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Are you searching for a satisfying snack that doesn’t compromise your protein goals? These High-Protein Bagel Bites are about to become your new best friend! Packed with protein and featuring a gooey cream cheese center, these little bites deliver all the flavor of traditional bagels with a nutritious twist. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick post-workout snack, these bagel bites check all the boxes.
Key Ingredients
The magic of these High-Protein Bagel Bites lies in their simple yet powerful ingredients. Gluten-free flour keeps them accessible for those with dietary restrictions, while unflavored protein powder boosts the protein content without affecting the classic bagel taste. Greek yogurt not only adds protein but also creates that perfect chewy texture we all love in bagels. The cream cheese center provides a delightful surprise in every bite, and the Everything But The Bagel seasoning delivers that authentic bagel shop flavor we crave.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose gluten-free flour | â…” cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Unflavored protein powder | 1 scoop (30g) |
| Salt | Pinch |
| Plain unsweetened Greek yogurt | â…” cup |
| Cream cheese | 10 tsp (about 1 tsp per bite) |
| Egg (for egg wash) | 1, lightly beaten (optional) |
| Everything But The Bagel seasoning | As needed |
Helpful Tools
Having the right tools makes preparing these High-Protein Bagel Bites a breeze. You’ll need a mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a sturdy spatula for mixing the sticky dough, and a clean surface for shaping. An air fryer is essential for achieving that perfect golden exterior without deep frying. Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy, while a pastry brush helps apply the egg wash evenly. Don’t forget parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup!
Pro-Tips for Perfect Bagel Bites
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the yogurt. Mix just until combined to keep the texture light and chewy.
- When sealing the cream cheese inside, make sure there are no openings or the cheese will leak during cooking. Pinch the dough thoroughly.
- For extra flavor, try mixing herbs or spices into the cream cheese before adding it to the centers. Chives, garlic powder, or everything bagel seasoning work wonderfully.
- If you’re meal prepping, check out these Protein Bagels With Greek Yogurt 2 for another high-protein option that stores well.
- Let the bagel bites cool for a few minutes after cooking. The cream cheese center stays extremely hot and needs time to cool slightly for safe eating.
How to Make High-Protein Bagel Bites
- In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, protein powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Add the Greek yogurt to the dry mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms. The dough should hold together but remain slightly tacky.
- Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Divide it into 10 equal portions, rolling each into a ball.
- Flatten each dough ball and place 1 teaspoon of cream cheese in the center. Carefully fold the dough around the cream cheese, pinching to seal completely.
- Reshape each filled ball into a smooth sphere. Brush with beaten egg wash or spray lightly with oil, then sprinkle generously with Everything But The Bagel seasoning.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Arrange the bagel bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Remove carefully and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Delicious Variations to Try
These High-Protein Bagel Bites are incredibly versatile! Try stuffing them with different fillings like shredded cheddar and jalape̱o for a spicy kick, or cinnamon and sweetener for a sweet breakfast version. You can also experiment with different seasonings on top Рsesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. For a pizza-inspired twist, add a small piece of mozzarella and a slice of pepperoni inside each bite, then serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
High-Protein Bagel Bites
These High Protein Bagel Bites are the healthy, homemade answer to your cravings for stuffed bagel minis. Made with the magical 2-ingredient Greek yogurt dough, they are crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and oozing with warm cream cheese. With over 8g of protein per serving and no yeast required, they are the perfect post-workout snack or quick breakfast on the go.
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 8 bites
Ingredients
— The Dough —
1 cup self-rising flour (see notes for homemade version)
1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt (must be thick, like Fage or Chobani)
— The Filling —
4 oz (115g) cream cheese (block style), cold and cut into 8 small cubes
— The Topping —
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning
Instructions
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (See notes for Air Fryer instructions).
2. **Mix Dough:** In a medium bowl, combine the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt. Mix with a sturdy spatula until a shaggy dough forms. It will be sticky!
3. **Knead:** Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface. Knead by hand for 15–20 turns until the dough comes together and is tacky but not sticking to your fingers. Add more flour if needed.
4. **Divide:** Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a small pancake shape in the palm of your hand.
5. **Stuff:** Place a cube of cold cream cheese in the center of the dough pancake. Pull the edges of the dough up and around the cheese, pinching the seams tightly to seal it shut. Roll gently between your palms to form a smooth ball.
6. **Top:** Place the balls seam-side down on the baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the bites are puffed and golden brown.
8. **Cool:** Let them cool for at least 5-10 minutes before eating—the cream cheese inside will be molten hot!
Notes
Air Fryer Method: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the bites in a single layer (do not crowd) for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prevent Leaking: The most important step is pinching the seams tightly. If there are any gaps, the cheese will melt out during baking.
Cold Cheese: Use cold block cream cheese, not whipped tub cheese. Cold cheese holds its shape better while wrapping.
Filling Variations: Mix chopped chives or jalapeños into your cream cheese before freezing/stuffing for extra flavor.
Homemade Self-Rising Flour: Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder + ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these High-Protein Bagel Bites without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake them in a conventional oven at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How much protein is in each bagel bite?
Each bagel bite contains approximately 6-8 grams of protein, depending on the specific protein powder used. This makes them an excellent high-protein snack option.
Can I freeze these bagel bites for later?
Absolutely! These High-Protein Bagel Bites freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
Conclusion
These High-Protein Bagel Bites are more than just a snack – they’re a smart, satisfying solution for anyone looking to increase their protein intake without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re fueling up after a workout, packing lunches for the week, or simply craving a delicious treat, these bagel bites deliver on all fronts. The combination of chewy exterior, creamy center, and classic bagel seasoning creates a snack that’s both nutritious and incredibly satisfying. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest