High Protein Bagels For Meal Prep
Highlighted under: Healthy Kitchen Moments
I love starting my day with a nutritious meal, and these High Protein Bagels make it easy! Packed with wholesome ingredients and a delightful chew, they are perfect for meal prepping. I enjoy them toasted with cream cheese or loaded with my favorite toppings. Not only do they keep me full longer, but they also give me the energy I need to tackle my day. Making these bagels in batches ensures I always have a healthy breakfast option on hand, and they freeze beautifully for later use.
When I first experimented with bagels, I aimed to create something that could fit into my busy lifestyle while still being satisfying. By adding protein powder to the dough, I managed to give these bagels both nutritional value and a great texture. The combination of Greek yogurt and whole wheat flour keeps them moist and enhances the protein content without compromising flavor.
Each bite reveals a subtly nutty flavor, making it easy to pair with savory or sweet toppings. I like to play around with different seasonings, sometimes adding garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning for an extra kick of flavor. These bagels not only taste incredible but also make meal prep a breeze!
Reasons You'll Love These Bagels
- High in protein to keep you full and energized
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Bagel Ingredients Explained
The choice of ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor for these High Protein Bagels. Whole wheat flour not only adds a nutty taste but also provides a higher fiber content compared to white flour, which aids in digestion and promotes satiety. Protein powder enhances the nutritional profile significantly, making these bagels a powerhouse of energy, perfect for starting your day. I recommend using unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder to keep the bagels' taste balanced.
Greek yogurt is a key ingredient in this recipe, contributing moisture and richness while also elevating the protein content even further. Its tangy flavor complements the sweetness of honey or agave syrup, resulting in a delightful base. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute Greek yogurt with a thick plant-based yogurt, which will yield similar results. Just ensure it has a comparable consistency to maintain the dough's integrity.
Kneading and Shaping Tips
Kneading the dough for about five minutes is essential to develop the gluten in the flour, which gives the bagels their characteristic chewiness. If you find the dough too sticky while kneading, don't hesitate to sprinkle a bit more flour on your work surface—a little goes a long way. On the other hand, be cautious not to over-knead, as it may result in dense bagels. Aim for a soft and slightly elastic texture, making sure to form a smooth ball before shaping into bagels.
Shaping the bagels correctly is vital for consistency in cooking and presentation. When dividing the dough, using a scale can help achieve even sizes, ensuring they bake uniformly. When you create the hole in the center, make sure it’s large enough, as it will shrink during baking. A thumb is typically sufficient for this task. After shaping, it’s beneficial to let them rest briefly on the baking sheet, allowing the dough to relax, which makes them easier to transfer to the oven.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to start making your High Protein Bagels:
Bagel Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- Water as needed
- Toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
Measure accurately for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your bagels:
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients
Add the Greek yogurt and honey to the dry ingredients. Mix until it forms a dough, adding water gradually as needed.
Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Shape Bagels
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, roll each piece into a ball, and poke a hole in the center to form bagels.
Add Toppings
Place bagels on the prepared baking sheet, brush with water, and sprinkle your preferred toppings on top.
Bake
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy them toasted or with your favorite spreads!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for later use.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different flours or add-ins like seeds and nuts to customize your bagels!
Storage and Freezing
These High Protein Bagels are excellent for meal prep, easily stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Once fully cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating each bagel with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months, preserving their flavor and texture. For best results, toast them from frozen, which helps restore their chewiness and warmth, making them delightful as if freshly baked.
If you're planning to eat these bagels within a week, keeping them in the fridge works perfectly. Just be sure to toast them briefly before serving, as the texture tends to become slightly softer. To further enhance their shelf life, consider double-wrapping them in plastic wrap or foil before storing, which protects them from moisture and keeps them fresher for longer.
Serving Suggestions
I love enjoying my bagels with various toppings, which can be adapted to suit any meal of the day. Classic cream cheese pairs beautifully with smoked salmon and capers for a savory breakfast, while avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes make for a deliciously creamy option as well. For a sweet treat, try spreading almond butter with banana slices or a drizzle of honey for an energizing snack.
These bagels can also be turned into sandwiches or used as the base for mini pizzas. Simply slice them horizontally and toast until golden, then layer with your favorite toppings like marinara, cheese, and veggies before baking until the cheese is bubbly. This versatility opens up endless possibilities for any meal or snack!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but it may alter the nutritional value slightly.
→ How can I freeze the bagels?
After they cool, wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
→ How long do these bagels last in the fridge?
They can last up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
→ What can I pair with these bagels?
They are delicious with cream cheese, avocado, or topped with smoked salmon!
High Protein Bagels For Meal Prep
I love starting my day with a nutritious meal, and these High Protein Bagels make it easy! Packed with wholesome ingredients and a delightful chew, they are perfect for meal prepping. I enjoy them toasted with cream cheese or loaded with my favorite toppings. Not only do they keep me full longer, but they also give me the energy I need to tackle my day. Making these bagels in batches ensures I always have a healthy breakfast option on hand, and they freeze beautifully for later use.
Created by: Ivy Richardson
Recipe Type: Healthy Kitchen Moments
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 bagels
What You'll Need
Bagel Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup protein powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- Water as needed
- Toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, protein powder, baking powder, and salt.
Add the Greek yogurt and honey to the dry ingredients. Mix until it forms a dough, adding water gradually as needed.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, roll each piece into a ball, and poke a hole in the center to form bagels.
Place bagels on the prepared baking sheet, brush with water, and sprinkle your preferred toppings on top.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy them toasted or with your favorite spreads!
Extra Tips
- Feel free to experiment with different flours or add-ins like seeds and nuts to customize your bagels!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 12g