Soft, chewy, and loaded with protein, these High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a delightful addition to your breakfast or snack rotation. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they’re as wholesome as they are satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Protein-packed: The cottage cheese adds a nutritional boost, making these bagels perfect for fueling your day.
Quick and easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, these bagels are an effortless treat.
Versatile: Enjoy them plain or customize with your favorite toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning.
No yeast required: This recipe skips the yeast, saving you time without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Freezer-friendly: These bagels store well, making them a great option for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
1 egg (for brushing)
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir until the dough forms a slightly sticky consistency.
Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, then press your thumb into the center of each to create a bagel shape.
Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each with the beaten egg and sprinkle with your desired toppings.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and firm.
Let the bagels cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 bagels
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based cottage cheese and a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Sweet Bagels: Add cinnamon and raisins to the dough, omitting the savory toppings.
Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the bagels before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
Herbed Bagels: Mix dried herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough for a fragrant twist.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or toast them for a crispy exterior.
Related Recipes:
- The Best Baked Apple Empanadas
- High-Protein Blueberry Cheesecake Bowl (Single Serve!)
- Easy 3-Ingredient Avocado Bread Buns (High-Protein)
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute with whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. Consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.
How do I make the dough less sticky?
Dust your hands and the surface with extra flour while kneading. Add a small amount of flour to the dough if necessary, but avoid overdoing it, as this can make the bagels tough.
Can I skip the egg wash?
You can skip the egg wash, but it helps create a shiny, golden crust. For a vegan alternative, use plant-based milk or a mixture of water and maple syrup.
What’s the best way to add toppings?
Sprinkle toppings right after brushing with egg wash to ensure they stick. Press them gently into the dough if needed.
Are these bagels good for meal prep?
Absolutely! These bagels store and reheat well, making them a great option for preparing ahead. Freeze extras and reheat as needed.
Conclusion
These high-protein cottage cheese bagels are a simple yet nutritious way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. With minimal ingredients and endless customization options, they’re a recipe worth keeping in your rotation. Whether you eat them plain, topped with your favorite spread, or loaded with sandwich fillings, these bagels are sure to satisfy. Give them a try and enjoy the delightful combination of soft texture and rich flavor.
📖 Recipe:
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High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 bagels
Description
Soft, chewy, and protein-packed, these cottage cheese bagels are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Made without yeast, they’re easy to whip up and customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 egg (for brushing)
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir to form a sticky dough.
- Lightly flour a surface and knead dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Divide dough into 6 portions. Shape into balls, then press a thumb into the center of each to create a bagel shape.
- Place bagels on the baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and add desired toppings.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown and firm.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum.
Vegan substitutes include plant-based cottage cheese and a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
For added flavor, try sweet or savory variations like cinnamon-raisin or cheesy-herb bagels.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 bagels
- Calories: 180 kcal
