Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for a way to make bakery-style bagels with a boost of nutrition and none of the fuss, this Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe is about to become your new best friend! Fluffy, chewy, and packed with satisfying protein, these homemade bagels are so easy that you might just skip your next trip to the deli. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have golden, savory rounds that deliver big on both weekend brunch comfort and healthy weekday breakfast energy. Trust me — this is the Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe you’ll want to tell all your friends about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a small but mighty list brings this Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe from dream to delicious reality. Every ingredient helps create that classic bagel texture and rich taste, while cottage cheese sneaks in an extra boost of creamy protein. Let’s break down how each element works its magic!
- Self-rising flour: It’s the secret shortcut to fluffy, reliable bagels with perfect chew—no extra leaveners needed.
- Full-fat cottage cheese: Provides creaminess, moisture, and—most importantly—a serious protein boost per bite.
- Large egg (beaten): An easy, glossy egg wash gives that iconic golden-brown bagel crust.
- Toppings (sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, asiago, poppy seeds): This is your moment to get creative! Sprinkle generously for flavor and crunch.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and set the rack at the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—this not only makes clean-up a breeze but ensures your bagels won’t stick.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Spoon the full-fat cottage cheese into a food processor or blender. Blitz on high until it’s completely smooth—this ensures your bagel dough will be silky rather than lumpy, giving you that dreamy, chewy texture in the final product. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides if you notice any chunks hiding out!
Step 3: Mix in the Flour and Knead
Pour your creamy cottage cheese into a medium mixing bowl and add the self-rising flour. Stir until a dough starts to form and pull away from the bowl. Now, let’s get hands-on! Transfer the dough to a well-floured surface and knead it about 8-10 times. Sprinkle on extra flour as needed—the goal is a smooth, non-sticky dough that holds together beautifully.
Step 4: Shape and Season
Divide that gorgeous dough into 4 equal pieces (weigh them for the most uniform bagels—aim for about 80g each). Roll each piece into a 6 to 7-inch rope, then connect the ends into a circle and pinch well to seal. Set your rings on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each top with beaten egg, then get creative with your choice of sesame, everything bagel seasoning, asiago, or poppy seeds. There’s no such thing as too much flavor here!
Step 5: Bake the Bagels
Slide your tray onto the top oven rack and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for perfectly puffed, golden brown bagels that smell absolutely irresistible. (If you want a speedier option, check out the air fryer method below!) Let your bagels cool for at least 15 minutes—this helps the texture set and makes slicing easier.
Step 6: Air Fryer Option
Short on time or just want an extra-crisp crust? Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, spritz the basket with a little nonstick spray, and air fry your shaped and topped bagels for 12–14 minutes. They’ll come out beautifully bronzed and happily dough-free in the center.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe
Garnishes
A Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe practically begs to be dressed up with your favorite garnish! After baking, brush with a touch of melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt or even more bagel seasoning. For morning magic, try a swipe of whipped cream cheese, sliced fresh tomatoes, or microgreens right on top.
Side Dishes
Pair these bagels with a bowl of Greek yogurt and berries for a powerhouse breakfast, or serve alongside a veggie-filled omelet for a protein-packed brunch. They also love company from crunchy crudités and hummus if you’re building a lunch platter worth lingering over.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling extra festive, slice the bagels and use them as a base for mini breakfast sandwiches. Stack with smoked salmon, cucumber, and herbs for an elegant brunch board, or lay out a “bagel bar” with various spreads and toppings. You’ll never run out of ways to surprise and delight with the Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe stays fresh for up to four days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Let the bagels cool completely before packing them away to prevent moisture from making the crust soggy. They’ll be just as amazing for grabs on busy mornings!
Freezing
These protein bagels freeze like a dream. Once baked and fully cooled, wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep their chewy charm in the freezer for up to 2 months, ready to be revived for your next craving.
Reheating
To revive your bagels, toast them straight from the freezer or reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. If they’re at room temp, a quick toast is all you need to bring back the satisfying warmth and golden crust you love.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of full-fat?
Absolutely! While full-fat cottage cheese provides a richer texture and flavor, low-fat works well, too. Just know your bagels might be a touch less creamy, but still delicious and packed with protein.
Can I make the Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe gluten free?
You sure can. Swap the self-rising flour for a gluten-free self-rising blend. Some adjustments in texture may happen, but most gluten-free mixes work beautifully for this recipe.
Why do I need to blend the cottage cheese first?
Blending the cottage cheese ensures your dough ends up smooth rather than lumpy. It also helps the protein-rich cheese distribute evenly throughout the dough, resulting in lighter, fluffier bagels every time.
How do I know when the bagels are done baking?
The bagels should be deeply golden and puffed. Tap the bottom gently—it should sound hollow, not doughy. If you’re ever unsure, an extra minute or two in the oven won’t hurt.
Can I double the Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe?
Yes, this Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe doubles or even triples easily. Just mix in batches to avoid over-crowding, and enjoy sharing (or freezing) your extra bagels!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about baking up a fresh batch of bagels, especially when they’re this easy, nourishing, and downright delicious. Whether you’re a longtime bagel lover or just looking for a new protein-packed breakfast, try the Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe is a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional bagels. Made with self-rising flour and full-fat cottage cheese, these protein-packed bagels are easy to make and perfect for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
Additional:
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend cottage cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and add the flour. Mix until combined and knead the dough until smooth.
- Shape and season: Divide the dough, roll into balls, shape into circles, and brush with beaten egg. Add toppings of choice.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer, air fry the bagels at 350°F for 12-14 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- For a denser bagel, use 1 ¾ cups self-rising flour.
- You can customize the toppings to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Bagel, Protein Bagel, Homemade Bagel Recipe
