Super Easy New York Style (kind of) Bagels Made with Greek Yogurt
Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor — these New York-style bagels with Greek yogurt are the easiest, most satisfying bagels you’ll ever make. Trust me, bookmark this one… you’ll bake these once, and then you’ll bake them forever!
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Bagels can be intimidating — all that kneading, boiling, baking… but here’s the twist: my bagels with Greek yogurt skip all the fuss while keeping every bit of deliciousness.
>> Ok, they’re not totally New York style, because there’s no boiling of the bagel before baking them. But the result is very New-Yorkish, trust me!
The dough? It’s dreamy: smooth, elastic, tender, and so easy to work with that even a first-time baker will feel like a pro.
No yeast. No long proofing times.
Just a quick mix, a little shaping, and into the oven they go. I’ve made these so many times, and every time they disappear in minutes. This is one of the most popular recipes on my blog and for good reason — it’s fail-proof and crazy satisfying. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snack, and even better with your favorite fillings.
How I Make Them
I start by mixing my dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, and my special salt blend (half basil-flavored, half smoked salt for that subtle herby, smoky kick). Then comes the magic: Greek yogurt.
I use thick, strained yogurt, full-fat, if I find it, because it makes the dough extra soft and rich. I mix everything in a bowl until it starts coming together, then tip it out onto a lightly floured surface.
Now here’s the trick — I knead it just enough to make it smooth, but not so much that it gets tough. The dough is tender, slightly sticky, but that’s exactly how it should be. Resist adding too much flour — trust me!
Then I divide it into four pieces, roll them into long ropes, and join the ends to make classic bagel shapes. Onto parchment paper they go, a glossy egg wash on top, and a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds for that bakery-style look.
They bake for about 25 minutes until golden and puffed, filling the kitchen with the most amazing smell. The hardest part? Waiting for them to cool before digging in… but it’s worth it!
New Yorkish Style Bagels with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 300 grams Greek yogurt strained
- 300 grams all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt flavored or regular
- 1 egg for the eggwash (1 egg beaten with a little water)
- Black sesame seeds to garnish
- White sesame seeds to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170°C (~340°F).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all the dry elements: flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the Greek yogurt and mix until a tender dough begins to form (no more than 5 minutes).
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until it's smooth. Don't overdo it, and do not add more flour.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope and join the ends to form a bagel shape.
- Place the bagels on the prepared tray.
- Brush the tops with the egg wash and sprinkle with the black and white sesame seeds.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting or serving.
Nutrition
Tips, Secrets & Variations
- I use thick, strained Greek yogurt for the best texture. You can use plain (no flavor) yogurt and strain it overnight in the fridge with a cheese cloth.
- Resist adding too much extra flour — the slight stickiness keeps the bagels soft.
- Try toppings like poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even a sprinkle of grated cheese, dried onion, oregano, or even seeds.
- I love them with egg, tomato, lettuce, ham (or turkey), and cheese, but you can make bagel sandwiches using smoked salmon, feta and tomato, cream cheese, tuna mayo, prosciutto, or try a fresh veggie combo.
These Greek yogurt bagels are quick, simple, and totally delicious. Once you make them, you’ll never buy bagels again!
Pin for Later!
Bagels with Greek Yogurt
Gabi Ancarola
Gabi is a travel writer who has lived in Crete for over a decade. Through her blog, Crete Insider, she has helped travelers uncover local experiences. Passionate about food and Cretan cuisine, she now attends Greek cooking lessons to bring the island’s flavors straight to your kitchen!
>> Interested in learning to cook in Crete, or discovering all of the top spots to eat in Chania and around the island? Book a food tour or plan your trip with me.
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