These Protein Bagels are dairy-free, egg-free, yeast-free, plant-based bagels loaded with over 15 grams of natural protein, packed with fiber, healthy fats, and minerals.
While the whole recipe is just below, don’t miss all my tips further down, including ingredient swaps, my cooking tips, and step-by-step shots!
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Protein Bagels
Ingredients
- 1 can Chickpeas - 15 ounces (425g) undrained (note 1)
- ⅔ cup Soy Milk - (note 2)
- 3 ¼ cups Self-Rising Flour - (note 3)
- 2 tablespoons Mild-Flavor Olive Oil - (note 4)
- ½ teaspoon Salt - (note 5)
Add-Ins (note 6)
- ¼ cup Sunflower Seeds
- 2 tablespoons Pumpkin Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
- 1 tablespoon Flaxseeds
Topping
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
- If using seeds, add them all in a bowl, and stir to combine evenly. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add self-rising flour and salt if used.
- In a blender, add the can of chickpeas with its liquid, soy milk, and oil. Blend on high speed until smooth.
- Pour the chickpea mixture onto the dry ingredients. Add seeds now if using.
- Stir with a rubber spatula at first until it starts to form lumps. Oil your hands with a bit of olive oil, knead, squeeze, and press the ingredients until they form a dough ball. If the dough is too dry, add a little water to the soy milk it together. If it's too wet, sprinkle extra flour, but don't over-saturate the dough with flour. It should be soft and not sticky outside.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, shape a nice round ball, press to flatten between floured hands, then push your thumb in the center of the disc and swirl to form a bagel shape.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet, leaving two inches of space between each bagel – they expand in the oven.
- Brush the top of the bagels with a little soy milk, and sprinkle any seeds or bagel seasonings on top, if desired.
- Bake the bread on the center rack for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of one bagel comes out clean.
- Cool down on a wire rack and eat lukewarm or cold for breakfast.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need 5 simple ingredients to make this recipe. Here’s how to pick and swap them.

- Chickpeas – These are the star of the show, providing a significant amount of plant-based protein and fiber, and they also contribute to the unique texture of the bagels. It’s important to use the entire can, including the liquid.
- Soy Milk – This adds liquid to the dough and boosts the protein content of the bagels. You can also use other milks like almond milk or oat milk.
- Self-Rising Flour – This forms the main structure of the bagels and contains leavening agents that help them rise without yeast. If you’re using all-purpose flour, you’ll need to whisk in baking powder separately. For a gluten-free option, use my gluten-free converter, but don’t forget the baking powder.
- Light Olive Oil – This contributes to the dough’s texture and makes it easier to handle. Any other light-flavored oil will also work.
- Salt – A touch of salt enhances the flavors in the bagels. You might want to skip this if you plan to use salty bagel seasonings on top.
- Sunflower Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, Flaxseeds – These are optional add-ins that provide extra protein, fiber, healthy fats, and a light crunch. You can swap these for other seeds you enjoy.
- Sesame Seeds – These are used as a topping to give the bagels a classic look and nutty flavor.
How to Make Protein Bagels
If you like pictures, here are a few shots of how I made the bagels.

Chickpeas with their water and other liquid ingredients in a blender.

Flour and seeds added to the protein bagel batter.

Protein bagel dough mixed in a bowl.

Dough split into 6 small dough balls.

Protein bagels formed on a baking pan.

