These Vanilla Greek Yogurt Bagels are soft, chewy, and super easy to make! With a touch of vanilla, they add a sweet twist to your breakfast or snack time.
I love to enjoy them warm with cream cheese or my favorite fruit spread. You might just find yourself having a second one—totally worth it! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Self-Rising Flour: This is key for bagels that rise nicely. If you don’t have it on hand, you can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt (1 cup of flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder + 0.5 tsp salt). That way, you can still get a good dough!
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt gives the bagels a rich, enjoyable texture. If you’re looking to cut some calories, you can use low-fat yogurt or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative, but stick to plain varieties for the best flavor.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a nice sweet note, but if you want something different, almond extract can work too, giving a unique twist to the flavor. Always remember though, a little goes a long way!
Honey/Sugar: This is optional for added sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, you could use a sugar substitute like maple syrup or agave nectar, which would also work nicely.
Cream Cheese: If you’re a fan of cream cheese, it makes a delicious filling. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt in place of the cream cheese, or even a nut-based spread if you prefer a vegan choice.
How Do I Knead Dough Properly and Avoid Stickiness?
Kneading dough is essential to develop gluten and get that nice chewy bagel texture. Here are some tips to ensure you get it right:
- Flour your surface lightly before kneading to prevent sticking.
- Instead of using a lot of flour, try wetting your hands lightly; this keeps the dough from sticking too much.
- Knead for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth. You can stretch it lightly; it should bounce back when pulled.
- Don’t rush it! Give the dough time to come together – if it’s way too sticky, add a touch more flour, but be cautious!
With practice, you’ll get a feel for what the right texture should be – just remember, it’s okay if it feels a little tacky at first.
How to Make Vanilla Greek Yogurt Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full fat works best)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and salt)
For the Filling (optional):
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this recipe is about 40-50 minutes. You’ll need around 15 minutes for preparation, and about 20-25 minutes for baking. Once they’re done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing and filling if you choose to. Simple and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make sure the bagels don’t stick!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract. If you’d like a little sweetness, add honey or sugar here and mix well. It should be a nice creamy texture.
3. Create the Dough:
Gradually add the self-rising flour into the yogurt mixture. Use a spoon or your hands to stir until a sticky dough begins to form. It’s okay if it’s a bit messy!
4. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and place the dough on it. Knead the dough gently for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Keep some flour handy in case the dough sticks to your hands or the surface.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces for larger bagels or 6 pieces for smaller ones. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke your finger through the center to create a hole for the bagel shape. Gently stretch this hole to about 2 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the bagels on the lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with water, then sprinkle everything bagel seasoning evenly over them for that delicious crunchy topping.
7. Bake the Bagels:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and baked through. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. If you’d like, slice them in half and spread cream cheese inside to create tasty bagel sandwiches. Serve them fresh and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
These bagels are soft courtesy of the yogurt, with a nice hint of vanilla and a savory crunch from the topping. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Can I Use Regular All-Purpose Flour Instead of Self-Rising Flour?
Yes, you can! Just add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour you use to mimic self-rising flour. This will help your bagels rise beautifully.
How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them. They can be toasted directly from frozen or left to thaw overnight in the fridge.
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can try using regular yogurt, but the texture might be slightly different. Alternatively, you could substitute with sour cream for a rich taste or a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Can I Add Other Toppings to the Bagels?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. You can sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even cheese on top before baking for added flavor. Adjust the amount to suit your taste!