.
• Protein-packed satisfaction – With Greek yogurt as the star ingredient, these bagels keep you full and energized much longer than regular bagels.
• Perfectly customizable – I’ve made these with everything from cinnamon sugar to garlic parmesan toppings – they’re even better with a sweet twist like our Cinnamon Raisin Bagels.
• Ready in just 35 minutes – From mixing bowl to table in less time than it takes to watch a TV episode!
• Works beautifully with gluten-free flour – My gluten-sensitive friends rave about how these satisfy their bagel cravings without compromise.

The best part? That moment when you bite through the slightly crisp exterior into the soft, chewy center. It’s pure breakfast bliss that makes any morning feel special!

Ingredient Note List

All-purpose flour: I’ve found this creates the perfect chewy texture in these bagels, but if you need a gluten-free version, Caputo or King Arthur gluten-free flour works wonderfully too.

Baking powder: This is the secret to their rise! It gives these high protein bagels their beautiful lift and chewy, bagel-like texture—no yeast needed and no waiting around.

Salt: Don’t skip this! It enhances all the flavors and creates that distinctive bagel taste we all love.

Greek yogurt: This magical ingredient is what makes these bagels so special – it adds protein while creating a wonderfully manageable dough that bakes up with the perfect chew.

Egg: A simple egg wash gives these bagels that beautiful golden shine that makes them look like they came from a professional bakery.

How to Cook High Protein Bagels?

Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 375°F – this ensures it’s perfectly hot when the bagels are ready to bake, which helps them rise beautifully.

Step 2. In my experience, mixing the dry ingredients first creates the most consistent bagels. I combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and give it a good whisk.

Step 3. My favorite part is adding the Greek yogurt! I’ve found that mixing until just combined gives the best texture – the mixture will look crumbly, but that’s exactly what you want.

Step 4. I lightly dust my countertop with flour before kneading. My grandma always said not to overwork dough, and she was right – just knead until it feels tacky but not sticky.

Step 5. I’ve discovered that dividing the dough into equal portions before shaping helps ensure evenly sized bagels. I use my palms to roll each piece into a rope about 3/4-inch thick.

Step 6. Joining the ends can be tricky! I wet my fingertips slightly to help seal the ends together, which prevents them from separating during baking.

Step 7. My secret to that beautiful shine is brushing each bagel with beaten egg. This is also when I add any toppings – everything bagel seasoning is my family’s absolute favorite!

Step 8. I’ve learned to place the bagels on the top rack of the oven, which helps them brown evenly. They usually take about 20-25 minutes, depending on their size.

Step 9. The hardest part? Waiting! I’ve found that letting them cool for at least 15 minutes helps the texture develop perfectly – though my kids usually can’t wait that long!

How to Store & Reheat

I typically store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature, where they stay fresh for about 2 days. For longer storage, I pop them in the refrigerator where they’ll keep well for up to 5 days.

If you want to freeze these beauties (which I often do!), I recommend slicing them first, then wrapping individually in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag. This way, they’ll keep for up to 3 months, and you can grab just what you need.

For the best reheating results, I’ve found that toasting these bagels brings back that wonderful fresh-baked texture. If they’re frozen, no need to thaw – just pop them straight in the toaster on a slightly longer setting. If you prefer a softer texture, I sometimes wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20 seconds before toasting.

What to Serve with High Protein Bagels

Whipped Cream Cheese: I love serving these bagels with a generous smear of lightly whipped cream cheese – the cool creaminess pairs perfectly with the warm, chewy bagel. They also go beautifully with our High Protein Bagel Bites for a fun twist, or try pairing with a sweeter option like the Greek Yogurt Blueberry Bagel. If you’re planning brunch, serve with Sourdough Discard Bagels or Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels to add variety.

Fresh Fruit Salad: The sweet freshness of a colorful fruit salad creates the perfect balance with these hearty bagels, making for a complete breakfast that my family requests every weekend.

Scrambled Eggs: For a protein-packed breakfast that keeps us satisfied until lunch, I serve these bagels alongside fluffy scrambled eggs – sometimes I even make egg sandwiches with them!

Smoked Salmon: When I’m feeling fancy (or have guests over), I bring out the smoked salmon, capers, and thinly sliced red onion – it’s a brunch combination that never fails to impress.

Greek Yogurt Parfait: Since these bagels already feature Greek yogurt in the dough, I find serving them with a yogurt parfait creates a lovely symmetry – plus it adds more protein to the meal!

Fresh Juice: Something about the bright acidity of fresh orange or grapefruit juice pairs wonderfully with these bagels, cutting through the richness and rounding out breakfast perfectly.

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