High-protein cottage cheese bagels—soft, chewy, and healthy. Easy to make, low in carbs, and perfect for breakfast or post-workout snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything you need for this Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe is probably already in your kitchen, but each ingredient is crucial for the perfect bagel texture, taste, and that signature golden look. Don’t overlook the toppings – they transform each bagel from basic to bakery-level in minutes!
- Self-rising flour: The secret shortcut for fluffiness and lift – you don’t need to worry about yeast or rising time!
- Full-fat cottage cheese: This is where all the protein and fabulous chew comes from; blending it smooth means your bagel dough is creamy, not lumpy.
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash): The egg wash gives your bagels a glistening, golden crust and helps the toppings stick beautifully.
- Your favorite toppings: Sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds – each adds its own pop of flavor and fun crunch.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F and move the rack up to the top third – this is key for a perfectly browned crust. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Spoon the cottage cheese into your food processor or blender and blend it on high until completely smooth. Be patient and scrape down the sides as needed – you want absolutely no lumps so your bagel dough is soft and cohesive.
Step 3: Make the Dough
Transfer your whipped cottage cheese to a medium mixing bowl and add the self-rising flour. Stir well until it’s thoroughly combined and the dough starts to pull away from the bowl. Don’t worry if it’s sticky – a little extra flour on your hands or work surface will help!
Step 4: Knead to Smooth Perfection
Sprinkle your countertop generously with flour and turn out the dough. Knead it 8-10 times (no need to go overboard) until it’s smooth and soft. If it keeps sticking, dust with more flour a tablespoon at a time until just tacky, not sticky.
Step 5: Shape and Season Your Bagels
Roll the dough into a ball and slice into four equal pieces. For uniform bagels, you can even weigh each section (about 80g each). Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch rope, then form a circle and pinch the ends tightly. Brush the tops with the beaten egg, then dust on all your favorite seasonings.
Step 6: Bake (or Air Fry!)
Pop your assembled bagels in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until puffed and gloriously golden. If you’re short on time, try air frying at 350°F for 12-14 minutes. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes so the centers finish setting up and slice with ease.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe
Garnishes
The egg wash makes the perfect blank canvas for a layer of toasty sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fresh chives or a dusting of smoked paprika are delicious if you want to get extra fancy.
Side Dishes
These bagels sing when paired with creamy avocado, a freshly poached egg, or even smoked salmon and capers. For a lighter touch, enjoy one with fresh fruit or alongside a small green salad for a quick, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe into mini bagel sliders filled with turkey and cucumber, or try slicing and toasting them for bagel chips to serve with hummus. Split, toast, and layer with whipped cream cheese and tomatoes for a café-worthy breakfast plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftovers cool completely before popping them into an airtight container. They’ll stay delightfully fresh for up to four days at room temperature, ready for a quick snack or breakfast on-the-go.
Freezing
Once cooled, freeze your bagels individually (wrap them tight!) and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can grab one anytime you need a homemade, protein-rich treat – just allow them to thaw overnight on the counter or pop into a toaster oven straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, slice in half and toast to your desired crispness, or warm whole bagels in the oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes. Air fryers also work beautifully for a quick refresh, restoring that just-baked flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works just as well and makes the dough nice and creamy. Just be sure to use plain, thick, full-fat yogurt for best results with the Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe.
What if I don’t have self-rising flour?
No problem – simply combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, or use a gluten-free blend as described above. This swap works perfectly with the rest of the recipe.
Why is my dough so sticky?
Sticky dough usually points to either extra moisture in your cottage cheese or not enough flour on your work surface. Just keep dusting with a tablespoon of flour at a time until your dough is easy to handle – the result will still be soft and chewy!
Are these bagels good for meal prep?
They’re excellent for meal prep! This Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe holds up gorgeously for several days, so you can bake ahead and stash a batch for busy breakfasts or post-workout snacks.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely double (or even triple) the Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe. Work in batches if needed to avoid over-crowding your baking sheet, and enjoy sharing your homemade bagels with friends and family.
Final Thoughts
You’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious it is to pull off this Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe from scratch. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with a healthy, homemade bagel that fits right into your everyday routine. Happy baking!
Print
Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels are a quick, high-protein, and delicious alternative to classic bagels. Made with just a handful of ingredients—self-rising flour, full-fat cottage cheese, and an egg wash—these bagels are easy to make and perfect for meal prep. With customizable toppings and options for baking or air frying, they deliver a soft, chewy texture and a boost of protein in every bite.
Ingredients
Bagel Dough
- 1 cup self-rising flour (see notes for gluten-free and substitution options)
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, beaten
Toppings (Optional)
- Sesame seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Shredded asiago cheese
- Poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer: For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes and spray the basket with nonstick spray.
- Blend the Cottage Cheese: Put the cottage cheese into a food processor or blender and blend on high until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. This step is key for a uniform dough and even texture.
- Combine with Flour: Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl, then add the self-rising flour. Mix thoroughly until a shaggy dough forms and the mixture starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the Dough: Generously flour your work surface, then turn out the dough. Knead 8–10 times, adding more flour to the work surface as needed, until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky.
- Shape the Bagels: Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into 4 equal portions (about 80g each for accuracy). Roll each portion into a 6–7-inch rope, about 1 inch thick. Join the ends and pinch to seal, forming bagel shapes.
- Apply Egg Wash & Toppings: Place shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.
- Bake or Air Fry: For oven: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until bagels are puffed and golden brown. For air fryer: Air fry for 12–14 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Allow bagels to cool at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Self-Rising Flour Substitute: If you don’t have self-rising flour, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a quality gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum (like King Arthur’s) and add 1 teaspoon baking powder with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Cottage Cheese Type: Full-fat cottage cheese yields best results; the dough’s texture may vary depending on brand and fat content.
- Measurement Tips: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy, or weigh for best results. Add extra flour a tablespoon at a time if the dough is sticky.
- Greek Yogurt Swap: Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for cottage cheese with good results.
- Storage: Keep bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American