These soft, chewy Greek yogurt Homemade Bagel have a golden crust and tender center that rivals any bakery version. I first tried making them on a Sunday morning when I was craving something warm and filling but didn’t want to wait for dough to rise. The best part? You only need two ingredients for the dough, and they’re ready in about 20 minutes.
If you’re looking for more quick breakfast ideas, you’ll love this Best Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe or these Delicious Waffle Maker Hash Browns for busy mornings.
The smell of these bagels baking fills your kitchen with that cozy, just-baked warmth. They’re perfect for toasting, slicing for sandwiches, or eating warm with a smear of cream cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Bagel
These homemade bagel are incredibly simple to make, even if you’ve never baked bread before. There’s no yeast, no rising time, and no boiling required. The Greek yogurt keeps them soft on the inside while the oven or air fryer gives them that satisfying golden exterior.
They’re also completely customizable. Load them up with sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or keep them plain. You can make them in the oven or air fryer, depending on what you have available.
Jump to:
Ingredients For Homemade Bagel
Here’s everything you need to make soft, chewy bagels at home.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
For the Dough:
- Self-rising flour: Forms the structure and gives these bagels their soft, tender crumb. You can also use all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt if that’s what you have on hand.
- Greek yogurt: Creates moisture and tang while keeping the dough easy to work with. The protein in the yogurt helps give the bagels their chewy texture.
For the Topping:
- Egg: Brushed on top to create that beautiful golden, shiny finish. The egg wash also helps toppings stick.
- Toppings of your choice: Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning all work beautifully. Pick whatever sounds good to you.
How To Make Homemade Bagel
Follow these simple steps to make perfect bagels every time.
Prepare the dough: Combine your flour and Greek yogurt in a bowl, stirring until everything comes together into a shaggy dough. It might look a little rough at first, but that’s normal.
Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead lightly for about a minute until it forms a smooth ball. Don’t overwork it or your bagels might turn out tough instead of tender.
Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle, flatten it slightly with your palm, and poke a hole right in the center with your finger to form that classic bagel shape. Make the hole a bit bigger than you think it needs to be since it’ll shrink slightly during baking.
Add egg wash and toppings: Using a pastry brush, spread the beaten egg over the top of each bagel. This gives them that bakery-style shine. Sprinkle your toppings evenly over the egg wash so they stick nicely.
Cook the bagels:
Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the bagels inside, making sure they’re not touching, and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the bagels on a greased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to expand. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden and the bagels sound slightly hollow when tapped. Serve them warm for the best texture.
Storage: Keep your bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Toast them straight from frozen for a quick breakfast.
Substitutions and Variations
Flour options: If you don’t have self-rising flour, just mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt. It works exactly the same.
Yogurt swap: Plain Greek yogurt works best, but you can use regular thick yogurt if needed. Avoid flavored varieties since they’ll make your bagels taste sweet.
Dairy-free version: Try using coconut yogurt or another thick plant-based yogurt. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still turn out tasty.
Flavor additions: Mix in dried herbs, garlic powder, or shredded cheese directly into the dough for savory bagels. For a hint of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey and some cinnamon.
Equipment For Homemade Bagel
You don’t need any fancy tools for this easy Homemade Bagel recipe. Just grab a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a pastry brush for the egg wash. You’ll need a floured surface for kneading and either an air fryer or oven for baking. If you’re using the oven method, have a baking sheet ready.
Storage and Reheating Your Homemade Bagel
Store your Greek yogurt Homemade Bagel in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat one, slice it in half and pop it in the toaster for a minute or two until it’s warm and slightly crispy on the edges.
For freezing, let the bagels cool completely first. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Toast them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the toasting time.
Expert Tips
Don’t skip the egg wash. It’s what gives these air fryer Homemade Bagel that beautiful golden color and professional bakery look. If you don’t have an egg, you can brush on a little milk, but the color won’t be quite as rich.
Make the holes bigger than you think. The dough expands during baking, and those holes have a tendency to close up. Start with a hole about 1 to 2 inches in diameter.
Work quickly with the dough. It’s easiest to handle when it’s freshly mixed. If it sits too long, it can become sticky and harder to shape.
Use parchment paper in your air fryer. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Just make sure the paper has holes for air circulation.
Customize your toppings. Get creative with different combinations like garlic and parsley, cinnamon and sugar, or a mix of seeds. This is your chance to make them exactly how you like them.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade bagel are delicious so many ways. Slice them in half and toast them, then spread on cream cheese, butter, or your favorite jam. The warm, slightly crispy exterior with that soft center is perfect for holding all your toppings.
Make them into breakfast sandwiches with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon. They also work beautifully for lunch sandwiches piled high with deli meat, lettuce, and tomato. Try pairing them with The Best Turkey Breakfast Sandwich ingredients for a hearty morning meal.
Serve them alongside a bowl of soup or a fresh salad for a cozy lunch. Or keep it simple and enjoy them warm with just a little pat of butter melting into all those nooks and crannies.
FAQ
What do I need to make Homemade Bagel at home?
You only need self-rising flour and Greek yogurt for the dough, plus an egg for the wash and any toppings you like. It’s one of the simplest Homemade Bagel recipes from scratch you’ll find. William always reminds me that “even kids can make these” whenever we bake them together.
What is the secret to making good Homemade Bagel?
The secret is not over-kneading the dough and making sure your oven or air fryer is properly preheated. The egg wash is also key for that golden, bakery-style finish. Keep the dough simple and don’t overthink it.
Do bagels have to be boiled before baking?
Not these ones. Traditional Homemade Bagel made with Greek yogurt skip the boiling step entirely. They still come out with a wonderful chewy texture and golden crust. It’s what makes this recipe so quick and beginner-friendly.
Do Homemade Bagel have folic acid?
Yes, Homemade Bagel made with enriched all-purpose flour contain folic acid, which is added to most commercial flour in the United States. Check your flour label to see if it’s been enriched with vitamins and minerals.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Homemade Bagel
Homemade Bagel
Soft and golden on the inside with a crisp exterior, these quick Homemade Bagel are perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
Method
-
Combine the flour and Greek yogurt in a mixing bowl until a rough dough forms.
-
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth and formed into a ball.
-
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
-
Shape each dough ball into a circle, flatten slightly, and poke a hole in the center to form bagels.
-
Brush the tops of each bagel with the beaten egg and sprinkle your desired toppings.
-
Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place bagels inside. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Oven Method: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Place bagels on a greased baking sheet 2 inches apart. Bake for 15 minutes or until tops are golden and firm.
-
Remove bagels from heat and let them cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
These bagels are soft and quick to make, perfect for cozy mornings. Brushing with egg gives a beautiful golden crust, while storing them in the fridge or freezer keeps them fresh for days.
