Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups Self-Raising Flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (Full Fat, thick and cold)
  • ½ teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 4 ounces Full-Fat Cream Cheese, softened and chilled
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Chives, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Pinch Black Pepper
  • 6 cups Water (For boiling)
  • 1 tablespoon Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda)
  • 1 Large Egg (lightly whisked with 1 tsp water)
  • 3 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Filling: Combine softened cream cheese, chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Place the filling bowl into the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm up (this makes it much easier to stuff).
  2. Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine self-raising flour and salt. Add the Greek yogurt and stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead Lightly: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 1 minute, just until the dough comes together and is smooth. Do not overwork.
  4. Divide the Dough: Use a kitchen scale to divide the dough evenly into 12 pieces (approximately 30–35g each).
  5. Stuff the Balls: Take one piece of dough and flatten it into a 3-inch/7 cm circle. Place approximately 1 teaspoon of the chilled cream cheese filling in the centre.
  6. Seal Tightly: Carefully gather the edges of the dough around the filling, pinching the seams together at the top to seal completely. Roll the dough gently between your palms to create a smooth, tight sphere.
  7. Chill: Place the shaped balls seam-down onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet and chill for 10 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  8. Prep the Bath: Bring the 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a small saucepan. Add the bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) carefully.
  9. Boil: Using the slotted spoon, drop 3-4 bagel balls into the boiling bath at a time. Cook for 30 seconds per side (1 minute total). They will puff slightly.
  10. Drain and Dry: Remove the balls immediately with the slotted spoon and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  11. Finish and Top: Brush the boiled balls generously with the egg wash (whisked egg and water). Immediately sprinkle the tops and sides liberally with the Everything Bagel Seasoning.
  12. Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the bagel balls are golden brown, puffed up, and sound hollow when tapped.
  13. Cool: Transfer to a cooling rack for 5 minutes before serving warm.