Bagels are breakfast royalty, but did you know you can turn them into a high-protein powerhouse with just a few pantry staples? Whether you’re bulking, meal prepping, or just trying to eat smarter, this high-protein bagel recipe hits every mark. It’s made with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, flour, and baking powder, no yeast, no whey protein, and no complicated steps.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make homemade protein bagels in under 40 minutes, answer your burning questions (like “What bagel has the highest protein?”), and share topping combos that push the protein even higher.
Don’t miss our Cottage Cheese Protein Muffins for another breakfast game-changer, or Greek Yogurt Smoothie for a refreshing sidekick to these bagels.
Table of Contents
Why Choose a High-Protein Bagel Recipe?
The Benefits of a High-Protein Bagel Recipe
Protein-packed bagels are more than just a trend, they’re a smart upgrade. Swapping regular bagels with high-protein bagels delivers:
- Longer Satiety: Stay full longer, curb mid-morning snacks.
- Better Blood Sugar Balance: Lower carb-to-protein ratio helps reduce sugar crashes.
- Muscle Recovery: Perfect for post-workout meals with 10–30g protein depending on toppings.
Why Regular Bagels Fall Short
A plain white bagel can contain up to 45g carbs and only 7g protein. While they’re satisfying in the moment, they lack the balance your body craves, especially for breakfast.
Let’s compare:
| Bagel Type | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
| Traditional Bagel | 250–300 | 7g | 45g | 1–3g |
| High-Protein Bagel (DIY) | 200 | 10g | 35g | 0–2g |
High-Protein Bagel Recipe
This high-protein bagel recipe is quick, easy, and packed with 10 grams of protein per serving. Made with just five simple ingredients, no yeast, no protein powder, these chewy, golden bagels are perfect for a healthy, balanced breakfast or post-workout meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 bagels
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baked (or Air Fried)
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2¼ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a crispier crust)
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1½ cups Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
1 egg white (for egg wash)
Toppings of choice (optional: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, garlic flakes)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add yogurt: Fold in Greek yogurt and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
Form dough: Knead lightly on a floured surface, divide into 6 equal pieces.
Shape bagels: Roll each piece into a rope and connect the ends to form rings.
Brush & top: Brush with beaten egg white and sprinkle desired toppings.
Bake: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool & serve: Let cool on a wire rack before slicing. Toast and add desired spreads.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 0–2g (depends on yogurt fat content)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Ingredients for the Best High-Protein Bagel Recipe
Only 5 Ingredients – No Protein Powder Needed
You don’t need fancy ingredients or protein powders to make a great high-protein bagel recipe. All it takes is five everyday staples you probably already have in your kitchen. These bagels are easy to prepare, fluffy on the inside, and have that chewy, golden crust we all love. Plus, they deliver a solid 10 grams of natural protein, no additives, no fuss.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
All-Purpose or Bread Flour
This forms the base of the bagel. You can use either:
- All-purpose flour: Soft texture, slightly less crispy.
- Bread flour: Higher gluten, produces a crispier crust.
You can use self-rising flour, just skip the baking powder and reduce the salt.
Baking Powder
This replaces yeast in the recipe and helps the bagels puff up as they bake. Be sure your baking powder is fresh, expired leavening won’t give you that light, airy rise.
Kosher Salt
Salt enhances flavor and helps balance the dough. If you’re using heavily salted toppings like everything bagel seasoning, reduce to ¾ teaspoon.
Greek Yogurt
The star of the show. Greek yogurt adds moisture, tang, and protein. We recommend:
- For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat Greek yogurt (like Fage 5%).
- 2% or 0% will work if you prefer lower fat content.
- Vegan Greek yogurt is also fine if you’re dairy-free, just choose a thick, plain variety.
Greek yogurt is what gives these bagels their natural protein boost, no supplements necessary.
Egg White
Used as an egg wash, the egg white adds a beautiful shine and acts as glue for your toppings. It also boosts the protein in each bagel just a bit.
Optional Toppings That Add Flavor and Texture for High-Protein Bagel Recipe
Once brushed with egg white, your bagels are ready for toppings. Here are some of the best high-protein and flavorful add-ons:
| Topping | Benefits |
| Sesame seeds | Adds crunch, healthy fats, and flavor |
| Everything bagel seasoning | A mix of garlic, onion, poppy, sesame, and salt |
| Dried onion or garlic flakes | Boosts flavor without extra calories |
| Cheddar cheese | Melts beautifully, adds protein and richness |
| Jalapeños | Great for a spicy, savory twist |
How to Make High-Protein Bagel Recipe at Home
Quick, Easy, and No Yeast Needed
Think making bagels is complicated? Think again. This high-protein bagel recipe requires no yeast, no proofing, and no special tools. With just a bowl, a spoon, and your hands, you’ll have warm, chewy bagels on the table in under 40 minutes.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll never go back to store-bought.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get started.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, then set it aside.
