High Protein Bagels With Egg Wash Shine
Highlighted under: Fresh Start Meals
I absolutely love making High Protein Bagels with an egg wash that gives them a beautiful shine. The combination of protein powder and whole ingredients creates a satisfying texture that's both chewy and delicious. These bagels are perfect for breakfast or a snack, and the best part is that they have a truly impressive nutritional profile. Once you try these, you’ll find it hard to go back to regular bagels. Plus, they hold up well with your favorite spreads, making them versatile for any meal!
When I first tried my hand at making High Protein Bagels, I was amazed by how simple yet satisfying they could be. I experimented with different protein powders and found that unflavored whey blends perfectly without overpowering the bagel's flavor. To give these bagels an appealing shine, I brushed them with an egg wash before baking, which not only enhances their appearance but also adds a lovely richness to the crust.
One standout tip I learned during my baking adventures is to allow the bagels to sit after shaping and before boiling. This resting time helps to develop their characteristic bagel chew. I've shared this method with friends, and they can’t believe how restaurant-quality these bagels turn out at home!
Why You'll Love These Bagels
- High protein content to fuel your day
- Beautiful shiny finish that makes them stand out
- Perfect for customizing with your favorite toppings
The Importance of Protein in Bagels
In these High Protein Bagels, the inclusion of protein powder elevates not only the nutritional value but also the texture. Opting for a quality protein powder, whether whey, pea, or soy, allows you to personalize the flavor and dietary needs. The protein adds a satisfying chewiness, making these bagels an excellent choice for those looking to boost their protein intake at breakfast or as a snack.
Moreover, protein contributes to the overall structure of the bagel. The elasticity from gluten in the bread flour complements the protein powder, resulting in a bagel that maintains its shape during boiling and baking. This is crucial because it ensures that the bagels don't collapse and develop that characteristic dense and chewy interior.
Perfecting the Bagel Shape
Shaping the bagels is a critical step that directly affects their appearance and texture. After dividing the dough into four pieces, gently roll each piece into a log before forming it into a circle. Ensure the hole in the center is well-defined—not too small that it closes up during boiling, and not too large that it creates a flimsy bagel. This technique helps achieve that classic bagel shape while ensuring even cooking.
Allowing your shaped bagels to rest before boiling is also essential. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, which can help in achieving a better rise during baking. They should become slightly puffy, which gives them room to expand in the boiling water and later in the oven.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Once your bagels are baked to a golden brown and have cooled on a wire rack, it's best to store them properly to maintain freshness. If you plan to enjoy them within a few days, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, wrap the bagels tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable bag before freezing. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing their quality.
When it comes to serving, these bagels are incredibly versatile. My favorite way to enjoy them is toasted, spread with a bit of cream cheese and topped with smoked salmon. They also hold up beautifully with avocado or a classic egg-and-cheese combination. You can even slice them and use them as the base for mini sandwiches.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to get started on your delicious bagels:
Bagel Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 cup protein powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (for wash)
- Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
Make sure to prepare your toppings and any spreads you'd like to enjoy with these bagels!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your protein-packed bagels:
Activate Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the bread flour, protein powder, and salt.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, adding olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Shape Bagels
Divide the dough into four equal pieces and shape each into a bagel by forming a circle with a hole in the center.
Rest Dough
Allow the shaped bagels to rest on a baking sheet for 15 minutes.
Boil Bagels
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully boil each bagel for 30 seconds on each side.
Add Egg Wash
Place the boiled bagels back on the baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush the mixture over the bagels. Add toppings if desired.
Bake
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your freshly baked high protein bagels warm or toasted!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs or cheese to the dough before baking. You can also experiment with different toppings to create your favorite bagel variety.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your bagels are not rising as expected, ensure that your yeast is fresh and the water temperature is warm enough—between 100°F and 110°F is ideal. If it cools too much or becomes too hot, it can kill the yeast. Also, give the dough ample time to rise as specified to achieve that perfect texture.
Should you find that your bagels are too hard after baking, it might be a sign that they were overcooked or the dough was too dry. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and monitor the baking time closely. If you suspect dryness, a pinch more olive oil in the dough can help retain moisture.
Elevating Flavor with Toppings
While the bagels themselves have a delightful flavor from the bread flour and protein powder, adding toppings can enhance their appeal even more. After applying the egg wash, sprinkle sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for an extra burst of flavor. This not only adds taste but also provides visual interest to your bagels.
For a creative twist, try incorporating some herbs or spices directly into the dough. Adding garlic powder or dried herbs such as basil or oregano before mixing can infuse your bagels with unique flavors, perfect for pairing with savory spreads or dips.
Scaling Your Bagel Recipe
If you're planning to make a larger batch of bagels, simply double or triple the ingredient quantities without any need to adjust the mixing or resting times. Remember to use multiple baking sheets to accommodate the extra bagels, ensuring they have enough space for even cooking.
In addition, you can experiment with different protein powders or flours to vary the nutritional content and flavor. For example, a blend of whole wheat flour with the bread flour can provide a heartier texture and additional fiber for a more nutritious bagel.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use any type of protein powder?
Yes, but choose a flavorless one for the best results.
→ How do I store leftover bagels?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze them for longer storage.
→ Can I make these bagels gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free blend, but the texture may vary.
→ How do I know when the bagels are done baking?
The bagels should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
High Protein Bagels With Egg Wash Shine
I absolutely love making High Protein Bagels with an egg wash that gives them a beautiful shine. The combination of protein powder and whole ingredients creates a satisfying texture that's both chewy and delicious. These bagels are perfect for breakfast or a snack, and the best part is that they have a truly impressive nutritional profile. Once you try these, you’ll find it hard to go back to regular bagels. Plus, they hold up well with your favorite spreads, making them versatile for any meal!
Created by: Lucy Price
Recipe Type: Fresh Start Meals
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 bagels
What You'll Need
Bagel Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups bread flour
- 1 cup protein powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (for wash)
- Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (optional)
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
In another bowl, whisk together the bread flour, protein powder, and salt.
Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients, adding olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Divide the dough into four equal pieces and shape each into a bagel by forming a circle with a hole in the center.
Allow the shaped bagels to rest on a baking sheet for 15 minutes.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Carefully boil each bagel for 30 seconds on each side.
Place the boiled bagels back on the baking sheet. Beat the egg and brush the mixture over the bagels. Add toppings if desired.
Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs or cheese to the dough before baking. You can also experiment with different toppings to create your favorite bagel variety.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 18g