Protein Bagels With Flaxseed

Name: Protein Bagels With Flaxseed
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour; 1 cup protein powder; 1/4 cup ground flaxseed; 1 tablespoon yeast; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 cup warm water; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Healthy Inspirations Studio

I absolutely love making these Protein Bagels with Flaxseed! They are not only packed with protein, but also incredibly satisfying and delicious. Baking them from scratch adds a personal touch that I truly enjoy. The combination of warm bagels with a nutty flavor from the flaxseed is irresistible. Plus, they are perfect for breakfast or a quick snack throughout the day. I can customize them with toppings like cream cheese or avocado, making them versatile enough for any meal.

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-02-01T16:21:36.350Z

When I first tried making bagels at home, I was amazed at how simple it actually is! The addition of ground flaxseed not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value, adding a nice crunch. What’s interesting is that the flaxseed acts like a binder, making the dough easier to work with. I found that letting the dough rest a bit helped the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more flavorful bagel.

Pairing these bagels with a spread of my choice, whether it’s cream cheese or almond butter, really elevates them to another level. I always make an extra batch and freeze a few for busy mornings. Trust me, once you try these Protein Bagels, you’ll never want store-bought again!

Why You'll Love These Bagels
Packed with protein to fuel your day
Nutty flavor from flaxseed that adds depth
Perfectly chewy texture with a crisp crust
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

Understanding the Ingredients

The foundation of these Protein Bagels lies in the choice of ingredients. Whole wheat flour not only adds a wholesome flavor but also contributes dietary fiber, making these bagels more filling. The protein powder enhances the nutritional profile without compromising texture. When selecting a protein powder, opt for one that aligns with your dietary preferences—whey, pea, or soy protein all work well and can impart subtle differences in flavor and consistency.

Ground flaxseed does more than just bring nuttiness to the bagel; it is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. This ingredient not only adds richness but also acts as a natural binder, helping to improve the bagels' structure. If you’re looking for alternatives, chia seeds can be used in place of flaxseed, although they will alter the texture slightly.

Perfecting the Technique

Kneading the dough is a crucial step to develop gluten, which gives the bagels their characteristic chewy texture. Aim for a dough that feels smooth and elastic; if it’s too sticky, you may need to dust it with a little extra flour. I recommend checking for readiness by performing the windowpane test—stretch a small piece of dough; if it can stretch thin without tearing, it's ready for its first rise.

When shaping the bagels, ensure that the hole in the center is wide enough, as the bagels will rise and can easily close up during baking. If you find your bagels aren't puffing up as expected, try letting them rest longer during the shaping phase or check your yeast freshness. A well-rested dough will yield a better rise in the oven.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delicious batch of protein bagels:

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup protein powder
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil

Make sure to have everything measured out before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your protein-packed bagels:

Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, protein powder, ground flaxseed, yeast, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine warm water, honey, and olive oil. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel and let it rest for about 20 minutes.

Shape the Bagels

After resting, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and use your thumb to poke a hole through the center. Shape the hole into a bagel form and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bagels for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Let them cool before serving.

Enjoy your freshly baked bagels!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider topping the bagels with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning before baking.

Storage and Freezing Tips

These protein bagels store well, making them great for meal prep. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Individually wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy one, you can thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a quick reheat.

To revive frozen bagels, I recommend toasting them directly from the freezer or warming them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their chewy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bagels chewy instead of crisp.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These bagels are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. For a classic breakfast, spread a layer of cream cheese topped with smoked salmon or cherry tomatoes. If you're looking for a savory option, mashed avocado with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick. You can also serve them with nut butter and sliced bananas for a quick post-workout snack.

Feel free to experiment with different flavors in the dough itself! You can incorporate spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique twist. If you're a garlic lover, consider adding minced garlic to the boiling water used to cook the bagels for an extra flavor boost.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat?

Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the nutritional value may differ.

→ How should I store the bagels?

Store the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but ensure to add a binding agent if needed.

→ What toppings pair well with these bagels?

Cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, or even hummus make great toppings for these protein-packed bagels.