Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, soft, and perfectly chewy bagel, freshly baked in your own kitchen. Now imagine achieving this delightful experience in just 30 minutes, without the fuss of yeast or lengthy proofing times. Welcome to the magic of 2-Ingredient Bagels! Forget complicated recipes and long waits; our easy no-yeast bagel recipe uses just two simple ingredients – Greek yogurt and self-rising flour – to deliver homemade perfection every time. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast or a delightful brunch, these bagels are incredibly satisfying and remarkably simple to make. Top them with classic everything bagel seasoning, toasted sesame seeds, or your favorite spread for an unforgettable treat.
Why Our 2-Ingredient Bagels Are a Game Changer
In a world where time is precious, finding shortcuts that don’t compromise on flavor or quality is a culinary triumph. These No Yeast Bagels are precisely that. Crafted from a miraculous “two-ingredient dough” – a simple blend of Greek yogurt and flour – they eliminate the need for yeast, proofing, and the associated waiting game. This means you can go from craving to devouring a warm, homemade bagel in under half an hour. It’s the ultimate solution for busy mornings, spontaneous brunch cravings, or anyone who’s ever been intimidated by traditional bagel making.
While these bagels are undeniably delicious, it’s important to set expectations. If you’re envisioning the super-dense, chewy texture of a classic New York-style bagel, these offer a delightful alternative. Our 2-ingredient bagels are distinctly softer and boast a wonderfully chewy interior, making them lighter and often perceived as a healthier option than their traditional counterparts. They are a fantastic creation in their own right, providing a satisfying bite that you’ll quickly fall in love with. The moment you take that first bite, any notion of difference will melt away, replaced by pure, simple enjoyment.
Beyond their incredible speed and ease, these bagels are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them plain, slathered with cream cheese, or as the foundation for a hearty breakfast sandwich loaded with eggs and cheese. Their mild flavor perfectly complements a wide array of toppings, allowing you to customize each bagel to your liking. Don’t have everything bagel seasoning on hand? No problem! A sprinkle of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a dash of coarse salt will do the trick just as beautifully.
What Makes Them So Good?
- Unbeatably Quick & Easy: Ready from start to finish in about 30 minutes. No yeast, no waiting for dough to rise.
- Effortless Weekend Breakfast: Perfect for a relaxed morning treat without the early start.
- Versatile & Delicious: Enjoy them plain, toasted, or as a gourmet sandwich base.
- Healthier Option: Lighter and less dense than traditional bagels, thanks to the Greek yogurt.
Gather Your Simple Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimalist ingredient list. You truly only need two core items to create these fantastic bagels. The rest are just for a perfect finish!
Core Ingredients:
- Greek Yogurt: This is the star ingredient that makes the magic happen. Opt for plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for the best results. The acidity in the yogurt reacts with the leavening agent in the flour (or added baking powder), creating a tender, chewy crumb. Its thickness also contributes to the dough’s structure.
- Self-Rising Flour: This convenient flour already contains baking powder and salt, making it ideal for no-yeast recipes. If you don’t have self-rising flour, don’t fret! You can easily make your own by combining all-purpose (plain) flour with baking powder. A general rule is to add 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every cup of plain flour you use. For this recipe, if using 1 ½ cups of flour, you’d need 3 teaspoons of baking powder.
For the Perfect Finish:
- Egg: A single egg, whisked, creates a beautiful egg wash. Brushing the bagels with egg wash before baking gives them that signature golden-brown, shiny crust and helps your chosen toppings adhere.
- Toppings of Choice: This is where you can get creative!
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: A popular choice for its savory, garlicky, and oniony crunch.
- Sesame Seeds: A timeless classic that adds a nutty flavor and pleasant texture.
- Poppy Seeds: Another traditional option, offering a subtle crunch and earthy taste.
- A Mix of Both: Combine sesame and poppy seeds for a classic “bagel store” look.
- Coarse Sea Salt: For a simple, savory touch.
