3-Ingredient Protein Bagels
on Oct 21, 2023, Updated Jun 06, 2025
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These homemade 3-Ingredient Protein Bagels are a quick, healthy, and kid-friendly option for breakfast, lunch, or snack time. Made with just Greek yogurt, self-rising flour, and a touch of salt, they come together in under 35 minutes—no yeast or boiling needed. The texture is soft and chewy, making them perfect for toddlers learning to chew, and the high protein content helps keep little bellies full longer. Whether you serve them plain, with a smear of cream cheese, or topped with cinnamon or nut butter, these homemade bagels are a simple and tasty addition to your weekly meal prep.
Why 3-Ingredient Protein Bagels are Great for Toddlers
- Protein-Packed: Greek yogurt is a fantastic source of protein, which is crucial for your growing toddler. These bagels are designed to provide the energy and nutrients they need to start their day off right.
- Customizable: These Protein Bagels are like a blank canvas for your toddler’s taste buds. You can customize them with various toppings and seasonings to suit your child’s preferences.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal kitchen project for you and your little one to enjoy together. The hands-on experience of shaping the bagels is not only fun but also beneficial for fine motor skill development in toddlers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup self-rising flour (If using all-purpose flour, add 1 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt)
- Cinnamon or Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional)
- Egg white, milk, or butter for brushing the tops
How to Make these 3-Ingredient Toddler Bagels
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, you can get your bagel ingredients ready.
- Mix Greek Yogurt and Flour: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt, if you’re using that option). Stir until the mixture comes together to form a dough.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can let your KitchenAid do the kneading for you.
- To Prevent Sticking: Before the next step, to prevent sticking sprinkle some flour over the dough and onto your hands so you can more easily work with it.
- Shape the Bagels: Section the dough into 4-5 pieces, depending on your preferred bagel size. Roll each section into a sausage shape and connect the ends to create a classic bagel shape. This step is perfect for your toddler to get involved and have fun shaping their own bagels.
- Brush the Tops: In a small bowl, separate the egg white. Brush the egg white over the tops of the bagels. This will give them a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle your choice of seasoning, whether it’s cinnamon or everything bagel seasoning, on top of the bagels to add a burst of flavor.
- Bake: Place your bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for approximately 20-22 minutes, or until they’re nicely browned.
- Enjoy! Once the bagels are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, it’s time to enjoy these Protein Bagels. Serve them plain or with your toddler’s favorite spreads like cream cheese, jam, or butter.
Substitutions
Flour:
• Use self-rising flour for simplicity.
• Use all-purpose flour + 1½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt if that’s what you have.
Greek Yogurt:
• Choose full-fat for richer texture, non-fat works too but is less creamy.
• For dairy-free, try firm coconut yogurt or soy-based Greek-style yogurt.
Add-ins & toppings:
• Add cinnamon, everything seasoning, seeds, or shredded cheese before baking.
Storing Extra 3-Ingredient Protein Bagels
If you have any leftover Protein Bagels, you can store them in an airtight container on the countertop for 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the oven or toaster for a few minutes to regain their freshness.
You can also store the dough in the fridge overnight and form and bake the bagels the next morning!
Common Questions
Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
- Yes! Swap in whole-wheat or half whole-wheat for a heartier, higher-fiber bagel. You may need an extra splash of yogurt if the dough feels dry.
Can I make these 3-ingredient bagels gluten-free?
- Absolutely—use a gluten-free baking flour blend that’s designed for 1-to-1 swaps. Make sure your Greek yogurt is also gluten-free.
Are these protein bagels ok for baby-led weaning?
- Definitely! These bagels are soft enough for toddlers and can be torn into finger-friendly pieces. They’re great for little hands and chewing practice.
More Protein Breakfast Ideas for Toddlers
Cottage Cheese Muffins – These protein-packed muffins are made with cottage cheese for a soft, savory bite that’s great for toddler breakfasts or on-the-go snacks.
Protein Egg Bites – Mini egg muffins made with cheese, eggs, and optional add-ins. These toddler-friendly bites are packed with protein and easy to batch-cook.
Peanut Butter Banana Bars – Naturally sweetened with banana and full of healthy fats and protein from peanut butter, these soft bars make a great snack or breakfast for little ones.
Chocolate Protein Waffles – A fun, kid-approved twist on classic waffles—these chocolate waffles are rich in protein and perfect for toddlers who love a sweet start to the day.
Protein Pancakes – Fluffy, high-protein pancakes made with simple ingredients like eggs, oats, and Greek yogurt. Ideal for toddlers, and freezer-friendly for busy mornings.
Did you and your little ones love these easy 3-ingredient protein bagels? I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Instagram @reallittlemeals 🙂
3-Ingredient Protein Bagels
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 cup self rising flour , or 1 cup all purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 egg, for egg wash
- toppings: cinnamon or everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and self-rising flour. Stir until the mixture comes together to form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until it's smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can let your KitchenAid do the kneading for you.
- Section the dough into 4-5 pieces, depending on your preferred bagel size. Roll each section into a sausage shape and connect the ends to create a classic bagel shape. The dough will be sticky, so sprinkle some flour over the dough and onto your hands so it doesn't stick to you.
- In a small bowl, separate the egg white and brush the egg white over the tops of the bagels. Then add cinnamon on top (or everything bagel seasoning).
- Place your bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for approximately 20-22 minutes, or until they're nicely browned.
- Cool and enjoy with your favorite topping!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you use whole wheat flour instead?
No, because whole wheat flour isn’t meant to be eaten raw :/
Can you substitute regular yogurt vs Greek, if it is all you have on hand?
Yes!
No professional baker over here, but if you use whole wheat flour and then bake them, wouldn’t it be cooked at that point?
Super adorable and super delicious 🤤. Thank you 🙏.
I’m glad you liked it!
LOVED this recipe. I put cheddar cheese on mine and they were delicious. Mine took about 5 mins longer to bake FYI
Son loved the bagels! Came out exactly like picture which seldom happens for me when I bake. lol.
Love how it’s so easy. Was wondering if you can pre make the batter and just assemble to bake in the morning? H