This simple, savory snack packs chewy bagel texture into bite-sized rounds with more protein than a typical white-flour bite — especially if you use a genuinely high-protein flour. They come out golden, slightly crisp on the outside and tender inside, with a toasty smell as they bake. These High Protein Bagel Bites are great for a quick breakfast, post-workout snack, or party tray. If you like other small baked bites, you might also enjoy this twist on baked cranberry brie bites for a sweet-salty option.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Servings: 8 bites
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(approximate per serving; values will vary by brand and exact measurements)
- Calories per serving: 90 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
Note: These estimates assume 1 cup high-protein flour, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1/4 cup shredded cheese divided into 8 bites. Use more protein-rich flour or add seeds to raise protein.
Why Make This High Protein Bagel Bites
These bites give you bagel flavor and chew without the fuss of boiling or long waits. They are:
- Fast to prepare and bake.
- Portable and great warmed or at room temperature.
- Customizable: add cheese, herbs, or seeds.
- Higher in protein than standard flour-only snacks when you choose a high-protein flour or boost them with seeds or cheese.
They smell warm and toasty when fresh from the oven, have a slightly chewy interior, and a crisp outside. They work as a snack, mini breakfast, or appetizer.
How to Make High Protein Bagel Bites
Follow the simple steps below. Use the dough right away for small bites, or double the batch for more.
Ingredients:
1 cup high-protein flour, 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup warm water, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional), Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a mixing bowl, combine the high-protein flour, yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is spooned into the flour and not mixed with hot water directly. Warm the water to about 100–110°F (38–43°C) — it should feel warm, not hot. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Mixing
Add the warm water and olive oil, and stir until a dough forms. Mix until most flour is hydrated. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Step 3: Cooking
Divide the dough into small balls (about 8 even pieces) and shape them into bagel bites. Optional: Top each bite with shredded cheese and sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top. Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. They should sound slightly hollow when tapped.
Step 4: Finishing
Let cool slightly before serving so the interior sets. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
How to Serve High Protein Bagel Bites
- Serve warm with cream cheese, hummus, or a herbed yogurt dip.
- Add smoked salmon and a dill-yogurt for a brunch plate.
- Pack them cold as a protein-rich snack for work or school.
- Plate with sliced veggies and pickles for a small appetizer tray.
Sensory note: Serve while warm to enjoy the little crackle of the crust and the soft, chewy inside. Cheese on top will be melty and slightly browned.
How to Store High Protein Bagel Bites
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1–2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 8–12 minutes, or thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven for 5–8 minutes.
- Reheating tip: Toast briefly or warm in a low oven to restore crispness.
Expert Tips for Perfect High Protein Bagel Bites
- Use truly high-protein flour (look for flour blends with extra wheat protein or a mix with vital wheat gluten) to improve structure and protein content.
- Measure flour by spooning it into a cup and leveling it — packing flour can over-dry dough.
- Water temperature matters: too hot kills yeast; too cool slows activity.
- Knead until smooth and slightly springy — about 4–6 minutes by hand.
- If dough feels too sticky, dust lightly with flour; avoid adding too much or bites can be dense.
- For extra chew, allow a short 10–15 minute rest after shaping before baking (this gives a small rise).
- Add seeds (chia, hemp, sesame) or swap half the flour for protein powder (use unflavored, reduce liquid slightly) to boost protein.
Delicious Variations
- Cheesy Everything: Add 1/2 cup shredded cheddar into the dough and top with extra cheese and everything seasoning.
- Herb & Garlic: Mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs into the dough.
- Seed Boost: Press hemp seeds or sesame seeds on top before baking for crunch and protein.
- Spicy Jalapeño: Fold in 1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapeño and a pinch of chili flakes.
- Sweet Savory: Swap 1 tablespoon of olive oil for honey and add 1/4 cup raisins and cinnamon for a sweet bite (not as high-protein).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
A: Yes. If using instant yeast, reduce rising time slightly and you can mix it directly with dry ingredients. Active dry yeast benefits from proofing in warm water, but either works here.
Q: How many bagel bites does one batch make?
A: About 8 small bites if you divide evenly. Make them larger or smaller as you like; adjust baking time by a few minutes.
Q: My dough didn’t rise much. What went wrong?
A: Check water temperature (too hot kills yeast, too cold slows it). Also ensure your yeast is fresh — expired yeast may not activate. A short rest (10–15 minutes) after shaping helps too.
Q: How can I truly make these higher in protein?
A: Use a high-protein flour with added wheat protein, replace part of the flour with unflavored whey or pea protein (reduce water slightly), add seeds like hemp or chia, or increase the cheese in the recipe.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
A: Yes. Omit the cheese or use a plant-based shredded cheese. Use olive oil as written. Nutritional profile will change slightly.
Q: Can I freeze the dough before baking?
A: You can freeze shaped bites on a tray, then transfer to a bag when solid. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the bake time.
Q: Are these true bagels or bagel-style bites?
A: These are bagel-style bites — quick, baked dough rounds with a bagel-like chew. They skip the traditional boiling step for speed and ease.
Conclusion
These High Protein Bagel Bites are a quick, adaptable way to get a chewy, toasty snack that you can customize for more protein or flavor. They bake in under 20 minutes and work well for breakfasts, snacks, or gatherings — warm and soft inside with a pleasant golden exterior. For another simple, higher-protein bagel-bite idea and a different method, see this recipe for Protein Bagel Bites (3 Ingredients, 6g Protein, Keto) – Sweet As Honey. Give these a try and tweak the mix-ins until you find your favorite combo — enjoy baking and sharing them with friends.
Print
High Protein Bagel Bites
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 bites 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
Quick and delicious high-protein bagel bites with a chewy texture and crispy exterior, perfect for snacks or breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup high-protein flour
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the high-protein flour, yeast, and salt. Make sure the yeast is spooned into the flour and not mixed with hot water directly.
- Add the warm water and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 8 even pieces and shape them into bagel bites. Optionally, top each with cheese and everything seasoning.
- Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Freezing is also an option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
