Lemon Poppy Seed Bagels (Printable)

Fluffy lemon-infused bagels with poppy seeds and a light lemon glaze, perfect for breakfast or snacks.

# What you need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups bread flour
02 - 1 cup vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
03 - 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
04 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - Zest of 2 lemons

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, non-fat or low-fat
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

→ For Boiling

12 - 2 quarts water
13 - 1 tablespoon honey

→ Egg Wash

14 - 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water

→ Light Lemon Glaze

15 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
17 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together bread flour, protein powder, poppy seeds, baking powder, salt, sugar, and lemon zest.
03 - In a separate bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, egg, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth.
04 - Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon, then knead by hand until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms, approximately 2 to 4 minutes. Adjust consistency by adding yogurt if too dry or flour if too sticky.
05 - Divide dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and gently stretch to form a bagel shape.
06 - Arrange bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Cover loosely with a towel and let rest for 15 minutes.
07 - Bring water and honey to a gentle boil in a large pot.
08 - Reduce heat to a simmer. Boil bagels in batches for 30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon, letting excess water drip off, and return to baking sheet.
09 - Brush boiled bagels with egg wash mixture.
10 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Cool on a wire rack.
11 - While bagels cool, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest for the glaze.
12 - Drizzle glaze over cooled bagels. Let glaze set before serving.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • Packed with protein from Greek yogurt and whey powder, keeping you satisfied longer
  • Bright, refreshing lemon flavor paired with the nutty crunch of poppy seeds
  • Healthier than traditional bagels but just as delicious and satisfying
  • Easy to make at home with simple, wholesome ingredients
  • Perfect for meal prep—freeze and toast whenever you need a quick breakfast
  • Finished with a light lemon glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness
02 -
  • Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest, most vibrant flavor
  • Knead the dough just until it comes together—over-kneading can make the bagels tough
  • Shape the bagels by poking a hole and gently stretching rather than rolling into a rope, which helps them keep their shape
  • Boil in small batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking
  • Let the glaze set for at least 10 minutes before storing or serving for the best texture
  • Toast leftover bagels to refresh them and bring back that just-baked quality
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