2 Ingredient Bagels

Two-Ingredient Bagels: A Busy Woman's Delight

Life as a businesswoman is a whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and client calls. Finding time for anything beyond work can feel like a Herculean task, let alone whipping up elaborate meals. But even amidst the chaos, I still crave a satisfying breakfast, something that tastes delicious and fuels my busy day. That's where these two-ingredient bagels come in. They are the perfect solution for those mornings when time is truly of the essence.

I discovered this recipe quite by accident, while frantically searching for a quick breakfast option. The simplicity was shocking, yet the result? Amazingly delicious bagels, soft and chewy, with a satisfying texture. Believe me, when I say that these bagels are so easy to make, they require minimal ingredients, and the outcome is more rewarding than grabbing a sugary pastry from a nearby bakery. Even better, I can customize them with my favorite toppings, making each batch unique and perfectly suited to my mood. One day I'll sprinkle on some everything bagel seasoning, another day it might be a simple dusting of sesame seeds, and other times I feel adventurous enough to use fresh herbs for a savory twist.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. If you have a stand mixer, the process is a breeze. The dough comes together beautifully, requiring minimal effort. However, even without one, the hand-kneading process is straightforward and takes less time than you'd imagine. And you control what goes on top! This is truly a recipe for anyone with a busy schedule. No more rushing to the store, no more spending hours in the kitchen; just a few minutes of preparation, a short baking time, and you've got a hearty and delicious breakfast that will keep you going throughout your busy workday. It has become my secret weapon for those challenging mornings, transforming breakfast into a moment of simple joy and accomplishment amidst a typically chaotic workday.

The process is incredibly forgiving. Even if you aren't an experienced baker, you can easily pull this off. The simplicity allows you to focus on the fun part: experimenting with different toppings and flavors. From a simple sprinkle of salt to a more extravagant combination of herbs and seeds, the possibilities are endless. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. Not only does it provide a quick and satisfying breakfast, but it also allows me to incorporate a touch of creativity into my already demanding routine.

This is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the idea that healthy, delicious food doesn't have to be time-consuming. It's about making the most of what you have and embracing the simplicity that comes with a busy lifestyle. These two-ingredient bagels are a reminder that even the smallest moments of self-care can make a world of difference. So, the next time you find yourself pressed for time, remember these simple bagels and how a few minutes of preparation can lead to an incredibly satisfying breakfast that fuels a successful day.

Tips and Variations:

• Yogurt Choice: Plain Greek yogurt is best for its thickness, but you can experiment with other types. Just be sure to strain out excess liquid before using.
• Flour Options: Self-rising flour simplifies the process, but you can also use all-purpose flour with baking powder for a similar outcome.
• Toppings: The topping possibilities are endless! Try everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of sea salt.
• Storage: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Embrace the ease and deliciousness of these two-ingredient bagels. They're perfect for busy mornings, impromptu breakfasts, or whenever you need a quick and satisfying treat that will brighten your day. Happy baking!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
• In a large bowl, add yogurt and flour. When measuring out the yogurt, make sure that you strain out any liquid. Any extra liquid sitting in your yogurt will cause the dough to be too wet.
• Using a large spoon or spatula, mix together flour and yogurt until it begins to form a crumbly dough. Use your hands to push the dough together into one ball. The dough will be very sticky.
• Add your dough to a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment. Knead the dough until it comes together in one ball and has pulled away from the sides of the mixing bowl. As soon as it reaches this stage, it is ready and you should stop the mixer immediately. If you continue to let it knead, the dough will actually become sticky again. If you do not have a stand mixer, you can knead the dough by hand. You will need to cover your kneading surface with flour and knead the dough by hand until it is tacky and no longer sticky. I prefer using the stand mixer because it is faster and the dough comes together without the extra flour which results in a lighter bagel.
• Divide dough into four equal balls. Roll out ball on a lightly floured surface until it becomes a rope about 3/4 inch thick. Try to make the rope as even and smooth as possible. Pinch ends shut to form a round circle. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Place bagels onto baking sheet. Brush tops with egg wash.
• Sprinkle tops with whichever seasonings you prefer.
• Bake bagels for about 23-25 minutes or until bagels are cooked all the way through. Remove bagels from the oven and turn heat up to 500°F. Place bagels back in oven and bake about 2-3 minutes until surface is browned. (If you are making plain bagels without toppings, you can also set your oven to low broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the bagels but I don't recommend this if you have toppings as the toppings will start to burn before the bagels finish browning.)
• Let bagels cool a few minutes before eating.