Crafting Your No-Yeast Bagels: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide
Making these bagels is incredibly straightforward, even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven heats, line a baking tray with either a silicone mat or parchment paper. This non-stick surface is crucial for preventing your bagels from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dough Base
In a medium mixing bowl, place your Greek yogurt and give it a quick stir to ensure it’s smooth. Add 1 cup of your self-rising flour (or your plain flour/baking powder mixture) to the yogurt. Stir these two ingredients together until they are just combined and a shaggy dough starts to form. Gradually add in more flour, a little at a time, continuing to stir until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a cohesive ball.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Lightly flour a clean work surface. Tip the dough ball out onto the floured surface and begin to knead it with your hands for about 1-2 minutes. The dough should feel soft and slightly elastic. If it’s still too sticky, add a little more flour, sprinkling it gradually, and continue kneading until the dough is smooth, holds its shape well, and no longer sticks to your hands or the surface. This brief kneading step is essential for developing a good texture.
Step 4: Shape Your Bagels
Once your dough is perfectly kneaded, divide it into 6 equal pieces. The easiest way to do this is to roll the dough into a log and then cut it into even segments. Take each piece and roll it out into a long, thin rope, approximately 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length. Then, bring the ends of the rope together to form a circle, gently pinching and sealing the ends to create a classic bagel shape. Ensure the hole in the center is large enough, as the bagels will expand during baking. Carefully place each shaped bagel onto your prepared baking tray.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Season
In a small bowl, whisk your egg until it’s well combined. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the top and sides of each bagel with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen and help your chosen seasonings stick. Immediately after brushing, generously sprinkle your preferred topping – whether it’s everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or a combination – over each bagel.
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy!
Carefully place the baking tray into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the bagels are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and transfer the hot bagels to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. They are truly best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven!
Maximizing Your Bagel Experience: Tips and Troubleshooting
While these no-yeast bagels are incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate your results and ensure consistent success every time.
- Work Quickly with the Dough: Two-ingredient dough tends to become stickier the longer it sits at room temperature. Once you’ve achieved the right consistency after kneading, it’s best to proceed immediately with shaping and baking. Don’t let the dough linger too long on the countertop.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Tray: These bagels will expand during baking. To ensure even cooking and a beautiful shape, leave adequate space between each bagel on the baking tray. If you’re doubling the recipe, you might need two baking trays.
- Perfecting the Dough Consistency: The amount of flour needed can vary slightly depending on the brand and thickness of your Greek yogurt. Start with the recommended amount and gradually add more flour (a tablespoon at a time) if the dough feels too sticky to handle. The ideal dough should be soft, pliable, and just slightly tacky, but not sticking to your hands.
- Customizing Your Toppings: Don’t limit yourself to just the suggestions! Experiment with different seeds, dried herbs like oregano or thyme, grated cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan for a savory twist), or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet variation.
- DIY Everything Bagel Seasoning: If you don’t have access to pre-made everything bagel seasoning, it’s incredibly easy to make your own. A common blend includes equal parts toasted sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse sea salt.
- Air Fryer Adaptation: If you own an air fryer, you can absolutely make these bagels in it! Air frying offers a quicker cooking time and often results in an even crispier exterior. You can follow specific instructions for air fryer bagels for precise timings and temperatures, but generally, they cook faster at a slightly lower temperature.
- Doubling or Tripling the Recipe: This recipe scales beautifully! Feel free to double or triple the ingredients if you’re baking for a crowd or want to have extra on hand. Just remember to use multiple baking trays to avoid overcrowding.
- For the Crispiest Exterior: Some bakers like to give their bagels a quick “bath” in boiling water for 30 seconds per side before applying the egg wash and baking. This step helps create a chewier texture and a crispier crust, though it adds a little extra time. These no-yeast bagels are delicious even without this step, but it’s an option for those seeking a more traditional chew.
Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations
These 2-ingredient bagels are a blank canvas for culinary creativity. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:
- Classic Cream Cheese: A timeless pairing. Spread generously with plain, scallion, or berry cream cheese.
