Vegan Bagels

These vegan bagels are soft, doughy, and perfectly chewy, you won’t believe this needs just 2 ingredients! No yeast and no dairy are needed, they take less than 20 minutes to make! 

Vegan Bagels

Whenever I’m making vegan bread without yeast, my favorite recipes to make are flatbread, naan, and vegan bagels.

It’s no secret that I prefer to bake from scratch. It’s not that I don’t love the convenient options that are out there, but there is something magical about fresh bread that is so incredibly satisfying.

Before I became vegan, I spent a considerable about of time in America. My morning routine often involved picking up some coffee from a local cafe and meandering my way to the corner bakery and picking up a bagel. Prior to living in America, I had never had a bagel before, and I developed quite the obsession. Most days, I’d have a simple toasted bagel with cream cheese and other times, I’d go all out and get lox and pickles too. Obviously, none of those fillings were vegan, but it was the bagel that made the dish!

Since I’ve been back in Australia, I’ve been yearning for a good bagel, and one that is plant based. I’d seen the famous 2 ingredient weight watchers bagels before, but those used dairy in them. Luckily, it was simple enough to adapt and before I knew it, I’ve started making my own vegan bagels!

Now, these bagels may look incredibly fancy, but I promise you, they are SO easy to make and need just 2 ingredients. No yeast and no dairy are needed, but you’d never tell. The texture is soft, chewy, and with a tender exterior. They taste just like an actual bagel, and perfect to load with your favorite toppings!

I’ve shared this recipe with all my friends and everyone loves how easy they are to make- Even non-vegans are obsessed!

How do you make vegan bagels?

The Ingredients

• Self rising flour– You must use self rising flour and NOT any other alternatives, or else it won’t work. Save your money from buying expensive flour and make your own.
• Vegan yogurt– I used unsweetened coconut yogurt, but any dairy free yogurt can be used. Try to use one that is naturally thick, so the dough will mix easily into the flour.
• Vegan butter– Optional, but recommended to brush on tops of the bagels for them to have a slight sheen and go golden brown.
• Toppings– Sesame seeds, everything but the bagel seasoning, etc.

The Instructions

Start by mixing together the flour and yogurt until combined. Once mixed, use your hands to gently knead the dough until smooth, and form into a ball. Next, flour a flat kitchen surface. Transfer the ball of dough onto it and knead several times, before diving it into 8 portions. Roll them into balls, and poke the center to form a large hole and form a bagel shape.

Now, transfer the bagels onto a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with melted vegan butter, before sprinkling with the toppings of choice. Bake the bagels for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely, before enjoying.

What kind of bagels are vegan?

While the ingredients in most bagels ARE vegan, many varieties use an egg wash to give them shiny tops. However, several popular brands do offer vegan options, like Thomas, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Franz bakery.

However, this recipe proves you can make yourself in under 20 minutes!

Do you have to boil bagels?

Not all bagels need to be boiled! While many popular brands DO boil them, they can easily be baked in the oven, like this recipe!

Why are my bagels not smooth?

If your bagels aren’t smooth, it is likely there was not enough yogurt in the dough. Some brands are quite thin, and extra yogurt is needed to form a smooth dough.

Tips to make the best bagels without yeast

• If you own a donut pan, you can use that to make bagels instead to ensure the hole does not close up once baked.
• Brush the tops of the bagels with the melted butter several times during the cooking process, to ensure an extra crunchy top.
• If your bagel dough is sticky, continue to add extra flour until it is smooth.

Bagel flavor variations

The best thing about these homemade vegan bagels is how easy they are to customize! Here are some delicious flavor options!

• Everything– Sprinkle 3-4 tablespoons of everything but the bagel seasonings over the bagels.
• Pizza– Add 1/4 cup vegan shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons tomato sauce to the dough, and sprinkle Italian herbs on top.
• Sesame– Sprinkle 1/4 cup sesame seeds over the tops of the bagels.
• Cheese– Add dried Italian herbs to the dough and sprinkle the bagels with shredded vegan cheese.
• Onion– Add 1 tablespoon of onion powder and 1/2 teaspoon onion salt to the dough.

Storing and freezing bagels

• To store: Bagels should always be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 1 week.
• To freeze: Place bagels in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• Toasting bagels: Slice them in half and place them in the toaster or heat in a preheated oven until crispy around the edges.