Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel

These Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels are soft, savory, and high in protein—thanks to the creamy richness of cottage cheese blended right into the dough. With just three base ingredients and endless topping possibilities, they make a fantastic healthy snack or breakfast on-the-go. Whether you bake them or air fry them, these bagels are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High-protein and wholesome: Cottage cheese packs these bagels with satisfying protein.

• Minimal ingredients: Just three main ingredients needed!

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, including prep and bake time.

• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or a grab-and-go snack.

• Customizable toppings: Make them savory, cheesy, or everything-style.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup self-rising flour

• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese

• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Toppings (optional): sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, poppy seeds

Directions

1. Preheat oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F and position the rack at the top. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Blend cottage cheese:
   Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend on high until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

3. Make the dough:
   Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl. Add the self-rising flour and mix until a dough forms and pulls away from the bowl sides.

4. Knead:
   Move the dough to a floured surface and knead 8–10 times until smooth. Add extra flour if the dough is too sticky.

5. Shape the bagels:
   Roll the dough into a ball, divide it into 4 equal parts (about 80g each), and roll each into a 6–7-inch rope, about 1 inch thick. Connect the ends to form a circle and pinch the seams.

6. Add toppings:
   Brush each bagel with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings like everything seasoning or shredded cheese.

7. Bake:
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

8. Air Fry Option:
   Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with nonstick spray. Air fry the shaped and topped bagels for 12–14 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 bagels
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes (oven) or 12–14 minutes (air fryer)
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Sweet version: Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough and top with cinnamon sugar.

• Cheesy: Mix shredded cheddar or asiago into the dough for a cheesy bagel.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free self-rising flour if needed.

• Herbed: Add garlic powder, dried oregano, or rosemary for a more savory flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap bagels individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave before serving.
Reheat: Toast or microwave until warmed through, or air fry for 1–2 minutes for a crispy outside.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese provides the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have self-rising flour?

You can make your own: mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt.

Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute with gluten-free self-rising flour or make your own using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Do I need to let the dough rise?

No rising time is needed—these bagels are ready to bake immediately after shaping.

Are these chewy like traditional bagels?

They’re softer and fluffier than classic boiled bagels but still chewy enough to satisfy.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes, prepare and store them at room temp or refrigerate for later. You can also freeze them after baking.

Can I toast these bagels?

Absolutely! Slice and toast them just like any traditional bagel.

What toppings work best?

Everything seasoning, sesame seeds, asiago cheese, or even garlic salt make great options.

Can I make mini bagels?

Yes, divide the dough into 6–8 smaller pieces and reduce the bake time by 3–5 minutes.

Can I skip the egg wash?

You can skip it, but the egg wash gives the bagels a golden color and helps the toppings stick.

Conclusion

These Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels are a delicious, protein-rich alternative to traditional bagels—without the need for yeast or complicated steps. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, breakfast sandwich base, or savory treat, they’re quick, satisfying, and easy to customize to your liking. Bake a batch and keep them on hand for nutritious convenience all week long.