Soft Greek Yogurt Bagels

Name: Soft Greek Yogurt Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional); Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional for topping)

Highlighted under: No-Fuss Recipes

I absolutely love making bagels at home, and these Soft Greek Yogurt Bagels have quickly become my favorite. The texture is delightfully chewy, while the subtle tang from the Greek yogurt adds a unique twist. I enjoy customizing them with various toppings, making breakfast exciting every time. Best of all, they come together in just about 30 minutes, giving me a fresh, warm bagel any day of the week. If you're looking for a simple yet delicious recipe, this is it!

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:49:35.611Z

Creating Soft Greek Yogurt Bagels was so rewarding and surprisingly easy! The recipe requires minimal ingredients, and using Greek yogurt instead of traditional dough components gives these bagels a soft, tender bite. I remember the first time I baked them, the house was filled with an irresistible aroma that drew everyone in.

I experimented with different toppings such as everything seasoning and sesame seeds, enhancing the flavor even further. One tip I discovered is to boil the bagels for a minute on each side before baking; this step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture and golden crust.

Why You'll Love These Bagels
Quick and easy to prepare with just a few ingredients
Soft, chewy texture that makes each bite delightful
Customizable with your favorite toppings for extra flavor

The Role of Greek Yogurt

Using Greek yogurt in your bagel dough is what sets these bagels apart. The yogurt's acidity not only contributes to the soft and tender texture but also enhances the bagels with a pleasant tanginess. This is especially important as it replaces some of the water traditionally used in bagel recipes, resulting in a dough that is rich and flavorful. Make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best results, as it adds creaminess and moisture, helping to keep your bagels soft after baking.

Be mindful of the yogurt's temperature before mixing; using it at room temperature can help the dough come together more easily. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can try substituting with a plant-based yogurt, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Additionally, if you prefer a more pronounced tang, consider substituting some of the yogurt with sour cream, which will lend another layer of flavor to your bagels.

Boiling for a Perfect Chew

Boiling is a crucial step in bagel-making that gives them their distinctive chewy texture. When you drop the shaped bagels into boiling water, you create a protective barrier that helps them rise and form a crust during baking. For the best results, ensure your water is at a rolling boil before adding the bagels. You can also add a tablespoon of baking soda to the water; this alkalizes the water, resulting in a beautiful golden brown crust and enhance that classic bagel flavor.

Keep an eye on the timing—boil each bagel for about one minute per side. If you find that your bagels are too soft after boiling, reduce the boiling time slightly. This adjustment can help them hold their shape better during baking and enhance the chewy texture you crave. Don’t crowd the pot; boil in batches to allow the bagels to move freely in the water.

Toppings and Variations

Customizing your bagels with different toppings can elevate the flavor profile and make your bagels uniquely yours. While sesame seeds and everything bagel seasoning are classic choices, feel free to experiment with toppings like poppy seeds, onion flakes, or even savory herbs. For a sweet twist, consider a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking. Applying your toppings immediately after boiling helps them adhere better, contributing to a more flavorful bite.

If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating mix-ins directly into the dough. Chopped herbs, shredded cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes can be folded into the dough after kneading for a flavorful twist. Just be cautious not to add too many ingredients, as it can affect the dough's texture. For a fun breakfast treat, try adding some mini chocolate chips for an indulgent bagel variation!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Soft Greek Yogurt Bagels:

Bagel Ingredients

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

Once you have all your ingredients ready, you're set to make these delicious bagels!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your Soft Greek Yogurt Bagels:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the flour, Greek yogurt, baking powder, and salt. Mix until it forms a dough.

Knead the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.

Shape Bagels

Divide the dough into six pieces and shape each piece into a bagel by forming a circle with a hole in the middle.

Boil Bagels

Bring a pot of water to a boil and boil each bagel for about 1 minute on each side.

Bake

Place the boiled bagels on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle with sesame seeds or seasoning. Bake for 20 minutes until golden.

Once baked, let the bagels cool slightly before enjoying them warm!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding herbs or cheese to the dough. These bagels can also be frozen and reheated when needed for a quick breakfast.

Storage and Reheating

These Soft Greek Yogurt Bagels are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later enjoyment as well. Place completely cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will maintain their quality for about three months in the freezer.

To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. If you're in a hurry, a microwave works too; just be careful not to overheat them, as that can lead to a chewy texture instead of that lovely softness.

Scaling the Recipe

This bagel recipe is simple to scale up or down depending on your needs. If you’re preparing for a brunch or gathering, consider doubling or even tripling the batch. Just keep in mind that the boiling and baking times may slightly vary with the increased volume, so keep a close eye on them as they cook. You can also consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements, which can yield consistent results, especially when dealing with larger quantities.

On the other hand, if you’re just making a quick breakfast for one or two, feel free to halve the recipe. The dough can easily be adjusted without compromising the final product. Just remember that even smaller batches still require the same boiling and baking processes to achieve that signature bagel texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your bagels are too dense, it may be due to over-mixing during the dough preparation. Mix until just combined, and don’t be tempted to over-knead, as this can create a tough texture. If your bagels come out too dry, consider adding a little more yogurt to the dough next time or be cautious while kneading to avoid excessive flour incorporation.

Conversely, if the dough feels too sticky to handle, sprinkle in a bit more flour as you knead until it reaches a manageable consistency. Keep in mind that humidity can affect your dough, so adjust your flour accordingly. With a little practice and attention, you’ll be on your way to perfecting your bagel-making skills in no time!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

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

→ How long do these bagels last?

They can last up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.

→ Can I add flavorings like garlic or onion?

Absolutely! Incorporate those spices into the dough for added flavor.

→ Is it necessary to boil the bagels?

Boiling is essential to achieve that classic bagel texture; it enhances the chewiness.