High-Protein Bagel Bites

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious snack, these High-Protein Bagel Bites are just what you need! They are perfect for busy mornings or when you’re craving something satisfying but healthy. Each bite is filled with creamy cream cheese, making them not only protein-packed but also irresistibly tasty. I love how quick they are to whip up in the air fryer, making them ideal for family gatherings or a cozy movie night at home.

What really makes this recipe special is its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy these delightful little bites that are gluten-free and full of flavor. They’re great for all ages—everyone will love them!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have these High-Protein Bagel Bites ready in just 16 minutes!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy filling and fun bite-sized shape.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dough in advance and pop them in the air fryer whenever you’re ready to enjoy.
• Healthy Snack: Packed with protein, these bagel bites make a nutritious choice for any time of day.
• Versatile Flavor: Customize them with your favorite seasonings or fillings to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these High-Protein Bagel Bites is easy with simple, wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already!

For the Dough

• ⅔ cup all-purpose gluten-free flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 scoop (30g) unflavored protein powder
• Pinch of salt
• ⅔ cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt

For the Filling and Topping

• 10 tsp cream cheese (about 1 tsp per bite)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional, for egg wash)
• Everything But The Bagel seasoning

Variations

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ideas to change things up:

• Swap the protein: Use flavored protein powder like vanilla or chocolate for a sweet twist.
• Add veggies: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the dough for an extra nutrition boost.
• Experiment with cheese: Try using different types of cheese like feta or mozzarella instead of cream cheese.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or garlic powder to the dough for an extra kick!

How to Make High-Protein Bagel Bites

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, protein powder, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients mix evenly, giving your bagel bites a consistent texture.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Mix in the Greek yogurt until it forms a sticky dough. This is where the magic happens! The yogurt adds moisture and helps bind everything together while keeping your bites fluffy.

Step 3: Shape into Balls

Flour your surface lightly and divide the dough into 10 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Flatten each ball slightly before adding 1 teaspoon of cream cheese right in the center. This ensures that every bite has that creamy goodness waiting inside!

Step 4: Seal and Prepare

Carefully seal each dough ball around the cream cheese and reshape it into a ball again. Don’t skip this step—it keeps all that delicious filling from leaking out during cooking!

Step 5: Add Seasoning

Brush each ball with egg wash or spray with oil before sprinkling Everything But The Bagel seasoning on top. This adds that iconic flavor we all love while helping achieve a beautiful golden finish.

Step 6: Air Fry Them Up

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes. Then place your bagel bites in the basket and air fry them for 5–6 minutes until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they’ll be irresistible as they fill your kitchen with their yummy aroma!

Step 7: Enjoy Warm

Let them cool slightly before indulging. Enjoy these warm High-Protein Bagel Bites straight out of the air fryer for a delightful snack any time of day!

Pro Tips for Making High-Protein Bagel Bites

Making these bagel bites is a breeze, and with a few insider tips, you can elevate them to perfection!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh gluten-free flour and yogurt make a significant difference in texture and flavor. They help achieve that delightful lightness you want in your bagel bites.

• Don’t overwork the dough: Gently mixing the ingredients until just combined ensures your bagel bites remain tender instead of tough. This keeps them fluffy and enjoyable.

• Experiment with fillings: While cream cheese is delicious, consider adding veggies or herbs for extra flavor. This versatility allows you to customize each bite according to your taste preferences.

• Adjust cooking time as needed: Air fryers can vary in performance, so keep an eye on your bagel bites as they cook. If they’re not quite golden after 6 minutes, add an extra minute or two for that perfect finish.

• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftover bagel bites, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days and can be reheated easily in the air fryer for a quick snack!

How to Serve High-Protein Bagel Bites

These high-protein bagel bites are not only tasty but also visually appealing! Present them on a lovely platter or serve them warm straight from the air fryer for that cozy touch.

Garnishes

• Fresh chives: Sprinkle finely chopped chives on top for a pop of color and subtle onion flavor.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall taste profile without overpowering it.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and natural sweetness to complement the savory bagel bites.
• Cucumber slices with hummus: Crisp cucumber paired with creamy hummus offers a refreshing crunch and balances out the protein-packed bites.
• Yogurt parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a delightful contrast to the warm bagels, making it perfect for breakfast or brunch.
• Mixed greens salad: A simple salad with mixed greens dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette provides freshness and acidity that pairs beautifully with the richness of the bagel bites.

Enjoy these high-protein bagel bites any time of day—they’re sure to become a favorite in your household!

Make Ahead and Storage

These High-Protein Bagel Bites are perfect for meal prep, making them a convenient option for busy mornings or snack time. You can easily store leftovers or prepare a batch in advance to enjoy later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bagel bites to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the bagel bites cool fully before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, marking it with the date.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave; heat each bagel bite for 15-20 seconds until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making High-Protein Bagel Bites.

Can I use other types of flour instead of gluten-free?

Yes! While this recipe is designed with gluten-free flour, you can experiment with regular all-purpose flour if you’re not gluten intolerant. Just keep an eye on the dough consistency.

How can I make my High-Protein Bagel Bites even healthier?

Consider adding seeds or chopped herbs into the dough for extra nutrition and flavor. You could also opt for low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.

Can I skip the cream cheese filling?

Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor profile, feel free to skip the cream cheese or replace it with a healthy spread like hummus or avocado.

Are these bagel bites suitable for kids?

Definitely! These High-Protein Bagel Bites make a nutritious and fun snack that kids will love. They’re small enough for little hands and packed with protein!

How long does it take to prepare these High-Protein Bagel Bites?

From start to finish, you’ll need just about 16 minutes—10 minutes for prep and around 6 minutes of cooking time. Perfect for when you’re short on time!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful High-Protein Bagel Bites! They’re not just easy to whip up; they also offer a wholesome boost of protein that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack, I truly believe they will become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creations!