This Easy Bagel Recipe with no yeast will rock your bagel loving world! I know it did mine. It only requires a few ingredients and bakes up golden on the outside and tender on the inside. These homemade bagels are so simple, I find myself making them all the time.

Easy Bagel Recipe

Let me introduce you to my latest obsession—this easy bagel recipe. I make these bagels at least a few times a week, they are that easy and that good.

Nothing can compare to a real authentic bagel, especially from a New York or Chicago bakery. But since that’s not an option for me now that my grandparents are gone, along with the enormous bagel haul they used to bring up every time they’d visit, I make do. And I have to say, these easy bagels are just delicious in their own right.

Made with only a few ingredients, this homemade bagel recipe with Greek yogurt sort of blew me away the first time I made it several months ago, and now it’s a standard in my weekly breakfast routine.

Helpful Tips & Variations

• Use non-fat plain Greek yogurt. Thick Greek yogurt works the best. Avoid regular yogurt, which will make the dough too loose and sticky. I recommend Chobani, Fage, and Stoneyfield brands.
• Strain the yogurt, if needed. If the yogurt is at all runny or has liquid in it, you’ll need to strain it first.
• Room temperature dough. The dough should be room temperature before baking.

How to Make Bagels Step by Step

Get the oven going and prep a baking sheet: Preheat oven to 375°F with the rack in the upper-middle position. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet and spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Prepare the dough: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and ¾ tsp salt until incorporated. Add 1 cup yogurt and mix with a fork until it forms a shaggy, crumbly dough.

Knead the dough: Transfer dough to a clean work surface dusted with flour and sprinkle a bit of flour on top of the dough. Knead the dough until it comes together and no crumbs remain – the dough should be tacky, but it should not stick to your hand when you pull away. (Don’t overwork the dough – it shouldn’t take more than about 10 turns.)

Shape the dough: Divide into 4 equal balls. Using your hands, roll each ball into 3/4-inch thick rope; join and seal the ends to form a circle. Flour your hands as needed. (Alternatively, you can make a ball and using your thumb, poke a hole in the center then gently pull and stretch it slightly until uniform.)

Brush with egg wash: Brush with egg wash and sprinkle the tops with everything bagel seasoning.

Bake: Bake on the upper-middle rack of the oven for 25 minutes. (Watch closely toward the end and tent loosely with foil if the tops are over-browning.)

Cool and slice: Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing in half and serving.

Air Fryer Method

To make these in an air fryer, preheat to 280°F. Place dough in a single layer, without touching (work in batches, if necessary.)  Bake 15 to 16 minutes, or until golden (no need to flip.) Let cool at least 15 minutes before cutting. Keep in mind that air fryers are different, so cooking times can vary.

How to Store Bagels

If you want to make the dough ahead of time, without baking, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bring the dough to room temperature before forming the bagels and baking.

Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for a day. Or wrap up and place in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven, toaster, or air fryer.

To freeze these bagels, slice them in half lengthwise and put the halves back together, then individually wrap them in plastic wrap. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven, toaster, or air fryer.

What to Serve With Bagels

Like most baked goods, these are best enjoyed fresh. I love them spread with a little plain cream cheese or cream cheese and lox. Take them up another level with a little onion jam or cinnamon honey butter. And of course, you can’t go wrong if they’re paired with potato latkes or piled high with scrambled eggs.

More Homemade Bread Recipes

• Challah Bread
• Dutch Oven Bread
• Focaccia Bread
• Sandwich Bread