Seeds sprinkled on protein bagels before baking.
Carine’s Baking Tips
Let me share a few more tips for perfect protein bagels.
- Don’t Drain Chickpeas – It’s really important to use the entire can of chickpeas, including the liquid (aquafaba). This liquid plays a crucial role in the bagel’s texture and moisture.
- Adjust Dough Consistency – The dough should be soft and not sticky. If it feels too dry, add a tiny bit more soy milk. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a bit more flour, but avoid adding too much, as that can make the bagels tough.
- Knead with Oiled Hands – Oiling your hands slightly with olive oil makes kneading the sticky dough much easier and prevents it from sticking to you.
- Shape Uniformly – When shaping the bagels, try to make each portion as equal in size as possible. This ensures they bake evenly. When making the hole, you can also use a floured finger to gently widen it as you swirl.
- Savory Focus – These bagels naturally lean towards savory flavors due to the chickpeas’ subtle taste. If you’re making them savory, consider adding garlic powder or your favorite spices to the dough.
- Sweet Variation – If you’d like a sweeter bagel, try adding about 1/4 cup of sugar (like coconut sugar) and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to the dough.
- Control Saltiness – If you’re planning to use a salty bagel seasoning as a topping, definitely skip the salt in the dough. This prevents your bagels from becoming overly salty.








*mentioning this to the vegan doctor, he’ll be pleased, thank y’all (granny hugs).
Can you use Gluten free flour?
Yes, but you need to use my gluten-free conversion guide to adapt the quantities.
I love these bagels.
I made them last week and again today. Last week I used canned chickpeas … In Canada out Chickpea cans are 540 grams so had to carefully measure out 425 grams.
Today I used chickpeas and liquid that I cooked in my instant pot (measured out 425 grams). I also made them a bit smaller … made 8 instead of 6 as these are super filling and I felt too stuffed after I ate them last week. I even put jalapeno peppers in a few with cheddar cheese on top.
I was thinking of trying this! Thanks for sharing that it worked well!
Can these be boiled prior to baking?
You can, but they get tough, it’s not a classic bagel recipe, the chew naturally comes from the chickpea liquid, that’s why I don’t boil them
Thank you for such a lovely feedback! I like the jalapeno cheddar idea, yum!
Well this was a very pleasant surprise! Found you on a social media post, had to try this recipe and it’s now a new favourite. I made some beetroot hummus to go along with it and the combo is divine. Never knew you could use the liquid from chickpea cans! Have made a few other of your recipes and all are chefs kiss! Thanks for your alchemy
Thank you ! It makes me so happy.
This worked exactly as written, thanks! They are delicious and satisfying. Would it work to substitute whole wheat flour for white flour?
Thank you! I am sure you can swap some of the flour for wholewheat, but I wouldn’t swap all of it or you will add too much fibers and they will be dry. Also, do not forget to add the baking powder as I am using self-rising flour in the recipe it already contains salt and baking powder.
Was so excited to make these. I’ve never made bagels before. I am wfpb sos. I switched the oil for applesauce and used whole wheat flour and no salt I did use a small amount of oil on my hands as the recipe recommended.
I added everything bagel seasoning. Eating it with hummus and cucumbers. This is a very dense bagel so it is filling while being enjoyable. Thank you for the chance to try something new.
Thanks for sharing this. I was wondering if I could omit the oil!
Omit no, because you will end up with a dry dough as it remove liquid from the recipe. But maybe you can use yogurt instead!
Thank you!
Hi i will try these recipe but I only have cow milk :/ is that ok ?
Thank you !
Yes, absolutely.
Hi! If I don’t have self-rising flour, what should I add to recipe in the form of baking powder or baking soda? I would love to make them. Thank you!
There’s a note in the recipe card about that, here you go. Note 3: This is equivalent to 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, in which you whisk 2 tablespoons of baking powder. It sounds like a lot, but it’s what you need to raise the bagels!
Hi, would it work if you replaced S.R flour for G.F self raising flour?
Not at all, it will be hard as a rock. I will share a guide to adapt all my recipes GF soon.
This sounds amazing. Would I be able to use this recipe with gluten free flour?
No, you can’t use all-purpose gluten-free flour, you will need many adjustment like using some millet flour, adding husk for a chew, baking soda, lemon juice. I will share soon a guide to adapt my recipes gluten-free. Stay tuned!
I would love to have a gluten free option, thank you!
I will share it soon.