This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
You can make a bagel with yogurt by mixing self-rising flour and Greek yogurt into a soft dough that bakes into a chewy, golden bagel.
This two-ingredient method is one of the easiest ways to make a bagel with yogurt at home, and it doesn’t require any yeast, boiling water, or long proofing times.
If you’ve been curious about how to make a bagel with yogurt, you’re in the right place because this recipe is forgiving, fast, and perfect for beginners.
The yogurt adds protein and tang, while the flour gives structure, so you can make a bagel with yogurt that rivals your favorite bakery version.
In this post, we’ll walk through the exact steps to make a bagel with yogurt, including tips for shaping, baking, and customizing your bagels.
Let’s dive right in.
Why You Can Make a Bagel with Yogurt So Easily
Making a bagel with yogurt works because the yogurt provides moisture and acidity that activates the gluten in self-rising flour.
Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, so you don’t need to add any leavening agents or yeast.
This means you can make a bagel with yogurt in under thirty minutes from start to finish, which is a huge win compared to traditional bagels that take hours.
The yogurt also keeps the dough tender, so your bagels won’t turn out tough or dry.
Here’s why this simple approach is so reliable for anyone wanting to make a bagel with yogurt.
1. The Chemistry Behind Yogurt Bagels
When you make a bagel with yogurt, the lactic acid in the yogurt reacts with the baking powder in the self-rising flour.
This reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which creates air pockets and gives your bagels a light, airy interior.
The protein in the yogurt also helps form a strong gluten network, so your bagels get that satisfying chew without needing a long knead.
That’s why you can make a bagel with yogurt that’s both fluffy on the inside and pleasantly dense on the outside.
2. No Boiling Required
Traditional bagels are boiled before baking to create a shiny, chewy crust.
But when you make a bagel with yogurt, you skip the boiling step entirely.
The yogurt dough bakes up with a golden, slightly crisp exterior that still has a nice bite, similar to a boiled bagel.
So if you’re short on time or just don’t want to deal with a big pot of boiling water, this method is perfect.
3. Endless Flavor Options
You can make a bagel with yogurt plain, or you can easily customize the dough with mix-ins.
Add shredded cheese, garlic powder, dried herbs, cinnamon, or everything bagel seasoning right into the dough.
The yogurt base is neutral enough to work with sweet or savory flavors, so you can make a bagel with yogurt that suits any craving.
Now let’s get into the actual steps so you can make a bagel with yogurt at home today.
How to Make a Bagel with Yogurt: Step-by-Step
To make a bagel with yogurt, you’ll need just two main ingredients plus a few optional toppings.
Gather one cup of self-rising flour and one cup of plain Greek yogurt, and that’s your base dough.
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can mix one cup of all-purpose flour with one and a half teaspoons of baking powder and a half teaspoon of salt.
Here’s the full process to make a bagel with yogurt successfully.
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt.
Stir with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms, then use your hands to bring it together into a ball.
The dough will be slightly sticky, but that’s totally normal when you make a bagel with yogurt.
If it’s too wet to handle, add a little extra flour a tablespoon at a time.
If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of yogurt.
2. Knead Briefly
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Knead it for about two to three minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Don’t over-knead because you’ll end up with tough bagels, and that’s not what you want when you make a bagel with yogurt.
The dough should feel soft, springy, and slightly tacky when you’re done.
3. Shape Your Bagels
Divide the dough into four equal portions for standard bagels, or six for smaller ones.
Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your thumb.
Gently stretch the hole to about an inch and a half wide, turning the dough to make an even ring.
This is the classic bagel shape, and it’s easier than it sounds when you make a bagel with yogurt.
Set the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Add Toppings (Optional)
If you want to top your bagels, brush each one lightly with an egg wash or a bit of milk.
Then sprinkle on sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt, dried garlic, or everything bagel seasoning.
You can make a bagel with yogurt that’s perfectly plain, or go all out with a crunchy, savory topping.
The choice is totally yours.
5. Bake at High Heat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the bagels for 20 to 25 minutes.
They’re done when the tops are golden brown and they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before slicing.
That’s all it takes to make a bagel with yogurt at home.
Tips to Make a Bagel with Yogurt That’s Perfect Every Time
Making a bagel with yogurt is simple, but a few insider tips can take your results from good to great.
Use full-fat Greek yogurt because it gives you a richer dough and better structure.
Non-fat yogurt works, but your bagels may come out a bit drier and less tender.
Also, measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off.
You can make a bagel with yogurt that’s bakery-level if you follow these small details.
1. Don’t Skip the Rest Time
After shaping, let the bagels rest for about ten minutes before baking.
This short rest relaxes the gluten, so your bagels won’t shrink or become dense in the oven.
When you make a bagel with yogurt, this little pause makes a big difference in texture.
2. Try an Egg Wash for Shine
For a glossy, professional look, brush the bagels with beaten egg before baking.
This also helps toppings stick better.
If you want a softer crust, skip the egg wash and just bake them as is.
When you make a bagel with yogurt, you have full control over the final finish.
3. Store and Reheat Properly
Fresh bagels are best eaten the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container for up to three days.
To reheat, slice and toast them in a toaster or under the broiler for a few minutes.
You can also freeze baked bagels for up to two months, and they’ll taste just as fresh when reheated.
That’s another reason why it’s so smart to make a bagel with yogurt in batches.
So, How to Make a Bagel with Yogurt?
You can make a bagel with yogurt by mixing self-rising flour and Greek yogurt, kneading briefly, shaping rings, and baking until golden.
The whole process takes less than thirty minutes, and you don’t need any special equipment or yeast.
You can make a bagel with yogurt that’s chewy, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
The yogurt adds protein and tang, while the flour provides structure, so your homemade bagels are both satisfying and wholesome.
We hope this guide has shown you exactly how to make a bagel with yogurt, plus the tips and tricks to get it right every time.
Now grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the delicious reward of making a bagel with yogurt from scratch.
Your kitchen is about to smell amazing.