Tip: Preheating your oven ensures your bagels rise and bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Whisk until everything is well mixed. This ensures even distribution and helps avoid clumps in the dough.
Want to add flavor to the dough? This is the time to mix in extras like cinnamon, dried herbs, or even shredded cheese.
Step 3: Add Greek Yogurt and Form Dough
Add 1½ cups of Greek yogurt directly into your dry mix.
Use a silicone spatula or your hands to combine until a dough starts to form.
At first, the mixture will look crumbly and dry, but keep folding and pressing. After 2–3 minutes, you’ll get a soft, tacky dough.
If the dough sticks, dust your hands with flour. If it’s dry, add a bit more yogurt.
Step 4: Knead and Divide
Lightly flour a clean surface.
Place your dough on the counter and knead gently for 1–2 minutes, just enough to bring it together.
Then divide it into 6 equal portions. A bench scraper or butter knife works great here.
Step 5: Shape the Bagels
Form each portion into a rope roughly 7–8 inches in length.
Connect the ends to form a circle.
Seal the ends by gently rolling the joint on the counter with your palm.
Set each formed bagel onto the prepared tray.
This gives you that classic donut-style bagel shape.
Step 6: Brush and Add Toppings
Crack an egg and separate the white.
Lightly beat the egg white, then brush it over each bagel with a pastry brush.
Sprinkle on your favorite toppings, sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, garlic flakes, anything you enjoy.
The egg wash adds shine and helps your toppings stick while adding a bit more protein.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Let the bagels bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re golden brown and set.
Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing or toasting.
The smell in your kitchen will be incredible. You’ve been warned.
Bonus: Air Fryer Instructions
Short on time or avoiding the oven? Use your air fryer!
- Preheat air fryer to 300°F (150°C)
- Carefully place 2–3 bagels in the basket, avoiding overcrowding.
- Air fry for 15–20 minutes until beautifully puffed and golden on top.
Perfect for small batches or warm weather baking.
That’s it, you’ve just made protein-packed bagels from scratch, no yeast or fancy tools required.
Protein-Packed Topping Ideas
Sweet Toppings to Try
- Peanut Butter & Banana: Adds potassium and healthy fats.
- Greek Yogurt + Berries: Creamy and antioxidant-rich.
- Almond Butter + Cinnamon: Cozy, high-protein flavor combo.
Savory & High-Protein Spreads
- Avocado + Fried Egg
- Scrambled Egg Whites + Cream Cheese
- Smoked Salmon + Dill Cream Cheese
Want even more protein? Check out this Greek Yogurt Smoothie to sip with your bagel breakfast.
Variations of the High-Protein Bagel Recipe
Jalapeño & Cheddar Version
Stir in cheddar and jalapeños for a spicy, cheesy twist before baking. This adds flavor and an extra 3–4 grams of protein per bagel.
Sweet Cinnamon Raisin Twist
Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a handful of raisins with the dry ingredients. Top with honey post-bake for a satisfying, protein-rich dessert bagel.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips for Your High-Protein Bagel Recipe
Storing Your Protein Bagels
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
| Room Temp | 1–2 Days | Store in a sealed container |
| Refrigerator | 4–5 Days | Best for weekly prep |
| Freezer | Up to 3 Months | Use freezer-safe bags |
Let bagels cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
Reheating Tips
Use your toaster’s bagel setting. Toast 2–3 minutes and enjoy crisp edges with a fluffy interior.
Nutritional Breakdown
Each bagel provides:
- 200 calories
- 10g protein
- 35g carbs
- 1–2g fat (depending on yogurt fat content)
This is the perfect macro-balanced option for those on a moderate-carb, high-protein plan.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
My Dough Is Too Sticky
Lightly flour your hands and work surface. Don’t over-knead, just mix until it holds shape.
Bagels Didn’t Rise Enough
Double-check baking powder freshness. Let the dough sit for 5–10 mins before baking to activate the rise.
Bagels Too Dry?
Try switching to full-fat Greek yogurt or brush more egg white before baking.
Conclusion
Making your own high-protein bagel recipe at home is not only easier than you think, it’s tastier, cleaner, and packed with nutrients. Whether you top them with savory spreads or sweet combos, these bagels offer unmatched flexibility.
Want more inspiration? Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest.
FAQS About High-Protein Bagel Recipe
What to put on a bagel to make it high in protein?
Add toppings like cottage cheese, smoked salmon, scrambled egg whites, or nut butter. Even a combo of cream cheese and turkey slices works.
What makes bagels so high in protein?
It depends on the ingredients. These protein bagels use Greek yogurt, which naturally adds 10g of protein per serving.
What bagel has the highest protein?
Homemade bagels with Greek yogurt and egg whites can have 10–15g of protein. Add protein toppings and you’ll hit 25–30g.
Why do Thomas bagels have so much protein?
Thomas’ Protein Bagels are fortified with wheat gluten and soy protein isolate. That’s why they clock in at 10g or more.
