These 3-Ingredient Bagels are a quick and easy way to satisfy your bagel craving—ready in just 30 minutes, with no kneading, proofing, or fancy techniques required. They’re deliciously chewy, just as a bagel should be!
I wholeheartedly believe that bagels are one of mankind’s best creations. There’s something about a fresh, chewy bagel that brings so much joy to my heart.
The only downside to classic bagels is the time they take to make, and I am NOT a fan of long-winded recipes. I prefer quick, easy recipes that still taste authentic, and that’s exactly what this blog is about. I live to take classic recipes and create easier, healthier versions.
This 3-ingredient bagel recipe is incredibly quick and easy—made with the magical combination of flour and yogurt, it truly tastes like the real deal! Simply make the dough, shape it, and bake to perfection—it’s seriously a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love These 3-Ingredient Bagels
- Only 3 ingredients needed!
- No fancy tools or techniques required.
- Ready in 30 minutes.
- Perfect for meal prep.
- Quick, easy, and chewy!
- Can be made dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan.
- They’re good for your soul and body!
Benefits of Homemade Bagels
Making bagels at home comes with a range of benefits that go beyond just having fresh bagels on hand. Here’s why homemade bagels are worth it:
Control Over Ingredients: When you make bagels yourself, you have full control over what goes in them. You can choose high-quality flours, healthier yogurts, or even gluten-free options if needed. Plus, there are no added preservatives, artificial ingredients, or excessive amounts of salt and sugar like you might find in store-bought bagels.
Healthier and Diet-Friendly Options: With homemade bagels, you can easily adjust the recipe to meet your dietary preferences. Want vegan bagels? Use a dairy-free yogurt and skip the egg wash.
Cost Savings: Bagels from bakeries or specialty stores can add up, especially if you’re buying them frequently. Making bagels at home can save you money, especially when the ingredients are as simple as flour and yogurt.
Creative Flavor Options: Homemade bagels are a perfect canvas for creativity. You can experiment with flavors, mix-ins, and toppings that you might not find in stores. From adding garlic and herbs to creating sweet varieties with cinnamon or chocolate chips, the options are endless.
Freshness and Taste: Nothing compares to the taste of a warm, freshly baked bagel straight out of the oven. Making them at home ensures you’re getting the freshest bagel experience, with that chewy texture and crisp exterior that’s hard to beat.
Satisfaction of Homemade Baking: There’s something rewarding about making your own bagels from scratch. It’s a fun and satisfying baking project that yields delicious results, and it’s even more enjoyable when you can share them with family and friends.
Ingredients Needed:
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make these 3 Ingredient Bagels. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Self-Raising Flour: You can make your own by adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to plain or wholemeal flour.
- Yogurt: Use a thick yogurt, like Greek or double cream. Coconut or soy yogurt works for a dairy-free or vegan option.
- Egg: For brushing onto your bagels before baking to make them glossy. For a vegan or egg-free version, substitute with plant milk.
- Extras: Add seeds for a crunch. See the “customization” section for more ways to make your bagels even more delicious.
Equipment Needed:
- Digital Food Scale: For accurate measurements.
- Baking Tray: To bake your bagels.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowl: For your dough.
- Small Bowl or ramekin: For the egg wash.
- Pastry Brush: To brush the egg wash onto your bagels.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Bagels
Here is a detailed summary of how to make this recipe. I’ve also included some photos, and you can find the recipe video in the recipe card. At the bottom of this page is a summarized version that can be printed.
Step One:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step Two:
Add your flour and yogurt to a mixing bowl. Use a fork to work it into a sticky dough, then use your hands to form a ball. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but shouldn’t cling to your hands. If it’s too sticky, add more flour. If too dry, add a bit more yogurt until it reaches the right consistency.
Step Three:
Divide the dough into four equal pieces.
Step Four:
Roll each piece into a ball, flatten it into a round disk, and create a hole in the middle using your fingers or the back of a wooden spoon.
Step Five:
Place the bagels on your baking tray.
Step Six:
Whisk your egg, then brush the egg wash onto your bagels. You can sprinkle seeds on top if desired.
Step Seven:
Bake for 25 minutes until risen and lightly golden.
Customization Options for 3-Ingredient Bagels
These bagels are a blank canvas, so you can easily customize them to suit your taste! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Seeds or Spices: Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds on top of the egg wash for added crunch and flavor. Or, try a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a classic taste! You can also add a dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to the dough for a savory twist.
