These Vanilla Greek Yogurt Bagels are soft, chewy, and bursting with a creamy vanilla flavor. They’re super easy to make and perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, what’s better than a warm bagel fresh out of the oven? I love spreading a little cream cheese on mine—they’re a delightful way to start the day! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Self-Rising Flour: This is essential for making the bagels rise without yeast. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt.
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt gives these bagels a lovely texture and flavor. If you prefer a lower fat version, you can use non-fat or low-fat yogurt, but this may alter the taste slightly.
Honey: This adds natural sweetness. If you’re avoiding sugar, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives. Keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.
Vanilla Extract: For a rich flavor, use pure vanilla extract. Vanilla essence can be a cheaper substitute, but the depth of flavor won’t be as strong.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: You can either use store-bought seasoning or make your own by mixing equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and coarse salt. It adds great crunch and flavor!
How Do You Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is crucial for developing the right texture in your bagels. Proper kneading helps to combine the ingredients and make a smooth, elastic dough.
- Start by dusting your surface generously with flour before placing your dough on it.
- Use the heel of your hand to push down and away from you. Then fold the dough over itself, and give it a quarter turn. Repeat this process.
- Knead for about 5-7 minutes, adding more flour if the dough is still too sticky. You want it to be smooth and elastic.
- To check if it’s ready, poke the dough lightly; it should bounce back a bit.
Make sure not to rush this — good kneading leads to the perfect bagel texture! Enjoy making your bagels and have fun with the process!
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 full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
- Everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish. Quick and easy, perfect for a delicious breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your bagels are ready to go in. While the oven is warming up, line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine your Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. You want a smooth mixture that feels creamy.
3. Form the Dough:
Now, it’s time to add the self-rising flour gradually to your yogurt mixture. Stir gently until a dough starts to form. It might be a bit sticky, and that’s perfectly okay!
4. Knead the Dough:
Sprinkle a clean surface with some flour before placing your dough on it. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes. Add a little extra flour if you find it too sticky. Your goal is a smooth, elastic dough.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Once your dough is ready, divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope shape and then form a ring, pinching the ends to seal them tightly.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place your formed bagels onto the prepared baking tray. Lightly brush the tops with egg white to give them that lovely golden color as they bake.
7. Add Seasoning:
Now sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning generously over each bagel. Lightly press the seasoning into the dough to help it stick.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell fantastic!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool slightly. This makes them easier to slice. Enjoy them warm or toasted with cream cheese or your favorite spread!
These bagels are wonderfully soft and sweet with a delightful everything-seasoned crust, perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Can I Use Regular Flour Instead of Self-Rising Flour?
Yes, you can! Just mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to make your own self-rising flour. This will help your bagels rise properly.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
To keep your bagels fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Just slice the bagels before freezing, and they’ll be easy to toast straight from the freezer.
Can I Customize the Flavor of the Bagels?
Absolutely! You can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to the dough for added flavor. Just be cautious with the quantity—aim for about ½ cup to prevent altering the dough’s consistency too much.
What Should I Serve with the Bagels?
These bagels are delicious with cream cheese, but feel free to get creative! Try them with flavored spreads, butter, or even avocado for a tasty breakfast or snack. They also pair well with smoked salmon or a slice of cheese!
