Olive Oil Yogurt Bagels

Name: Olive Oil Yogurt Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); Water (as needed); Everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Highlighted under: Celebration Kitchen

I love making Olive Oil Yogurt Bagels because they remind me of cozy mornings spent in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, I can whip up these delightful bagels that are wonderfully chewy yet light, thanks to the yogurt. The addition of olive oil gives them a subtle richness that pairs perfectly with cream cheese or smoked salmon. Plus, they come together in less than 30 minutes, making them a quick and satisfying breakfast option that my family can’t resist.

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-02-16T04:45:36.275Z

Making these Olive Oil Yogurt Bagels was a spontaneous decision that turned out to be a delightful experiment. I had leftover yogurt and some high-quality olive oil, so I thought, why not combine them? As the dough came together, I realized the olive oil would not only add flavor but also keep the bagels tender. This little tip has made a huge difference in the texture!

After baking them, I was blown away by how quickly they puffed up in the oven, creating those beautiful bagel shapes. I learned that allowing the dough to rest briefly before shaping really helps with gluten development, leading to a perfect rise. These bagels quickly became a staple in our house, easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Deliciously chewy texture with a hint of olive oil flavor
Quick to make, perfect for busy mornings
Versatile base for both sweet and savory toppings

Understanding the Dough

The key to achieving the perfect texture in your Olive Oil Yogurt Bagels lies in the dough. The balance between the all-purpose flour and Greek yogurt not only adds moisture but also provides a chewy, yet light consistency that traditional bagels can sometimes lack. Make sure to mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined; overmixing can result in tough bagels. If you find the dough too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until manageable.

Kneading is another crucial step, but it should be kept brief. Aim for just 2-3 minutes to combine the ingredients smoothly. This is less than the traditional kneading time used in yeast-based bagels. If you encounter resistance when shaping your dough balls into bagels, allow the dough to rest for a couple of minutes; this relaxes the gluten, making it easier to shape.

Boiling Tricks

Boiling the bagels before baking is a non-negotiable step that gives them a distinctive chewy crust. When boiling, keep an eye on the water's temperature; it should be at a rolling boil but not so vigorous that it disrupts the bagels. If using a large pot, you can boil multiple bagels at a time, but avoid overcrowding which can lower the water temperature. A gentle boil for 1-2 minutes per side is typically sufficient, but you'll want to look for a slight sheen on the bagels once they’re done.

Adding a tablespoon of baking soda to the boiling water can enhance the color and crust of your bagels. This alkaline environment aids in achieving that signature golden-brown finish you're aiming for. If you opt for this method, remember to monitor the color of your bagels closely in the oven, as they may brown faster than usual.

Serving and Storage Tips

Once your bagels come out of the oven, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom as steam escapes. While these bagels are delicious fresh, they can also be stored. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container; they will stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, consider slicing and freezing them. They can be reheated in a toaster straight from the freezer for a quick breakfast.

These Olive Oil Yogurt Bagels are versatile enough to complement both sweet and savory toppings. Cream cheese and smoked salmon make a classic choice, while a simple spread of almond butter and sliced bananas can satisfy your sweet tooth. If you have leftover bagels, try toasting them for a quick lunch topped with avocado and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a different flavor profile from these delightful bagels.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start your Olive Oil Yogurt Bagels:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Water (as needed)
Everything bagel seasoning (optional)

These simple ingredients will create a flavorful and satisfying bagel!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Olive Oil Yogurt Bagels:

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the yogurt, olive oil, and honey (if using). Gradually add the yogurt mixture to the flour, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead and Shape

On a floured surface, knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes until smooth. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball. Use your fingers to create a hole in the center, forming a bagel shape.

Boil the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Gently place the bagels in the boiling water, cooking for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake

Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before enjoying!

Enjoy your freshly baked Olive Oil Yogurt Bagels warm!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding herbs or cheese to the dough. Serve with cream cheese or your favorite spreads for a delicious breakfast.

Variations and Customization

Feel free to customize the bagel flavor by incorporating various spices or herbs into the dough. A teaspoon of garlic powder or finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add a delightful twist to the standard recipe. Additionally, you can mix in cheese such as shredded cheddar or feta, which will melt slightly and offer a savory note to the bagels.

For a sweet version, consider adding cinnamon and a bit of sugar to the dough. Top your bagels with a sugar coating before baking, or serve them alongside a cream cheese frosting for a breakfast treat. Experimenting with toppings is a fun way to enjoy these bagels and can make each batch feel unique.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bagels do not rise properly while baking, it may be due to inadequate kneading or not allowing them enough time to rest before boiling. Remember, the dough should be smooth and elastic, which provides the necessary structure as it bakes. It’s also crucial to ensure you’re using fresh baking powder; old leavening agents can lead to underwhelming results.

In case you find your bagels too dense, try reducing the amount of yogurt slightly. This will help balance the moisture content. Alternatively, if they are too soft and don’t hold their shape, you might need to increase the flour by tablespoon increments during the mixing process. Small adjustments can greatly improve the overall texture of your final bagels.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use non-Greek yogurt?

Yes, but Greek yogurt provides a thicker consistency which helps the bagels hold their shape better.

→ How should I store these bagels?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I add toppings to the bagels before baking?

Absolutely! Everything bagel seasoning is a great choice, but you can also use sesame seeds or poppy seeds.

→ What can I serve these bagels with?

They pair wonderfully with cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, or even homemade jams.