Honey Whole Wheat Bagels (Printable)

Chewy whole wheat bagels with a touch of honey, served with a creamy yogurt dip for a wholesome bite.

# What Goes In:

→ Bagel Dough

01 - 2 cups whole wheat flour
02 - 1 cup bread flour
03 - 1 scoop unflavored whey protein powder
04 - 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
05 - 1¼ cups warm water
06 - 2 tablespoons honey
07 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Boiling Water

08 - 2 quarts water
09 - 1 tablespoon honey

→ Fluffy Yogurt Dip

10 - 1 cup Greek yogurt
11 - 2 tablespoons honey
12 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
13 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of sea salt

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour, bread flour, protein powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly to distribute protein evenly throughout.
02 - In a separate bowl, stir honey into warm water until dissolved. Sprinkle yeast over the water and let sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
03 - Add the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
05 - Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and gently stretch into a bagel shape with a 2-inch diameter hole.
06 - Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking tray, cover lightly with a towel, and let rest for 10 minutes.
07 - Preheat oven to 425°F.
08 - Bring 2 quarts of water to a gentle boil in a large pot. Stir in 1 tablespoon honey.
09 - Working in batches to avoid crowding, carefully place bagels in boiling water and boil for 1 minute per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and return to the parchment-lined tray.
10 - Transfer tray to preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown. Transfer bagels to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy.
12 - Serve cooled bagels alongside the fluffy yogurt dip for breakfast or snacking.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They stay chewy for days: Unlike store-bought bagels that turn stale, these hold up beautifully because of the whole wheat and protein structure.
  • The yogurt dip is so light it feels like a secret: Whipped until fluffy, it tastes indulgent without any guilt.
  • You control exactly what goes in: No mystery ingredients, no additives, just real food your body recognizes.
02 -
  • The boiling step is non-negotiable: This is what creates the chewy exterior and bagel-ness; skipping it gives you a roll that just happens to be hole-shaped.
  • Don't skip the dip whisking: A full minute of whisking incorporates air that transforms thick yogurt into something light and mousse-like—it's the difference between "nice" and "why does this taste like clouds."
03 -
  • Use a kitchen scale if you have one: Flour varies in density, and weighing takes the guesswork out of whether your dough is the right consistency.
  • Save your boiling water: Don't toss it after bagels—that honey-infused water makes a beautiful light broth for soup or gravy.
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