These Vanilla Greek Yogurt Bagels are soft, tasty, and super easy to make! With a hint of vanilla flavor, they are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
I love how these bagels don’t need any fancy equipment. Just mix, shape, and bake! Plus, they pair great with cream cheese or honey for a sweet treat! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Self-Rising Flour: This flour already has baking powder and salt included, making it ideal for quick bagels. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by combining 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour with 2.25 teaspoons of baking powder and 0.5 teaspoon of salt.
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat Greek yogurt, but it might be a bit less rich.
Vanilla Extract: This is key for the bagel flavor. If you’re out, you can use vanilla paste or a bit of almond extract for a different twist. Just be careful with the amount as almond extract can be stronger!
Honey/Sugar: This is optional, but it does add a nice touch of sweetness. You can leave it out completely or replace it with maple syrup for a different flavor.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This mix brings so much flavor! If you don’t have it, try using sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or garlic powder alone for a simpler topping.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping bagels can feel tricky, but it’s quite simple once you get the hang of it. The key is to poke and stretch the dough just right.
- After rolling the dough into a ball, poke a hole in the center with your finger.
- Gently stretch the hole, aiming for about 1.5-2 inches. This ensures they have enough room to rise and cook evenly.
- Don’t worry if they look a bit misshapen at first; they will puff up a bit while baking.
Be patient and have fun with it! Your bagels will turn out delicious, whatever shape they take. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Vanilla Greek Yogurt Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat recommended)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Everything bagel seasoning (or your preferred bagel seasoning mix)
- Cream cheese for spreading (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, plus a little time for cooling. In total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes to enjoy your homemade bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your bagels bake perfectly. While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your bagels don’t stick!
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and honey if you’re using it. Stir everything together until you see a rough dough start to form. It’s okay if it looks a little messy!
3. Knead the Dough:
Next, lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, just sprinkle a bit more flour as you go!
4. Shape the Bagels:
Now, divide your dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball. Then, to shape them into bagels, poke a hole in the center of each ball with your finger. Gently stretch the hole to about 1.5-2 inches wide.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Place your shaped bagels on the lined baking sheet. Take the egg and beat it lightly in a small bowl. Use a brush to apply the egg wash to the tops and sides of each bagel, giving them a nice shiny finish.
6. Add Seasoning and Bake:
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over each bagel. Then, pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. When they’re cool enough to handle, slice them horizontally and spread with cream cheese if you like. Enjoy your delicious vanilla-scented bagels!
These soft Greek yogurt bagels are perfect for breakfast or a snack, with a delightful crunch from the everything seasoning. Happy baking!
Can I Use Regular Yogurt Instead of Greek Yogurt?
While you can use regular yogurt, Greek yogurt is recommended due to its thicker texture, which helps create denser and chewier bagels. If you use regular yogurt, you may need to adjust the flour to achieve the right dough consistency.
How Can I Make These Bagels Sweeter?
If you’d like sweeter bagels, simply increase the honey or sugar to 2 tablespoons. You might also consider adding a bit of cinnamon for extra flavor!
Can I Freeze Leftover Bagels?
Absolutely! Once cooled, slice the bagels and freeze them in a single layer. Then, place them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, toast directly from frozen for a crispy finish!
What Should I Serve With These Bagels?
These bagels are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with cream cheese, fruit preserves, or even smoked salmon for a tasty brunch. They also pair well with a hot cup of coffee or tea!
