These high-protein oat bagels are a nutritious and delicious twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Made with rolled oats, they are naturally gluten-free and full of fiber, offering a satisfying, hearty base for your favorite spreads. To complement these wholesome bagels, a rich, savory high-protein spread made with a mix of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and more adds a punch of nutrients, healthy fats, and flavor. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty breakfast, a filling snack, or even a post-workout meal. With these bagels and their delicious spread, you’ll fuel your body with plant-based proteins, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it an ideal choice for anyone on a vegan or gluten-free diet.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bagels:

• 130g (1.5 cups) rolled oats
• 1 tbsp potato or corn starch
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (or 3 tsp baking powder as a substitute)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, or use full-fat coconut milk)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) dairy-free milk
• Pinch of salt

For the High-Protein Spread:

• 30g (1/4 cup) pumpkin seeds
• 60g (1/2 cup) sunflower seeds
• 50g (1/4 cup) chia seeds
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp capers or green olives
• 30g (1/2 cup) parsley
• 1 garlic clove
• 5 tbsp olive oil

Steps

How to Make the Bagels:

1. Prepare the Bagel Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
   • In a food processor or high-speed blender, blend the rolled oats until they turn into a fine flour-like texture.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, potato or corn starch, baking soda (or baking powder), and a pinch of salt.
   • Add in the lemon juice, coconut oil, and dairy-free milk. Mix well until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more dairy-free milk, one tablespoon at a time.
2. Shape the Bagels:
   • Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions (depending on the size of your bagels) and roll each portion into a ball.
   • Gently poke a hole in the center of each ball with your finger, then stretch the hole out to form the classic bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking tray.
3. Bake the Bagels:
   • Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
   • Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.

How to Make the High-Protein Spread:

1. Prepare the Seeds:
   • In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and cumin seeds for about 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant. Keep stirring to prevent burning.
2. Blend the Spread:
   • Transfer the toasted seeds to a food processor and add the chia seeds, capers or green olives, parsley, garlic, and olive oil.
   • Blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. You can add a little more olive oil if you prefer a thinner texture.
   • Taste the spread and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
3. Serve:
   • Once the bagels are cool enough to handle, slice them in half and spread a generous amount of the high-protein seed spread on each half. You can garnish with extra fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving – 1 bagel with spread)

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Protein: 14g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make the bagels without coconut oil?
A: Yes, you can substitute the coconut oil with full-fat coconut milk or any other oil of your choice, such as olive oil, to suit your preference or dietary needs.

Q: Can I store the high-protein spread for later?
A: Absolutely! The spread can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure to stir it well before using again.

Q: Can I use regular flour instead of oat flour?
A: If you’re not on a gluten-free diet, you can replace the oat flour with regular all-purpose flour. However, if you want to keep it gluten-free, make sure you stick to the oat flour.

Q: How can I make this spread spicier?
A: If you like a spicy kick, you can add chili flakes or a small amount of chili powder to the spread during the blending process for extra heat.

Tips on Making the Bagels

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking soda or powder is fresh to ensure that the bagels rise properly.
2. Texture of Dough: If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oat flour. If it’s too dry, gradually add more dairy-free milk.
3. Toast the Seeds: Toasting the seeds enhances their natural flavors, making the spread even more aromatic and delicious.
4. Customize the Spread: Feel free to swap out the capers or olives for other savory ingredients like sundried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a unique flavor.
5. Freeze for Later: You can freeze the bagels after baking. Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or bag for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw and toast them for a fresh bagel experience.

Storage Tips

• Bagels: Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer. When ready to eat, simply toast them for that fresh, warm bagel experience.
• Spread: The high-protein seed spread can be refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container. If the spread becomes too thick after storing, simply add a splash of olive oil or water to loosen it up before serving.

Conclusion

These high-protein oat bagels paired with a nutrient-packed seed spread are the perfect option for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying a hearty, wholesome breakfast or snack. The bagels themselves are soft, chewy, and full of flavor, with the oat flour providing a naturally gluten-free and fiber-rich base. The spread, loaded with plant-based proteins from pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds, brings a satisfying savory richness that complements the bagels beautifully.

Not only are these bagels and their spread a delight to eat, but they’re also a healthy, versatile addition to your meal plan. Whether you’re looking to energize your morning, refuel after a workout, or simply enjoy a flavorful snack, this recipe has you covered. Plus, with the ability to customize both the bagels and the spread, you can easily adjust them to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.