There’s nothing quite like the warm aroma of freshly baked bagels wafting through your kitchen, right? The combination of soft, chewy dough topped with a sprinkle of Everything bagel seasoning is a little taste of heaven. Imagine biting into a bagel that is not just delightful in flavor but also packed with protein—what could be better? That’s where these High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels come into play. They’re not only delicious and nutritious, but they also have a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made them on a brisk Sunday morning, my family gathered around the kitchen, eagerly awaiting their breakfast treat.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity—it only requires three ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest schedule. Who doesn’t love an easy, flavorful breakfast that can set you up for a great day? Whether you want a quick breakfast sandwich or a warm snack, these bagels deliver. As the holidays approach and we gather with loved ones, these High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels could easily become a fun brunch centerpiece. So, let’s get those ovens preheated and create something fantastic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip these up in no time—just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cottage cheese and Everything seasoning gives each bite a tasty twist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These bagels look impressive, perfect for serving at gatherings or your next brunch.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as breakfast, a delightful snack, or even a meal prep option for the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Full of protein with simple ingredients; these are great for various dietary preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup self-rising flour: This is key for providing lift without needing yeast. If you’re out of self-rising flour, you can combine all-purpose flour with baking powder (1 cup flour + 1.5 tsp baking powder).
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat): This ingredient adds a creamy texture and rich protein content. You can use low-fat cottage cheese or even a dairy-free alternative for a different taste.
1 small egg (beaten, for egg wash): It gives the bagels a shiny, golden crust. If you’re avoiding eggs, a vegan option could be an alternative egg wash made from almond milk and a little cornstarch.
Everything bagel seasoning: This blend offers a burst of flavor! You can either purchase it or make your own with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, and onion flakes.

How to Make High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375℉ while you prepare your baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper and move your oven rack to the top third of the oven. If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 350℉ as well for even cooking.

Blend the Cottage Cheese: Using a food processor or blender, pulse the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth. This step is essential as it helps create a lovely, uniform dough. Don’t rush it—scrape down the sides as needed to ensure a creamy texture.

Combine Ingredients: Transfer the smooth cottage cheese into a medium bowl and gently add the self-rising flour. Stir the mixture until a dough forms, pulling away from the bowl’s sides. You want it to be cohesive but not too sticky.

Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and place the dough on it. Knead the dough about 8–10 times until it becomes smooth and elastic. If it’s too tacky, sprinkle a touch more flour as you work to achieve the right consistency.

Shape the Bagels: Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into four equal pieces. Then, shape each piece into a 6–7 inch rope, about 1 inch thick. Bring the ends together to form a ring and pinch the seam securely to avoid unraveling during cooking.

Egg Wash & Season: Brush the tops of the formed bagels with the beaten egg for that beautiful glossy finish. Sprinkle generously with Everything bagel seasoning—it truly elevates the flavor and makes them look irresistible.

Air Fryer Instructions: If you’re going the air fryer route, spray the basket with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Carefully place the bagels in the basket and air fry them for 12–14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and fill your kitchen with that delightful aroma.

Baking Instructions: For those opting for the oven, arrange your bagels on the prepared sheet and slide them in for about 25–30 minutes. They should rise, turn golden, and smell terrific. Keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid over-baking.

Cool Before Serving: Once cooked, let your **High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels** cool for at least 15 minutes. This cooling time allows the texture to set and makes slicing easier. Grab your favorite spreads or toppings, and enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

These bagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for up to two days in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for about a week. If you’re looking to freeze some, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil; they can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, a quick reheat in the toaster or air fryer at 350℉ for about 5 minutes will bring back their tender texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-kneading the dough as it can become tough; just a few minutes is sufficient.
Ensure your cottage cheese is well-blended to prevent lumps in your bagels.
Experiment with toppings! Consider adding seeds or herbs directly into the bagel dough for extra flavor.
If the dough feels too dry, a splash of milk can help bring it together.
Make the dough in advance and refrigerate it; just shape and bake when you’re ready.

Crafting these High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels not only gives you a healthy breakfast option but also encourages experimentation in the kitchen. Imagine trying various toppings or dipping sauces! There’s so much flavor potential waiting to be unlocked. Enjoy these chewy gems with your favorite spreads or as a quick snack during the day. I can’t wait for you to share your version!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cottage cheese is key for moisture and protein, you can experiment with ricotta or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture might change slightly.

What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?

Nuts, seeds, or finely chopped herbs can be mixed directly into the dough for a delightful twist. Think about adding jalapeños for a kick or rosemary for a more savory touch.

How do I know when my bagels are done?

Look for a golden-brown crust and a slightly firm texture when you tap them; they should sound hollow. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean, indicating they are perfectly cooked.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix to substitute the self-rising flour. Make sure to check for seasoning since some gluten-free flours may have added flavoring.

Happy baking! Enjoy every delicious bite of your High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels!

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High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking/Air Frying
Cuisine: American

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Description

Savor the irresistible flavor of High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels that are easy to prepare with just three ingredients. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat)
1 small egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Everything bagel seasoning

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375℉ and prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blend cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth.
Combine smooth cottage cheese with self-rising flour in a bowl to form dough.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth and elastic.
Shape the dough into a ball, divide it into four pieces, and form bagels.
Brush bagels with beaten egg and sprinkle with Everything bagel seasoning.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 mins or air fry for 12-14 mins until golden and cooked through.
Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Avoid over-kneading the dough to maintain softness.
Experiment with various toppings or seeds for added flavor.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for two days.