No-rise Greek yogurt bagels are a fast, hands-on way to get a chewy, slightly tangy bagel without the wait for yeast or proofing. They come together with pantry staples and bake in about half an hour—perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick homemade sandwich. If you want a warm bowl and a soft roll to dunk it in, these bagels pair nicely with a cozy homemade chicken noodle soup for an easy comfort-food meal.
Why you’ll love this dish
These bagels save time without sacrificing the chew and flavor you want from a traditional bagel. They skip the yeast and boiling step, so you can move from bowl to oven in minutes. They’re also budget-friendly (minimal ingredients), family-approved (kids love rolling the dough), and forgiving for novice bakers.
“Crispy outside, soft and tangy inside — these bagels became our weekend staple. No waiting, no fuss, just tasty mornings.” — A reader review
Where this recipe shines:
- Quick: No-rise means they’re ready the same day, in under an hour.
- Versatile: Top with everything seasoning, sesame, or cinnamon sugar.
- Convenient: Uses Greek yogurt for moisture and a mild tang.
Step-by-step overview
You’ll whisk dry ingredients, fold in Greek yogurt until a sticky dough forms, shape into 8–10 bagels, brush with egg wash, top, and bake. Expect a crumbly-to-cohesive dough that firms as you shape it; the whole process (prep + bake) takes around 45–60 minutes.
What you’ll need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little for dusting)
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt (use sea salt, not table salt for texture and flavor accuracy)
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat gives best texture)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Everything Bagel Seasoning (or substitute sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt)
Notes and substitutions:
- Greek yogurt: If too thick, stir in up to 1–2 tablespoons milk to loosen. Non-dairy yogurts will change texture and may yield a softer crumb.
- Sea salt: Measured by volume—if you only have table salt, reduce by about 1/4 to avoid over-salting.
- Egg wash alternatives: Use a little milk or olive oil if you prefer not to use egg (but be aware the shine will be reduced).
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly combined.
- Add the Greek yogurt and stir with a spatula or wooden spoon. The mixture will start crumbly then come together into a sticky dough.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just until smooth—about 6–8 turns. Avoid overworking.
- Divide the dough into 8–10 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and place on a sheet of parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball into a disc and use your finger to poke a hole through the center. Gently stretch and shape into a bagel—remember the hole will shrink slightly while baking, so make it a bit larger than you think.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
- Arrange the bagels on a parchment-lined cast iron skillet or baking sheet, leaving room between them.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Timing tip: If your oven runs hot, check at 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Best ways to enjoy it
These bagels are excellent sliced and toasted, then topped with classic spreads or used for sandwiches.
Serving ideas:
- Classic: Cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Savory sandwich: Smashed avocado, sliced tomato, arugula, and a fried egg.
- Sweet: Butter and honey or cream cheese with jam.
- Brunch platter: Serve halved bagels with a selection of cheeses, cold cuts, and pickled vegetables.
If you want to experiment with a different crisping method for small batches, you can borrow air-fryer techniques from other recipes—check an example of an air-fryer rice paper noodle rolls method for inspiration on high-heat crisping ideas.
Storage and reheating tips
- Room temperature: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps 3–4 days but may dry slightly; toast before serving to revive texture.
- Freezer: Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or toast from frozen.
- Reheating: For best texture, slice and toast in a toaster or toaster oven. To refresh without toasting, warm in a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes.
Food safety note: Because these use an egg wash, store leftovers promptly and follow usual cold-chain safety—don’t leave perishable toppings at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Pro chef tips
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for better chew and structure. Low-fat can be used but yields a slightly drier crumb.
- Don’t over-flour the work surface; a dusting is enough. Too much flour makes the bagels dense.
- Keep the central hole larger than you want; bagels expand and the hole contracts in the oven.
- If your dough is too sticky to handle, chill it for 10–15 minutes to firm it up slightly.
- For extra shine and crispness, double-brush with egg wash (once before seasoning, once three minutes into baking)—but watch for over-browning.
Creative twists
- Sesame & Everything mash-up: Half sesame seeds, half everything seasoning.
- Onion-garlic cheddar: Mix finely shredded cheddar into the dough and top with garlic flakes.
- Sweet cinnamon raisin: Fold in 1/2 cup raisins and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top instead of savory seasoning.
- Gluten-free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (results vary; expect a more cake-like crumb).
- Vegan: Use a thick plant-based yogurt and a milk/oil wash; texture will be softer and less chewy.
Common questions
Q: How long does prep actually take?
A: Active prep (mixing and shaping) is about 15–20 minutes. With baking, allow 40–50 minutes total.
Q: Can I skip the egg wash?
A: Yes—use milk, plant milk, or a light oil brush. You’ll lose the glossy finish and slightly reduced browning.
Q: Will these be as chewy as traditional yeast bagels?
A: They won’t be identical to boiled, yeast-risen bagels; expect a softer interior and quicker chew. The yogurt adds tang and structure that mimics some bagel characteristics.
Q: Can I make the dough the night before?
A: This recipe is designed to be no-rise and best fresh. You can refrigerate shaped bagels overnight, then bring to room temp and bake, but the texture may change slightly.
Q: Are these safe for people with egg allergies?
A: The egg is only an exterior wash; you can omit it or use milk/olive oil. If avoiding eggs entirely, use an alternative wash and ensure cross-contact safety for severe allergies.

No-Rise Greek Yogurt Bagels
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy bagels made with Greek yogurt, perfect for a lazy brunch or a quick sandwich without the wait for yeast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little for dusting)
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Everything Bagel Seasoning (or substitute sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sea salt until combined.
- Add the Greek yogurt and stir with a spatula until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 6–8 turns.
- Divide the dough into 8–10 pieces and roll into balls.
- Flatten each ball, poke a hole through the center, and shape into bagels.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Store cooled bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days; refrigerate for 3–4 days. Freeze individually wrapped for up to 1 month.
