Blueberry Protein Bagels

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bagel that's bursting with juicy blueberries and packed with protein—this is exactly what Blueberry Burst Protein Bagels deliver. These aren't your average bagels; they're crafted with a blend of bread flour and whey protein powder to give you a nutritious start to your day without sacrificing flavor or texture. Topped with a tangy Greek yogurt frosting that's both creamy and light, each bagel becomes a wholesome indulgence that fuels your morning or satisfies your afternoon snack cravings. Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or treating yourself to a homemade breakfast, these protein-packed bagels prove that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious.

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The magic of these bagels lies in the combination of traditional bagel-making techniques with modern nutritional needs. By incorporating unflavored whey protein powder into the dough, you're adding a significant protein boost without compromising the classic bagel texture. The blueberries add bursts of fruity flavor and natural sweetness, while the boiling step—a crucial part of authentic bagel-making—creates that signature chewy exterior and soft interior. The Greek yogurt frosting is the perfect finishing touch, providing additional protein and a delightful tanginess that complements the sweet blueberries beautifully.

Ingredients

• Bagels: 2 cups (240 g) bread flour, 1 cup (130 g) unflavored whey protein powder, 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar, 2 ¼ tsp (7 g) instant dry yeast, ½ tsp salt, ¾ cup (180 ml) warm water (about 110°F / 43°C), 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen blueberries, 1 tbsp (15 ml) neutral oil (e.g., canola or sunflower)
• Water Bath: 6 cups (1.4 L) water, 2 tbsp (28 g) honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp (14 g) baking soda
• Greek Yogurt Frosting: ¾ cup (180 g) Greek yogurt (plain, 2% or full-fat), 2 tbsp (16 g) powdered sugar, or to taste, ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a large bowl, combine bread flour, protein powder, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix well.

Step 2: Form the dough

Make a well in the center and pour in warm water and oil. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Add blueberries

Gently knead in the blueberries until evenly distributed.

Step 5: First rise

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape bagels

Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger and stretch into a bagel shape.

Step 8: Prepare water bath

Bring water, honey (or maple syrup), and baking soda to a boil in a wide pot.

Step 9: Boil bagels

Boil each bagel for 45 seconds per side, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 10: Bake

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Let bagels cool completely on a rack.

Step 11: Make frosting

Meanwhile, mix Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Frost and serve

Once bagels are cool, spread or pipe Greek yogurt frosting on top before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour and protein powder. When working with protein powder in baked goods, it's important not to over-knead after adding it, as this can make the texture tough. The warm water for activating the yeast should be around 110°F (43°C)—too hot and it will kill the yeast, too cold and it won't activate properly. If using frozen blueberries, add them directly to the dough without thawing to prevent excess moisture and color bleeding. The boiling step is essential for achieving that authentic bagel texture, so don't skip it. The baking soda in the water bath helps create a shiny, golden crust.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These bagels are wonderfully adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. For a vegan version, substitute the whey protein with plant-based protein powder and use non-dairy yogurt for the frosting. You can swap blueberries for other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries. For extra protein in the frosting, add 1 tablespoon of protein powder along with the powdered sugar. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, increase the powdered sugar to 3–4 tablespoons. For variety, try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the frosting or mix in a teaspoon of lemon juice for extra tang. You can also experiment with different sweeteners in the water bath, such as agave nectar instead of honey or maple syrup.

Serviervorschläge

These Blueberry Burst Protein Bagels are delicious served fresh with the Greek yogurt frosting, but they're also versatile enough for various serving styles. Enjoy them as a complete breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or slice them in half and add extra Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a protein-packed brunch. They make an excellent post-workout snack when paired with a protein shake or smoothie. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle them with a touch of honey or add a thin layer of almond butter under the frosting. Store unfrosted bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months—simply thaw and add fresh frosting before serving. These bagels are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to have healthy, protein-rich breakfasts ready throughout the week.

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With their perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence, these Blueberry Burst Protein Bagels with Greek Yogurt Frosting prove that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Each bite delivers the chewy, satisfying texture of a traditional bagel combined with the nutritional benefits of protein powder and Greek yogurt, all brightened by sweet, juicy blueberries. Whether you're an athlete looking for post-workout fuel, a busy professional seeking convenient meal prep options, or simply someone who loves delicious homemade baked goods, these bagels are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Make a batch this weekend and enjoy wholesome, protein-packed breakfasts all week long.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do blueberries affect the texture?

Blueberries add bursts of sweetness and moisture, making the bagels tender and slightly fruity without overpowering the dough's chewiness.

→ What role does protein powder play?

Protein powder enriches the dough, enhancing nutritional value and contributing to a slightly denser, satisfying texture.

→ Why boil bagels before baking?

Boiling creates a chewy crust and helps bagels maintain their shape during baking for that classic texture.

→ Can I use frozen blueberries?

Yes, frozen blueberries work well; add them directly to the dough without thawing to prevent excess moisture.

→ How is the yogurt frosting made?

Mix plain Greek yogurt with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, then spread on cooled bagels for a tangy topping.

→ What is a good substitute for honey in the water bath?

Maple syrup can be used instead of honey to add sweetness to the boiling water before baking.