- Breakfast Sandwich Supreme: Split and toast your bagel, then load it with scrambled or fried eggs, melted cheese, bacon, sausage, or even sliced avocado.
- Smoked Salmon & Capers: For an elevated brunch experience, top with cream cheese, thinly sliced smoked salmon, capers, and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
- Avocado Toast Twist: Mash avocado with a squeeze of lime, salt, and pepper, then spread it on a toasted bagel. Add chili flakes or a poached egg for extra flair.
- Sweet Delights: Transform these into a sweet treat! Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the dough during kneading. After baking, top with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, a drizzle of honey, or a smear of your favorite jam or fruit compote.
- Savory Enhancements: Incorporate grated cheddar cheese and a pinch of jalapeño into the dough for a spicy kick. Or mix in dried herbs like rosemary and garlic powder for an aromatic version.
- Peanut Butter & Banana: A simple yet satisfying combination for a quick snack or breakfast.
Storage Solutions for Freshness
The true magic of these no-yeast bagels shines brightest when they’re enjoyed fresh from the oven. Their soft, chewy texture is at its peak immediately after baking. While you can certainly bake them a few hours in advance, they tend to lose some of their ideal texture overnight.
- Short-Term Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: To refresh slightly stale bagels, a quick toast in a toaster or toaster oven is best. You can also warm them in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5-7 minutes.
- Freezing: Unfortunately, these specific bagels do not freeze well. The texture tends to become dense and dry upon thawing. Given how incredibly easy and fast they are to make, it’s truly best to bake them fresh whenever the craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these bagels gluten-free?
While the original recipe relies on wheat-based self-rising flour, many have had success substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You would still need to add baking powder if your GF flour is not self-rising. Results may vary slightly in texture, but it’s definitely worth experimenting!
What kind of Greek yogurt should I use?
Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt is highly recommended. The fat content contributes to a richer flavor and more tender crumb. While low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt can work, they might result in a slightly drier bagel. Avoid flavored yogurts, as they will alter the taste significantly.
Why is my dough too sticky or too dry?
The consistency of the dough is key. If it’s too sticky, gradually add small amounts (1 tablespoon at a time) of flour until it’s pliable and no longer excessively sticky. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a tiny bit (1 teaspoon at a time) of Greek yogurt or water until it comes together. Humidity and the exact brand of yogurt can affect flour absorption.
Can I boil these bagels before baking?
Traditional bagels are often boiled before baking to create their characteristic chewy texture and shiny crust. While you can certainly try this step (boiling for 30 seconds per side in boiling water, optionally with a pinch of baking soda for extra browning), these no-yeast bagels are designed to be delicious without it, offering a softer chew. It’s an optional step if you’re looking to experiment with texture!
How do I know when the bagels are fully cooked?
The bagels should be beautifully golden brown all over, and when tapped on the bottom, they should sound slightly hollow. The interior should be cooked through and have a soft, slightly chewy texture.
More Delicious Two-Ingredient Dough Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the simplicity and versatility of two-ingredient dough, you’re in luck! This magical dough can be transformed into a wide array of delicious baked goods. Explore some of our other favorite recipes:
- Quick Pizza Scrolls
- Easy Garlic Knots
- Spinach and Feta Gozleme
- Homemade Supreme Pizza
- No Yeast Cinnamon Scrolls
- Cheese and Vegemite Scrolls
- Ham and Cheese Scrolls
- Roast Pumpkin Pizza
- Apple Cinnamon Rolls
- Quick and Easy Yogurt Flatbread
- OR see all Two-Ingredient Dough Recipes for even more inspiration!
Share Your Homemade Bagel Success!
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Recipe Overview
- Yield: 6 Bagels
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Western
- Category: Breakfast
Nutritional Information (per serving – approx. 1 bagel)
Please note that nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation.
- Calories: 222
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
- Sodium: 549mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 9g
© Cassie Heilbron