Lemon Poppy Seed Protein Bagels (Print-Friendly)

Fluffy bagels with lemon zest, poppy seeds, and a light lemon glaze perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.

# What You'll 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 until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, egg, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
04 - Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon, then knead by hand until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms, approximately 2-4 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 with a uniform ring.
06 - Arrange bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Cover loosely with a towel and allow to rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
07 - Bring water and honey to a gentle boil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
08 - Reduce heat to a simmer. Boil bagels in batches for 30 seconds per side. Remove with a slotted spoon, allowing excess water to drip off, and return to baking sheet.
09 - Brush boiled bagels evenly with egg wash mixture.
10 - Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
11 - While bagels cool, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.
12 - Drizzle glaze over cooled bagels. Allow glaze to set before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • High Protein: Each bagel contains 13g of protein to keep you satisfied and energized throughout the morning.
  • Fresh and Bright: Real lemon zest and juice deliver authentic citrus flavor without artificial additives.
  • Healthier Choice: Made with Greek yogurt and controlled sweetness, these bagels are lighter than traditional bakery versions.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Make a batch and freeze for quick, wholesome breakfasts anytime.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with dairy-free yogurt or additional flavor variations.
02 -
  • Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor—bottled zest can't compare to freshly grated citrus.
  • Don't skip the boiling step; it's what gives bagels their signature chewy crust and helps set the shape.
  • Let bagels cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming too thin.
  • Freeze unglazed bagels for best results, then glaze after thawing and toasting.
  • Check ingredient labels on protein powder and yogurt if you have specific allergen concerns.
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