- Sweet Bagels: For a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the dough. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking for a bagel that pairs beautifully with cream cheese or butter.
- Cheesy Bagels: Add grated cheese to the dough or sprinkle some on top after brushing with egg wash. Sharp cheddar, parmesan, or a plant-based cheese alternative (for dairy-free options) are delicious choices that add a savory kick.
Tips and Notes
- Dough Consistency: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but it shouldn’t cling excessively to your hands. If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too dry, add a little extra yogurt until the texture is just right.
- Shaping the Bagels: For a perfectly round bagel shape, roll each dough piece into a ball, flatten it slightly, and use your thumb or the handle of a wooden spoon to create an even hole in the center. Twirl the dough a bit to widen the hole, as it will shrink slightly during baking.
- Egg Wash Alternatives: For a vegan or egg-free option, use plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or soy milk) instead of egg wash. This will still give the bagels a nice golden color, though it may be less shiny.
- Baking Time and Color: Keep an eye on the bagels as they bake. They should be golden brown and slightly risen when done. Ovens vary, so check a few minutes early to avoid over-baking if your oven runs hot.
Storage Instructions for 3-Ingredient Bagels
Room Temperature: Store freshly baked bagels in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and chewy. Avoid refrigerating, as this can dry out the bagels.
Freezer: To keep your bagels fresh for longer, you can freeze them. Once completely cooled, place the bagels in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separating each bagel with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- From Room Temperature: To revive your bagels, warm them in a toaster, toaster oven, or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- From Frozen: Thaw frozen bagels at room temperature or pop them directly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
FAQ
Can I make these bagels gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
Can I make these bagels dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Use a thick plant-based yogurt, like coconut or soy yogurt, in place of regular yogurt. For the egg wash, swap it with any plant milk (such as almond or oat milk) to get a nice golden color without the egg.
What if I don’t have self-raising flour?
You can make your own by combining 1 cup of plain or all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This mixture will work just like self-raising flour.
How do I know when the bagels are done?
The bagels should be lightly golden and slightly puffed up when done, which typically takes about 25 minutes in the oven. If you want a chewier crust, you can leave them in the oven for a few more minutes.
Can I add flavorings to the dough?
Yes! Feel free to mix in flavorings like garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, or even a bit of honey or sugar for a touch of sweetness. Just keep in mind that adding extra ingredients may slightly alter the dough texture.
How can I make my bagels shinier?
Brushing the bagels with an egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful shine. For a vegan option, use a thick plant milk like almond or soy milk, though the shine will be slightly less pronounced.
How should I store leftovers?
Store bagels at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. For more details, see the “Storage Instructions” section above.
Can I make these bagels ahead of time?
Yes! These bagels freeze well, so you can bake a batch in advance, freeze them, and reheat when needed. This makes them perfect for meal prep or quick breakfasts.
you need to try these bagels next:
- Easy and Healthy Chocolate Bagels (made without yeast)
- Easy Blueberry Bagel Recipe – Ready in 40 minutes! (no yeast)
Hey! If you make this recipe, I would love it if you could leave me some feedback and a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ in the comment section at the bottom of the page! Also let me know on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and see your photos!
3 Ingredient Bagels
Ingredients
- 180 g Self-Raising Flour or 180g All-Purpose Flour + 2 tsp Baking Powder + 1/2 tsp Salt (1.5 cups)
- 250 g Thick Yogurt (1 cup)
- 1 Egg
- Seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper..Divide dough into 4 pieces, roll into balls, and shape each into a bagel.
- In a bowl, mix flour and yogurt until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Add more flour or yogurt if needed.
- Divide the dough into 4 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball then flatten to form a disk and creat a hole in the center with your fingers or the back of a wooden spoon.
- Place the bagels on your parchment-lined baking tray.
- Whisk your egg in a small bowl then brush onto your bagels. You can also sprinkle on some seeds if you wish.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden and risen.
Video
Notes
- Adjusting Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, incorporate more yogurt until the desired texture is reached.
- Shaping Tips: For an even hole in your bagels, use your thumb or the handle of a wooden spoon to create the center.
- Egg Wash Alternative: For a vegan option, substitute the egg wash with a thick plant-based milk for a golden finish.
- Storage: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving Ideas: Enjoy your bagels plain or topped with cream cheese, avocado, or your favorite spreads for a delicious meal or snack.
Nutrition
Let me know in the comments below if you make these 3 Ingredient Bagels!