2-Ingredient Easy Bagels: The Viral Recipe

Bagels are a breakfast staple that many of us love, but making traditional bagels at home can seem daunting due to the long fermentation process and boiling step. However, the internet is buzzing about a viral recipe that simplifies everything – the 2-Ingredient Bagels. Yes, you read that right: just two main ingredients and you can have delicious, homemade bagels that are chewy on the inside, with a golden, crispy exterior.

This recipe is perfect for those mornings when you crave something fresh and comforting, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. What makes these bagels so special is the simplicity – no yeast, no boiling, and minimal prep time. You can customize the toppings however you like, making them great for sweet or savory preferences. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced home cook, this recipe is foolproof and versatile.

Let’s dive into how you can make these incredibly easy bagels at home!

Ingredients:

Bagel Dough (2 Ingredients):

• 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)

Optional Toppings (Feel free to mix and match):

• Everything bagel seasoning
• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Garlic powder
• Onion flakes
• Coarse salt
• Cinnamon sugar (for sweet bagels)

Optional Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten (for a glossy finish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Make the dough by combining the self-rising flour and Greek yogurt in a large mixing bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t worry if it looks a bit sticky or uneven at first.

   Tip: If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can make your own by combining 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt.

3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking, but try not to over-flour the dough to keep the bagels light.

Step 2: Shape the Bagels

1. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions for standard-sized bagels or 6 smaller portions for mini bagels. Roll each portion into a ball.
2. Shape the bagels by poking your thumb through the center of each ball and gently stretching the dough to form a ring. You can make the hole larger than you think, as it will shrink slightly during baking.

   Tip: If you want perfectly uniform bagels, weigh each dough portion to ensure even sizes.

Step 3: Add Toppings

1. Brush the bagels with the beaten egg wash (optional) for a glossy, golden brown finish.
2. Sprinkle your choice of toppings generously over the bagels. If you’re going for classic flavors, everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds are fantastic options. For a sweeter version, try cinnamon sugar.

Step 4: Bake the Bagels

1. Bake the bagels in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. The tops should be crispy, and the bottoms should sound hollow when tapped.
2. For an extra crispy finish, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
3. Cool the bagels on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Once your 2-ingredient bagels are ready, you’ll be amazed at how soft, chewy, and delicious they are straight from the oven. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Classic Cream Cheese: Spread with your favorite cream cheese (plain, whipped, or flavored).
• Lox and Bagel: Top with smoked salmon, cream cheese, capers, and red onion for a traditional New York-style bagel experience.
• Sweet Twist: If you opted for cinnamon sugar or plain bagels, try spreading them with peanut butter and banana slices for a healthy, sweet breakfast.
• Avocado Toast Bagel: Top with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a drizzle of olive oil for a trendy twist.
• Egg and Cheese Bagel: Slice your bagel and stuff it with scrambled eggs and cheese for a hearty breakfast sandwich.

Tips for the Best 2-Ingredient Bagels:

1. Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: Full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt yields the best texture. Non-fat yogurt can work, but it might result in a drier, less tender bagel. The fat content in yogurt helps to create a dough that’s soft and chewy.
2. Add Flour Gradually: When kneading the dough, add flour little by little to prevent it from becoming too dry. The dough should remain soft, but not too sticky to handle.
3. Customizing Your Bagels: The beauty of these bagels is in the versatility. Want a sweet bagel? Add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to the dough. Craving savory? Mix in some garlic powder or dried herbs.
4. Make Them Gluten-Free: Simply substitute gluten-free self-rising flour to create a gluten-free version of these easy bagels. Just be sure to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum for the best results.

Variations and Flavor Ideas:

The basic 2-ingredient bagel recipe is just the start of endless possibilities. Here are some fun variations and flavor ideas to make them even more exciting:

1. Cheddar and Jalapeño Bagels:

• Add shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapeños to the dough or as a topping for a spicy, cheesy bagel that pairs perfectly with breakfast or lunch sandwiches.

2. Chocolate Chip Bagels:

• Mix in mini chocolate chips into the dough for a sweet, indulgent treat. Serve with cream cheese or enjoy plain as a quick snack.

3. Herb and Garlic Bagels:

• Incorporate dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder into the dough. Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and garlic flakes for a savory bagel that goes great with cream cheese or deli meats.

4. Blueberry Bagels:

• Gently fold in fresh or dried blueberries into the dough for a fruity twist. For an extra touch, top with a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking.

Storing and Freezing Tips:

If you manage to have leftovers (which is rare because these bagels are so tasty!), you can store them for later.

Storage:

• At Room Temperature: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container or a resealable bag for up to 2 days at room temperature.
• In the Fridge: If you want to extend their shelf life, bagels can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. To refresh them, simply toast or microwave for 10-20 seconds before serving.

Freezing:

• Freeze for later: These bagels freeze beautifully. Once cooled, wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheat from frozen: To enjoy frozen bagels, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can toast them directly from frozen for a crispy, warm treat.

Nutritional Information (Per Bagel):

• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 6g

Regional Background:

Bagels have a rich cultural history, particularly within Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. The word “bagel” itself comes from the Yiddish word “beygel,” which originated in Poland. Traditionally, bagels were made using a long fermentation process and were boiled before baking, which gave them their characteristic chewy texture. Bagels became popular in the United States, particularly in New York City, where they are still a beloved staple.

While traditional bagel recipes involve more steps, such as boiling the dough before baking, the viral 2-ingredient bagel recipe has simplified the process without sacrificing taste or texture. This modern twist makes it easier than ever for home bakers to enjoy fresh bagels at any time!