These no-boil bagels use thick Greek yogurt and baking powder in place of a yeast dough, cutting the process down to about 30 minutes from start to finish. They bake up with a golden crust and a tender interior, then get finished with an everything-bagel seasoning blend. Great for breakfast, brunch, or quick sandwiches.
1teaspoonhoneyoptional; whisk into egg wash for gentle sweetness and shine
1largeeggfor egg wash; substitute 2 tablespoons milk for egg-free
1teaspoonwaterto loosen the egg wash
2tablespoonseverything bagel seasoningTrader Joe’s or homemade; see tips for variations
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Instructions
Heat the Oven and Prep the Pan: Set a rack in the center and preheat to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly brush with 1 teaspoon neutral oil for crisper bottoms.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt until evenly mixed and airy. You should see an even, pale color with no streaks.
Add the Yogurt: Add 1 cup thick Greek yogurt. Use a silicone spatula to fold until a shaggy dough forms. Sensory cue: it should be tacky but not wet. If sticky, sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons additional flour over the dough surface and fold just until it releases from the bowl.
Knead Briefly: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead with the heels of your hands for about 60 seconds until the surface looks smooth and the dough feels springy. Avoid over-kneading to keep the crumb tender.
Divide and Shape: Pat into a rectangle and divide into 4 equal pieces (about 3 1/2 to 4 ounces each). For classic rings, roll each piece into an 8-inch rope, then wrap and pinch the ends firmly to seal. Alternatively, poke a hole in the center and gently stretch to a 2-inch opening; the hole should look a bit wide, as it will shrink in the oven.
Make the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk 1 large egg with 1 teaspoon water and 1 teaspoon honey (optional) until smooth and glossy. Brush each bagel generously; this creates sheen and helps seasoning adhere.
Season: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning evenly over the tops. Press lightly so the seeds stick. Transfer the shaped bagels to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Bake: Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, rotating the pan after 12 minutes, until the bagels are deeply golden and fragrant. Sensory cue: the tops should be glossy and the bottoms lightly crisp. Optional: for extra color, broil for 45 to 60 seconds—watch closely.
Cool Briefly and Serve: Transfer to a cooling rack for 5 minutes to set the crumb. Slice and enjoy warm, or let cool completely for cleaner slices.
Air Fryer Option: Cook shaped, egg-washed, and seasoned bagels at 320°F (160°C) for 12 to 14 minutes until golden, turning once if your basket browns unevenly.
Notes
Jen’s Tips:
Self-Rising Shortcut: Use 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour and omit the baking powder and salt.
Yogurt Matters: Thick, full-fat Greek yogurt yields the best chew. If your yogurt is runny, drain it through a fine sieve or paper towel for 10 minutes.
Gluten-Free: Substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. Add 1 teaspoon psyllium husk for improved elasticity if you have it.
Egg-Free Wash: Brush with milk or cream for color, or 1 tablespoon aquafaba for sheen.
Flavor Twists: Try sesame-only, poppy, garlic–parm (add 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan after egg wash), or cinnamon-sugar (skip everything seasoning; dust with 1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon after baking).
Make-Ahead: Shape, cover, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bake straight from the fridge; add 2 minutes to the bake time.
Serving Suggestions:
Slice and slather with whipped scallion cream cheese; add smoked salmon, paper-thin red onion, capers, and lemon for a classic board.
Build a breakfast sandwich with soft-scrambled eggs, sharp cheddar, and a swipe of Dijon.
Visual Cues: A deep golden crust with a glossy sheen, seeds well-adhered, and a tender, slightly chewy crumb.
Culinary Context:
Bagels trace their roots to Ashkenazi Jewish baking and became iconic in New York. Traditional bagels are yeasted, boiled, then baked. This streamlined, no-boil method trades long fermentation for convenience, using Greek yogurt to deliver moisture and tenderness while still capturing that satisfying bagel bite.
Optional Advanced Instructions:
Freeze: Cool completely, slice, and freeze up to 2 months. Toast from frozen or reheat at 350°F (177°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
Parallel Prep: While the oven heats, mix the dough and line your pan to keep the total time near 30 minutes.
Timing:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course:
Breakfast
Origin:
American Jewish (New York influence) with a modern, home-cook twist