Soft Homemade Bagels With Yogurt

Name: Soft Homemade Bagels With Yogurt
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup plain yogurt; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp sugar; 1/2 cup warm water; 1 tbsp active dry yeast; Sesame seeds; Poppy seeds; Everything bagel seasoning

Highlighted under: Sugar Rush Kitchen

I absolutely love making Soft Homemade Bagels With Yogurt because they come out so fluffy and flavorful! The yogurt not only adds moisture but also gives these bagels a delightful tang. It's a simple recipe that doesn't require any fancy techniques, yet the results are bakery-quality. I always enjoy pairing them with cream cheese or my favorite spread. These bagels are perfect for breakfast or a delicious snack any time of the day. Trust me, once you try these, you won't want store-bought again!

Created by

Blair Hudson

Last updated on 2026-02-15T00:57:36.109Z

When I first decided to make bagels at home, I was nervous about getting the dough just right. After experimenting with various recipes, I discovered that adding yogurt not only simplifies the process but also enhances the texture considerably. Yogurt's acidity helps the dough rise beautifully, creating a perfect balance of chewiness and softness.

One of my favorite things about these bagels is how versatile they are. You can easily customize them by adding toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning before baking. Every time I make them, the aroma that fills my kitchen takes me back to my childhood, where fresh bagels were a Sunday tradition!

Why You'll Love These Bagels
Incredibly soft and fluffy texture from the yogurt
Quick and easy to make at home from scratch
Customizable with various toppings for extra flavor

Understanding Ingredients

The key to achieving the perfect soft texture in these homemade bagels lies primarily in the yogurt. Yogurt not only adds moisture but also contributes acidity that makes the bagels fluffy and tender. If you don’t have plain yogurt on hand, Greek yogurt can work as well, just be aware that it may make the dough slightly thicker and require a touch more water for consistency.

Using active dry yeast is crucial for the rise of your bagels. Ensure the yeast is fresh and bubbly; if it doesn’t foam within 5 minutes of mixing with warm water, it has likely expired and should be replaced. Alternatively, you could use instant yeast if you prefer; however, there’s no need to activate instant yeast beforehand.

Perfecting the Boiling Step

Boiling the bagels before baking is a traditional step that gives them their characteristic chewy crust. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pot; boiling them in batches allows for even cooking. If the water doesn’t bubble vigorously when you add the bagels, it may indicate that your heat is too low, affecting the texture. Aim for a rolling boil, and boil for 1-2 minutes per side for optimal results.

Optionally, adding a tablespoon of honey or malt syrup to the boiling water can enhance the flavor and golden color of the bagels. Just make sure it dissolves completely in the boiling water before adding the bagels.

Customizing Your Bagels

The beauty of homemade bagels is their versatility. You can easily customize them to match your personal taste. Experiment by integrating herbs into the dough or incorporating cheese such as shredded cheddar or feta. To add toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning, ensure that you brush the bagels with a little water before sprinkling to help them stick during baking.

If you're looking for a sweet twist, consider adding cinnamon or finely chopped dried fruit, like cranberries, to the dough for a festive flair. Just remember that if you’re adding moisture-rich ingredients, you might need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain the right dough consistency.

Ingredients

Bagel Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1/2 cup warm water
1 tbsp active dry yeast

Toppings (optional)

Sesame seeds
Poppy seeds
Everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the warm water and yeast. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes until foamy. In another bowl, combine the flour, yogurt, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Gradually add the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until it forms a dough.

Knead and Shape

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a bagel form, ensuring to make a hole in the center.

Boil the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Gently drop the bagels in, working in batches, and boil for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove and place on a baking sheet.

Bake

If using toppings, brush the bagels with a little water and sprinkle your desired toppings. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy your homemade bagels!

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding herbs or spices into the dough along with the dry ingredients. These bagels also freeze well if you want to make a larger batch!

Storing and Reheating

These bagels can be stored at room temperature for up to two days in an airtight container, but for longer storage, freeze them! Simply slice the bagels in half and lay them flat in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, you can toast them straight from the freezer or allow them to thaw at room temperature before toasting. Just remember to keep a close eye on them to prevent over-toasting.

If you find that the bagels lose some of their texture after freezing, to revive them, wrap in foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This should bring back some of that delightful chewiness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bagels turn out dense or heavy, a common culprit may be too much flour. When measuring flour, it’s best to spoon it into a measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly, which can compact the flour and lead to using more than needed. Always start with slightly less flour and add more if necessary while kneading.

Another common issue is bagels spreading out too much during boiling or baking. This can be a sign of under-kneading. Ensure that the dough is smooth and elastic before shaping, as this will help the bagels hold their shape. If they still spread, check your oven temperature; an oven that runs cooler may require longer baking times, affecting the crust formation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt works great and will yield a slightly thicker texture.

→ What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute with whole wheat flour, but the texture may change slightly.

→ How do I store leftover bagels?

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

→ Can I add toppings before boiling?

It's best to add toppings after boiling as they will stick better that way.