Cottage Cheese Bagels

These Cottage Cheese Bagels have quickly become a favorite for those seeking a soft, chewy bread alternative packed with protein. With only two main ingredients and a simple preparation process, they offer a healthier twist on beloved bagels without compromising on texture or taste.

Whether you bake them in the oven or air fry for convenience, each bagel delivers a satisfying 14 grams of protein, making them an ideal choice for breakfast or any time you crave a wholesome snack or sandwich base.

Ingredients

• Cottage cheese: Creamy and protein-rich base ingredient, blended smooth to eliminate lumps and ensure a tender dough.
• Self-raising flour: Adds structure and lightness to the dough; alternatively, all-purpose flour can be used with added baking powder.
• Baking powder: Helps achieve the perfect rise and fluffiness when using all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances flavor balance and strengthens the dough.
• Egg wash (½ beaten egg): Used to brush the bagels before baking for a glossy, golden crust and better seasoning adhesion.
• Everything bagel seasoning: A flavorful topping consisting of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion flakes to add crunch and savory notes.
• Sesame seeds: Adds a nutty and crunchy topping option if preferred instead of everything seasoning.
• Poppy seeds: Offers a mild, nutty flavor and distinctive appearance when sprinkled on top.
• Olive oil (optional): Alternative to egg wash for a vegan-friendly option that still helps toppings stick.

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour and a pinch of salt for even seasoning distribution. If using all-purpose flour, add baking powder to help the dough rise. This foundation ensures proper texture and flavor development.

Blend Cottage Cheese Smooth

Process the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until creamy and lump-free. This step is crucial for a smooth dough consistency and soft bagels without curdled bits.

Form Dough Ball

Add the smooth cottage cheese to the dry ingredients, stirring initially with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms. Use your hands to bring it into a cohesive ball, allowing tactile control for even mixing.

Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead gently for several minutes. If sticky, sprinkle additional flour gradually. Kneading develops gluten for elasticity and a chewy texture, while adjusting moisture balances workability.

Divide and Shape Bagels

Cut the dough into four equal pieces, rolling each into a smooth ball. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) or prepare the air fryer. Poke a hole through the center of each ball and stretch gently to create a perfect bagel shape, or alternatively, roll into ropes and join ends.

Add Toppings and Prep for Baking

Place shaped bagels on parchment-lined trays or lightly oiled air fryer baskets. Brush with egg wash or olive oil and sprinkle generously with your choice of everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds, pressing gently to adhere seasonings.

Bake or Air Fry

For oven baking, bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown, adjusting time according to your oven’s strength. For air frying, cook at 325°F (160°C) for 17 to 20 minutes. This step ensures a deliciously crisp crust paired with a soft interior.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Cooling helps the crumb set properly, resulting in cleaner cuts and better texture. Serve with your favorite spreads or sandwich fillings and enjoy!

Storage Tips

Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bagels for up to 1 month, then thaw and toast before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these bagels toasted with cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, or your favorite nut butter. They also work wonderfully as sandwich bases for breakfast or lunch meals.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, just add 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder to substitute for self-raising flour to help the bagels rise properly.

Is it possible to make these bagels vegan?

You can replace the egg wash with olive oil to keep toppings on, but as cottage cheese is dairy-based, substitute with a vegan ricotta alternative if desired.

Can I freeze these bagels?

Absolutely! Freeze the baked and cooled bagels in an airtight bag for up to one month. Toast or warm them before eating.

What if my dough is too sticky to handle?

Slowly add more flour when kneading until the dough feels workable but avoid over-flouring, which can make bagels dense.

How do I prevent the holes from closing during baking?

Make sure to create a large, well-stretched hole in the dough before baking as it tends to shrink during cooking.

Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?

Yes, air frying at 325°F (160°C) for 17-20 minutes works well, producing evenly cooked soft and chewy bagels with less time.

What toppings work best?

Traditional everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds complement the flavor nicely. Feel free to experiment with herbs or spices.

Cottage Cheese Bagels

Soft and chewy cottage cheese bagels made with few ingredients, packed with 14g protein each, perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course bread, high protein

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 237 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large bowl
• 1 blender or food processor
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 baking tray lined with parchment paper
• 1 air fryer optional, for air fryer method

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 1/4 cups self-rising flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder if using all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

• 1/2 egg beaten (for egg wash)
• Everything bagel seasoning sesame seeds, and/or poppy seeds (for topping)

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, combine flour and a pinch of salt; add baking powder if using all-purpose flour.
• Blend cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy without lumps.
• Add blended cottage cheese to the flour mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough ball forms; use hands if easier.
• Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for a few minutes, adding flour gradually if sticky until workable.
• Divide dough into 4 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Shape each ball into a bagel by poking a hole in the center and gently stretching it; make the hole large to prevent closing during baking.
• Place bagels on a parchment-lined baking tray, brush with beaten egg or olive oil, and sprinkle your choice of toppings, pressing lightly to adhere.
• Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Alternatively, air fry at 325°F (160°C) for 17-20 minutes using an oiled air fryer basket.
• Let bagels cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing and serving with your favorite spreads or fillings.

Notes

• Blend cottage cheese thoroughly to avoid lumps.
• Sprinkle flour lightly while kneading to manage dough stickiness.
• Make bagel holes large to keep their shape during baking.
• Baking times may vary; check from 25 minutes onward.
• Let bagels rest after baking for better texture before slicing.