Whole Wheat High Protein Bagels

Name: Whole Wheat High Protein Bagels
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 bagels
Ingredients: 3 cups whole wheat flour; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed); Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Highlighted under: Clean Eating Creations

I love starting my day with fresh, homemade bagels, and these Whole Wheat High Protein Bagels have become a staple in my kitchen. With a perfect chewy texture and a nutty flavor, they're not only delicious but also packed with protein, making them an excellent choice for breakfast or a snack. The best part is that they are surprisingly easy to make, needing just a few simple ingredients. I can't wait for you to try them and experience how satisfying homemade bagels can be!

Created by

Jenna Rowland

Last updated on 2026-02-10T16:13:36.411Z

I started experimenting with whole wheat flour to make bagels that not only taste great but are also nutritious. After several trials, I discovered that incorporating Greek yogurt significantly boosts the protein content while keeping the bagels tender. This method also helps reduce the need for additional yeast, making the process quicker without compromising on flavor.

One clever tip I learned is to boil the bagels before baking them. This step creates that classic chewy crust we all love while ensuring the interior cooks perfectly. Trust me; once you try making them this way, you won't want to go back to store-bought options!

Why You Will Love These Bagels
Knows no comparison with store-bought bagels
Nutritious twist with whole wheat and high protein
Flavorful yet simple, perfect for any time of the day

Mastering the Dough

Creating the perfect bagel dough is all about balance. The combination of whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt contributes to a chewy texture while ensuring a high protein content. Whole wheat flour can sometimes absorb more liquid than all-purpose flour, so it's essential to monitor the moisture levels. If the dough feels too dry during mixing, gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a cohesive but slightly tacky consistency.

Kneading the dough is a crucial step; it develops the gluten which gives the bagels their characteristic chewiness. Aim for a smooth and elastic feel after about 5-7 minutes of kneading. If you find the dough is too sticky, lightly flour your hands and the surface, but be cautious not to add too much extra flour, as this can lead to dense bagels.

Bagel Shaping and Boiling

Shaping the bagels is where your creativity can shine. After dividing the dough, make sure to evenly shape each piece to avoid uneven baking. The classic bagel shape helps with even cooking and provides the perfect texture. When forming the hole, ensure it's big enough as the dough will expand during boiling and baking, which can lead to smaller holes if not stretched adequately.

Boiling the bagels before baking is a key step that imparts that distinct bagel texture. During the 1-2 minutes boiling time on each side, the outside of the bagel sets, preventing it from expanding too much in the oven. If you want a softer bagel, reduce the boiling time slightly, but for a chewier exterior, stick with the full time.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Whole Wheat High Protein Bagels:

Bagel Ingredients

3 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Measure everything carefully for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your bagels:

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well. In a separate bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, honey, and warm water until smooth. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.

Knead and Rest

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a kitchen towel, and let it rest for 20 minutes.

Shape the Bagels

After resting, punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger and stretch it to form a bagel shape.

Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil. Drop in a few bagels at a time and boil for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Optional: sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the bagels before baking. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.

Allow the bagels to cool slightly before slicing and enjoy them fresh!

Pro Tips

These bagels freeze beautifully. Just slice before freezing to make toasting easier later on.

Serving Suggestions

These Whole Wheat High Protein Bagels are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving ideas. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven with a smear of cream cheese or your favorite nut butter for breakfast. They also make wonderful sandwich bases; fill them with turkey, avocado, or roasted veggies for a hearty lunch.

For a simple but flavorful twist, try topping the bagels with various seeds, such as poppy seeds or everything seasoning mix, before baking. This not only adds extra flavor but also visual appeal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spreads, from hummus to avocado, making these bagels a delightful addition to any meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare these bagels ahead of time, you can freeze them after boiling and before baking. Simply boil the bagels, let them cool on a rack, then place them in an airtight freezer bag. When you're ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer; adjust the baking time by a few extra minutes as needed until golden brown.

For short-term storage, keep your baked bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To refresh them, simply toast or warm in the oven for a few minutes. I find that reheating them restores some of their original texture, making them just as enjoyable as when they were fresh.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat?

Yes, but using whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients.

→ How can I store leftover bagels?

Store cooled bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

→ What toppings can I use?

You can top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for added flavor.

→ Can I make these vegan?

Yes, substitute the Greek yogurt with unsweetened plant-based yogurt and use agave syrup instead of honey.