Looking for a quick, high-protein snack or breakfast option? These Cottage Cheese Bagels are the perfect solution! With a healthy 11 grams of protein per serving and made using just five basic ingredients, they offer a delicious, simple way to satisfy your bagel cravings. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or just short on time, this recipe is foolproof and doesn’t require special equipment or complicated steps. These bagels are soft, fluffy, and perfectly chewy, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese, making them the ideal healthy snack or breakfast.
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Effortless to Make: Skip the usual hassles like yeast and waiting for dough to rise. These bagels are ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
- Basic Ingredients: You only need five ingredients—or just three if you skip the toppings! Plus, the recipe is adaptable, with a gluten-free option.
- Packed with Protein: At 11 grams of protein per bagel, these are a much healthier alternative to store-bought bagels. Cottage cheese adds both moisture and protein, ensuring a soft and fluffy texture.
- Kid-Friendly: Nutritious and easy to make, these bagels are a hit with kids. They’re perfect for school lunches or after-school snacks.
- Visually Appealing: These bagels look just like the traditional kind, with a golden finish and soft, pillowy texture. You won’t be able to tell they’re made with cottage cheese!
What You’ll Need to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels
Before you get started, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these bagels both tasty and nutritious:
- Cottage Cheese: The star ingredient. It adds both protein and moisture, resulting in soft, fluffy bagels. You don’t need to strain or blend it—just mix it in as is!
- All-Purpose Flour: This serves as the base of the dough. If you need a gluten-free version, simply substitute with gluten-free flour.
- Baking Powder: This helps the dough rise and gives the bagels their airy, fluffy texture.
- Egg: Used in the dough and as a wash to create a shiny, golden finish.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: A popular topping, though feel free to experiment with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or onion flakes. Or, leave the bagels plain if you prefer!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels
Making these bagels is much easier than you might think. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting your own homemade batch:
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: If you don’t have self-rising flour, make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until well-combined. This ensures that the bagels will rise properly during baking.
- Mix in the Cottage Cheese: Add the cottage cheese directly into the flour mixture. No need to blend or strain it—the curds will melt during baking, contributing to the bagels’ soft texture. Stir the mixture with a spatula and then use your hands to form the dough into a ball. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour until it becomes easier to handle.
- Let the Dough Rest: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This step is key to achieving a fluffy texture.
- Shape the Bagels: Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Roll the dough into a log, divide it into four equal portions, and roll each into a rope. Pinch the ends together to form a circle. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Apply the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk the egg (or egg white) and brush it onto the tops of each bagel. This gives them a golden, shiny finish. You can also sprinkle Everything Bagel Seasoning or your preferred toppings on top.
- Bake the Bagels: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bagels on it. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Let the Bagels Cool: After baking, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool for at least 15 minutes. This resting period is important as it allows the bagels to set and firm up. Cutting into them while hot may cause them to lose their shape.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Bagels
- No Need to Drain Cottage Cheese: Unlike some recipes, you don’t need to strain or blend the cottage cheese. The curds will melt into the dough while baking, leaving no trace behind.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If your dough feels too wet, add small amounts of flour until it’s slightly sticky but manageable. Cottage cheese brands vary in moisture content, so this step is crucial.
- Don’t Skip Resting Time: Allowing the dough to rest for 10 minutes is vital for achieving the best texture. It gives the dough time to rise and become fluffy.
- Careful with Shaping: Roll the dough into ropes and form the bagels with care. Avoid flattening the dough, as this will affect how the bagels rise and their final texture.
- Cool Before Cutting: Let the bagels sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing them. This ensures they firm up properly and retain their fluffiness.
Storing and Freezing Your Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Storing: Store your bagels in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To keep them fresh, place them in a cool, dry spot.
- Freezing: To store for later, freeze the bagels for up to 3 months. Once fully cooled, place them in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick warm-up.
These Cottage Cheese Bagels offer a perfect balance of protein, flavor, and simplicity, making them an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, homemade bagel without all the effort. Whether you’re having them for breakfast or as a snack, they’ll satisfy your cravings in the best way possible. Happy baking!
These Cottage Cheese Bagels are a simple yet delicious option for anyone looking to enjoy a high-protein, soft, and fluffy bagel. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have freshly baked bagels ready in about an hour. Whether you’re craving a nutritious breakfast or a snack, these bagels will hit the spot!
Servings: 4 Bagels
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: 168 kcal per bagel
Ingredients:
- 1 cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour), plus extra for dusting
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Everything Bagel Seasoning (optional, for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Stir them together to ensure an even mix.
- Add Cottage Cheese: Stir in the cottage cheese with a spatula until the mixture is combined. Then, use your hands to knead the dough until it forms a slightly sticky ball.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step helps the dough relax, making it easier to shape.
- Shape the Bagels: After resting, divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and form a circle by pinching the ends together, creating a classic bagel shape. Place the formed bagels onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Egg Wash and Toppings: Whisk the egg in a small bowl. Brush the top of each bagel with the egg wash for a golden, shiny finish. Optionally, sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning for extra flavor, or leave them plain.
- Bake the Bagels: Bake the bagels for 25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and have a fluffy, slightly crispy exterior.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bagels to rest for 15 minutes after baking. This helps them set and cool to the perfect texture before slicing.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 168 kcal
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 11g
These bagels are not only quick and easy to make but also packed with protein, making them a healthier alternative to traditional bagels. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or store them for later. Happy baking!
