Craving a delicious, protein-packed snack that’s also super easy to make? These high-protein bagel bites are your new go-to! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into savory, doughy morsels perfect for any time of day.
You’ll love how straightforward they are to prepare and how they fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. Get ready for a satisfying bite that keeps you fueled and happy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These High-Protein Bagel Bites
You’ll quickly fall in love with these savory protein bites for several fantastic reasons:
- Quick and straightforward to prepare: Mix, fill, and bake – it’s that easy.
- Packed with significant plant-based protein: Vital wheat gluten ensures a high protein count without any meat.
- Perfect for on-the-go breakfasts: Grab a few as you head out the door for a nourishing start.
- Ideal for meal prepping throughout the week: Make a batch ahead for easy snacks and light meals.
- Endless customization options available: Get creative with fillings and toppings to suit your taste.
- Dairy-free and allergy-friendly: No Greek yogurt or tofu is needed, making them suitable for many dietary needs.
Ingredients
Crafting these delicious high-protein bagel bites requires just a few simple ingredients. You likely have most of them in your pantry already!
Dry Ingredients:
- ½ cup + 4 teaspoons vital wheat gluten
- ½ cup + 2 teaspoons all purpose or bread flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
Filling & Topping:
- 5 tablespoons vegan cream cheese, divided
- 2 to 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
Notes & Substitutions
Vital Wheat Gluten: This ingredient is crucial for structure and the remarkable protein content, making these high-protein bagel bites possible. Do not substitute it out.
Flour Alternatives: You can use whole wheat flour or spelt flour instead of all-purpose or bread flour for a slightly different texture and added fiber.
Vinegar Options: White vinegar works well if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand. It provides the necessary acidity for the baking powder.
Vegan Cream Cheese: For the best results, use a firm, spreadable vegan cream cheese like Kite Hill. Avoid very thin or watery varieties, as they can make sealing difficult. You can also make your own homemade cashew cream cheese for a rich flavor.
Seasoning Swaps: If everything bagel seasoning isn’t your favorite, try toasted sesame seeds, dried onion flakes, garlic powder, or even just coarse sea salt.
Instructions For The Best High-Protein Bagel Bites
Making these high-protein bagel bites is a fun and simple process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time!
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly: vital wheat gluten, all-purpose or bread flour, salt, and baking powder. Whisk them together to ensure even distribution. If you want to add additional seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder to the dough, add them now.
- Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture: apple cider vinegar and water. Stir everything together using a spoon or your hands until it forms a sticky, shaggy dough ball. It will be firm but pliable.
- Divide the dough into 8 even balls. A kitchen scale helps achieve uniform sizes for consistent baking, aiming for about 2 ounces per ball.
- Flatten each dough ball into about a 4 to 5-inch circle using your hands on a lightly floured surface or directly on the parchment paper. The dough should be thin enough to fold, but not so thin it tears.
- Scoop about 2 teaspoons (10g) of the vegan cream cheese into the middle of each flattened dough circle. Don’t overfill, as it makes sealing harder.
- Fold the dough edges over the cream cheese, pulling the sides of the circle up and over the filling until they meet. Then, firmly pinch the dough together to seal it completely, ensuring no cream cheese peeks out. Roll the sealed dough into a smooth, round ball.
- If desired, dip and roll each dough ball in the everything bagel seasoning. Press gently to ensure the seasoning adheres well.
- Place the seasoned dough balls onto your lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Repeat this process until all 8 bagel bites are assembled.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the high-protein bagel bites are golden brown and firm to the touch. They should look puffed and slightly crispy on the outside.
- Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before eating. This helps the cream cheese set and prevents burns.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect high-protein bagel bites is simple with these pointers.
- Sticky Dough Handling: If your dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour. Avoid adding too much flour to the dough itself, as this can make the bites tough.
- Effective Cream Cheese Sealing: Pinch the dough edges together very firmly around the cream cheese filling. Double-check for any small openings to prevent leaks during baking.
- Perfectly Even Bagel Bites: For consistent sizing and baking, use a kitchen scale to divide your dough into equal portions before shaping. This ensures all your bites cook evenly.
- Importance of Cooling: Always allow your bagel bites to cool for at least 10 minutes after baking. The vegan cream cheese filling gets extremely hot and needs time to set properly.
- Oven Adjustments: Oven temperatures can vary. If your bites are browning too quickly, slightly reduce the temperature. If they’re not golden, add a few more minutes to the bake time.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These high-protein bagel bites are incredibly versatile and delicious at any time!
Serve them warm, fresh from the oven, for the ultimate experience. They make a fantastic breakfast on the go, a satisfying brunch item, or a hearty snack throughout the day. Enjoy their soft interior and savory crust.
Store any leftover high-protein bagel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for the best crispy results, or use an oven or microwave until warmed through.
Explore exciting variations! For sweet bagel bites, omit the everything bagel seasoning. Instead, roll the dough in cinnamon sugar before baking or fill them with a fruit-flavored vegan cream cheese. For savory options, try chive cream cheese, a dollop of hummus, or even a tiny bit of sun-dried tomato spread as filling. You can also add garlic powder or dried herbs directly into the dough for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy these nutritious bagel snacks knowing they pack a protein punch!
| Nutrition Fact | Amount (per 4 bagel bites) |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 247 g |
| Calories | 361 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34.6 g |
| Protein | 37.8 g |
| Fat | 8.6 g |
Please note: These nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe soy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally soy-free if you use a soy-free vegan cream cheese. Always check your ingredient labels to confirm.
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes, it can be nut-free if you select nut-free flour and a nut-free vegan cream cheese. Many brands offer cashew-free options.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, this recipe is not gluten-free. Vital wheat gluten is an essential ingredient for the structure and high protein content.
Conclusion
These high-protein bagel bites are a game-changer for anyone seeking a delicious, convenient, and incredibly satisfying snack. They are super easy to whip up, packed with plant-based protein, and offer fantastic versatility for any meal or craving.
Whether for a busy morning or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, these savory bites deliver on taste and nutrition. Try this recipe today and discover your new favorite grab-and-go treat! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share your comments, ratings, and tag us on social media!
High-Protein Bagel Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- In a bowl, whisk together vital wheat gluten, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add apple cider vinegar and water to the dry ingredients. Stir to form a sticky, cohesive dough.
- Divide dough into 8 equal balls (about 2 oz each). Flatten each into a 4–5 inch circle.
- Spoon 2 tsp vegan cream cheese into the center of each circle. Fold edges over and pinch tightly to seal. Shape into smooth balls.
- Roll each dough ball in everything bagel seasoning and place on lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and firm. Let cool at least 10 minutes before eating.
Nutrition
Notes
- Do not substitute vital wheat gluten — it’s essential for texture and protein.
- For best results, use firm vegan cream cheese.
- Customize fillings and seasonings to your taste.
- Avoid overfilling to ensure proper sealing and baking.
