If you are looking for a delightful snack that combines simplicity, flavor, and nutrition, this High Protein Bagel Bites Recipe is exactly what you need. These little bites pack a punch thanks to the protein-rich cottage cheese mixed into a soft, self-rising flour dough, resulting in a tender yet satisfying texture. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or appetizer, they are easy to whip up and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo. With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe brings together wholesome goodness and irresistible taste in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for this recipe is a breeze, but each ingredient plays a critical role in delivering the perfect taste and texture. From the fluffiness contributed by self-rising flour to the richness and protein boost from cottage cheese, these components work harmoniously to make these bagel bites truly special.
- 1 cup Self-Rising Flour: Provides the structure and lightness necessary for that perfect bagel bite texture without needing additional leavening agents.
- 1 cup 2% Cottage Cheese: Brings moisture, protein, and a slight tang, making these bites soft and nutrient-dense.
- 1 Egg (whisked, optional): Used as an egg wash to give your bagel bites a beautiful golden-brown finish, adding visual appeal and slight crispiness.
- 1 tablespoon Dan-O’s Italian Seasoning: Infuses aromatic herbs and spices, enhancing the flavor profile with every bite.
- 1 tablespoon Dan-O’s Red Pepper Cheesoning Seasoning: Adds a subtle kick of spice and cheesy goodness, upping the flavor game.
How to Make High Protein Bagel Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the middle. This ensures even heat distribution, perfect for baking your bagel bites to golden perfection.
Step 2: Combine Flour and Cottage Cheese
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the self-rising flour and 2% cottage cheese. The cottage cheese adds moisture and protein while combining with the flour to form the base of your dough. This simple mixture is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Use clean hands to knead everything until the dough forms and no flour remains dry. You’ll notice the dough becomes soft, slightly sticky, and easy to handle when ready. Shaping it into a round ball sets you up perfectly for the next step.
Step 4: Cut and Shape Into Bagel Bites
Lightly flour your clean counter or cutting board to prevent sticking, then place your dough ball in the center. Using a scraper or knife, cut the dough into four equal parts, then halve each piece until you have 16 even sections. Roll each piece into a small round ball, which will be the classic shape for your bagel bites.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange your bagel balls evenly spaced apart. Whisk the egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash, then brush or alternatively spray each bite lightly with avocado oil. This step adds a shiny, golden finish and helps the seasonings stick.
Step 6: Season and Bake
Sprinkle each bagel bite with Dan-O’s Italian Seasoning and Red Pepper Cheesoning Seasoning to give every piece a burst of herby, spicy flavor. Bake them in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and feel firm to the touch. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before enjoying.
How to Serve High Protein Bagel Bites Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your High Protein Bagel Bites Recipe experience, consider adding a smear of low-fat cream cheese or a dollop of freshly mashed avocado. These toppings not only add creaminess but also complement the lightly herbed flavor of the bites perfectly. For some extra flair, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning or fresh herbs.
Side Dishes
Pair your bagel bites with a fresh green salad or a colorful vegetable platter for a balanced meal or snack. A side of mixed berries or a small bowl of Greek yogurt also enhances both the taste and nutritional profile, keeping things light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by turning these bagel bites into bite-sized sandwich sliders with slices of smoked turkey, tomato, and a leaf of lettuce. Arranged on a charming wooden board with small bowls of dips like hummus, tzatziki, or a spicy marinara sauce, they become party-ready appetizers that your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover bagel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their softness while preventing them from drying out, making it easy to enjoy a quick snack the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make these bagel bites ahead of time and freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour to prevent sticking. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag where they will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop your bagel bites in a 350-degree oven for about 5 to 7 minutes or until warmed throughout. This keeps them crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
While self-rising flour is recommended for its built-in leavening agents, you can substitute regular flour if you add baking powder and salt accordingly. However, the texture might be slightly different as self-rising flour is designed to create a lighter dough.
Is it necessary to use the egg wash?
The egg wash is optional but highly recommended because it gives the bagel bites a gorgeous golden color and slight crispiness. If you prefer, you can lightly spray with oil instead for a similar effect.
Can I make these bagel bites gluten-free?
Since the recipe relies on self-rising flour, a gluten-free version would require a carefully balanced gluten-free self-rising flour blend. Experimenting with such blends might require adjustments, but it’s definitely possible.
How high in protein are these bagel bites?
The cottage cheese in the recipe adds a significant protein boost, making these bagel bites an excellent source of protein, ideal for those wanting a snack that supports their fitness or nutrition goals.
What are some flavor variations I can try?
Feel free to swap the seasonings for whatever you love—garlic and herb, everything bagel seasoning, or even a bit of smoked paprika. You can also add shredded cheese directly into the dough for an extra cheesy twist.
Final Thoughts
Trying this High Protein Bagel Bites Recipe will bring joy to your kitchen and your taste buds. It’s an easy, nourishing, and totally delicious way to enjoy a snack or breakfast with friends or family. Give it a go—you won’t believe how perfectly simple ingredients can come together to make something so satisfying and fun!
Print
High Protein Bagel Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 Mini Bagel Bites
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These high protein bagel bites are a simple and delicious snack or breakfast option made with just a few wholesome ingredients. Combining self-rising flour and cottage cheese forms the dough, which is then baked to golden perfection. Enhanced with an egg wash and flavorful Italian and red pepper seasonings, these mini bagels are easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy, protein-packed treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 Cup Self-Rising Flour
Dairy
- 1 Cup 2% Cottage Cheese (Good Culture brand recommended)
- 1 Egg (whisked, optional for egg wash)
Seasonings
- 1 Tablespoon Dan-O’s Italian Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Dan-O’s Red Pepper Cheesoning Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup of self-rising flour and 1 cup of 2% cottage cheese. Mix briefly before kneading.
- Knead Dough: Use clean hands to knead the mixture until a cohesive dough forms and no loose flour remains. Once combined, shape the dough into a round ball.
- Divide Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface such as a countertop or cutting board. Place the dough ball in the center and cut it into four equal parts using a kitchen scraper or knife. Then, cut each piece in half repeatedly until you have 16 evenly sized dough portions.
- Shape Bagels: Roll each piece into a round bite-sized ball. Arrange the dough balls evenly on a baking sheet.
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk the egg in a small bowl to create an egg wash. Using a basting brush, lightly brush the top of each dough ball with the egg wash. Alternatively, spray each dough ball with avocado oil spray to help them brown.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle each bagel bite with a mixture of Dan-O’s Italian Seasoning and Dan-O’s Red Pepper Cheesoning Seasoning for added flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until the bagel bites develop a nice golden-brown color on top and are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bagel bites to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy them plain, with low-fat cream cheese, mashed avocado, or your favorite spreads.
Notes
- Using self-rising flour is essential as it contains baking powder and salt which helps the dough rise without additional leavening agents.
- The egg wash is optional but gives the bagels a shiny, appetizing crust.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste by adding other herbs or spices.
- These bagel bites are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated.
- For a dairy-free version, consider substituting cottage cheese with a plant-based soft cheese alternative and use a plant-based egg replacer for the wash.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
