Spinach Amla cheesy Bagel : A delicious Iron boost to regular Bagels

There are some recipes that accidentally become part of your weekly routine — and these Spinach Amla Cheese Bagels are one of them in our home.

I wanted a breakfast option that felt filling, easy to prep ahead, kid-friendly, and a little more nutritious than regular bakery bagels.

That’s when I started experimenting with spinach puree in the dough. Then I added a little fresh amla for a natural tangy flavor and extra nutrition. The result? Soft green homemade bagels topped with melty cheese that taste comforting while quietly packing in greens.

Perfect for busy mornings, lunchboxes, or evening snacks.

Why I Love These Bagels

1. A Sneaky Way to Add Greens

Spinach blends beautifully into dough and gives these bagels their gorgeous green color without tasting overpowering.

2. Amla Adds a Fresh Tang

A small amount of amla balances the flavor and adds brightness to the dough.

3. Meal Prep Friendly

I usually make a batch on Sunday, slice them once cooled, and freeze them. On weekdays, they go straight into the toaster.

4. Customizable

You can top them with cheese, sesame seeds, chili flakes, herbs, or even stuffed paneer filling.

Spinach Amla Cheese Bagels Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup spinach puree
• 1–2 tbsp fresh amla puree
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1 tsp honey or jaggery powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Warm water as needed

For Topping

• Mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• Optional herbs or sesame seeds

Method

Step 1: Make the Puree

Blend spinach and fresh amla into a smooth puree.

Step 2: Activate the Yeast

Mix warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.

Step 3: Prepare the Dough

Add flour, spinach-amla puree, salt, and oil. Knead into a soft dough.

Cover and let it rise for about 1–1.5 hours.

Step 4: Shape the Bagels

Divide dough into equal portions and shape into rings.

Let them rest for another 20 minutes.

Step 5: Boil Before Baking

Boil each bagel for about 20–30 seconds per side.

This gives bagels their classic chewy texture.

Step 6: Add Cheese & Bake

Place on a baking tray, top with cheese, and bake at 200°C / 390°F for about 18–22 minutes.

Bake until golden with bubbly cheese on top.

Serving Ideas

These bagels taste amazing with avocado, paneer filling, scrambled eggs, hummus, cream cheese, or even simple butter.

For kids, I sometimes make mini versions with extra cheese on top.

Meal Prep Tips

• Cool completely before storing
• Slice before freezing
• Toast directly from frozen
• Keeps well in freezer for up to 1 month

Final Thoughts

Homemade bagels sounded intimidating to me at first, but once I tried them, they became surprisingly easy and fun to make.

And honestly, anything that helps add greens into breakfast while still feeling comforting is a win in my kitchen.

These Spinach Amla Cheese Bagels are soft, hearty, freezer-friendly, and perfect for slow weekend baking or busy weekday mornings.