Alright, let’s be honest—bagels are amazing. They’re soft, chewy, and can hold all kinds of delicious toppings, making them the perfect breakfast treat. But let’s face it, traditional bagels? Not exactly the healthiest option. Enter: Cottage Cheese Bagels. These aren’t your typical bagels; they’re packed with protein, super easy to make, and, let’s just say, they’re the healthy upgrade you didn’t know your morning needed.
If you’ve been living under a rock (or, let’s say, avoiding the world of healthy food trends), cottage cheese is having a major moment right now. And for good reason—it’s a protein powerhouse that makes everything taste better. Imagine this: high-protein cottage cheese bagels that are soft, chewy, and perfectly golden brown, with just three ingredients. Yup, three. No yeast, no complicated steps, just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Perfect for those of us who aren’t ready to commit to full-on bagel-making rituals at 6 AM.
And hey, I get it—you’re busy. Who has the time to make bagels from scratch? Well, with these 3 ingredient high-protein bagels, you’ll have fresh, homemade bagels on your table in no time. Whether you’re looking to add more protein to your diet, skip the carbs at the bakery, or just want a fun way to kick-start your day, these bagels have got you covered.
Why Cottage Cheese Bagels Are Totally Worth It
Picture this: it’s a chilly morning, you’ve just rolled out of bed, and the only thing on your mind is a big, warm breakfast. You head to the kitchen, and instead of the same old cereal or eggs, you whip up some cottage cheese bagels. These aren’t just any bagels. Nope, these are loaded with protein, and they taste amazing. Plus, they’re easy to make—and there’s something oddly satisfying about knowing you’re eating something both healthy and delicious at the same time. Who knew bagels could be healthy?
Cottage cheese has been taking over the food scene lately, and I’m not mad about it. It’s creamy, it’s filling, and it’s the perfect protein-packed ingredient to help you stay full until lunch. So why not mix it into your bagels? The result is a super chewy, flavorful bagel that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a mini sandwich base. You can almost feel good about having one (or two) without the usual carb guilt.
And these high-protein cottage cheese bagels are versatile. Want something savory? Go for a bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers. Feeling sweet? Slather on some almond butter and honey. There are no wrong choices here—except for maybe skipping the bagel entirely (which we all know is not an option).
The Magic Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to make some bagels recipe homemade cottage cheese magic? You don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients or hours of kneading dough. Nope. All you need is a few basic things you likely already have lying around in your pantry. Let’s break it down:
Main Ingredients:
- Cottage Cheese (1 cup): The star of the show. Cottage cheese is rich in protein and gives the bagels a soft, creamy texture. Don’t even think about skimping on this one—it’s the key to that chewy perfection.
- Self-Rising Flour (2 cups): This is where the magic happens. Self-rising flour is a game-changer when it comes to bagels. No need for yeast, no complicated rising time. Just toss it in and move on with your life.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): A little baking powder does wonders for these bagels. It helps them rise just enough to give them that classic bagel fluffiness without making them too dense.
Optional Toppings:
- Everything bagel seasoning (because, why not?)
- Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even shredded cheese
- Or go for a savory twist with garlic or onion
Pro tip: If you’re gluten-free, you can totally swap the self-rising flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a good one that’ll hold up to the bagel shape!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels (It’s Actually Easy)
Don’t be intimidated—making these 3 ingredient high-protein bagels is so simple, you’ll wonder why you’ve been buying bagels at the store all along. It’s quick, fun, and the end result is completely worth it. Here’s how to do it:
1. Blend the Cottage Cheese
Start by blending your cottage cheese until it’s nice and smooth. You can do this in a food processor, blender, or even with a fork if you’re feeling extra ambitious (but really, no one’s judging you if you use the food processor). The goal here is to make the cottage cheese super smooth and creamy, which will help the dough come together better and give the bagels that soft, airy texture.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the self-rising flour and baking powder. Stir it all together to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This is where the bagel structure comes from, so give it a good mix.
3. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the blended cottage cheese to the flour mixture. Stir until it starts to come together as a dough. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but not a total mess. If it’s too sticky to handle, just add a little more flour until you get a dough that you can work with. You don’t want it too dry, though, or you’ll lose that soft bagel texture.
4. Shape the Dough
Now, divide the dough into 6-8 portions (depending on how big you want your bagels). Roll each portion into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center of each ball to form the classic bagel shape. Don’t stress about getting it perfect—imperfections make them more homemade, right?
5. Add the Egg Wash and Toppings
Once shaped, brush the tops of your bagels with a little beaten egg for that shiny, golden-brown finish. Now, sprinkle them with your favorite toppings—everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or even some shredded cheese. The possibilities are endless!
6. Bake Those Bagels
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them for about 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch. You’ll know they’re done when they smell absolutely irresistible.
Oven vs. Air Fryer: The Battle of the Bagels
If you have an air fryer, you might be tempted to use it for these cottage cheese bagels. Here’s how the two methods compare:
Oven Method:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C)
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown
The oven method gives you that classic, chewy bagel with a soft inside and a crisp outside. It’s perfect if you’ve got the time and want that “I’m at a bagel shop” vibe.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C)
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes
If you’re in a hurry (or just like how air fryers give things a crispy edge), the air fryer is your friend. It gives your bagels a slightly crispier texture, and it cooks them faster—because let’s be real, who doesn’t love a quick fix?
Let’s Talk Flour: What’s the Best Option?
If you want your high-protein cottage cheese bagels to turn out just right, picking the right flour is key. Here’s the scoop on different options:
- Self-Rising Flour: This is the easiest option. It’s got the baking powder already mixed in, so you don’t have to think about it. Just toss it in and get on with the rest of your life.
- Whole Wheat Flour: If you want a more fiber-packed bagel with a slightly nuttier flavor, whole wheat flour is your friend. It’ll give you a denser bagel, though, so don’t be alarmed if they turn out a little heavier than the traditional version.
- Gluten-Free Flour: If you’re gluten-free, you can swap for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has the right texture to give your bagels a good rise.
Endless Toppings and Variations
One of the best things about making your own bagels is that you can load them up with whatever toppings you fancy. Want to keep it classic with some cream cheese and smoked salmon? Go for it. Maybe you’re in the mood for something sweet—try almond butter and honey. You can also experiment with savory options like avocado and egg or even make mini sandwiches with turkey and cheese.
And don’t forget, these cottage cheese bagels gluten free options are perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and enjoy all the deliciousness without the gluten.
Storage and Freezing Tips: Keep the Bagels Coming
If you’re making a batch of these high-protein cottage cheese bagels for the week, here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Store your bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and delicious, perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
- Freezing: If you want to make a double batch (which, let’s be honest, you totally should), freeze them. Wrap each bagel in plastic wrap, then pop them in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese smoothened
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Optional toppings: everything bagel seasoning sesame seeds, shredded cheese, garlic powder, or onion flakes
Instructions
- Blend cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Mix self-rising flour and baking powder in a separate bowl.
- Slowly add blended cottage cheese to dry ingredients. Stir until dough forms.
- Divide dough into 6-8 portions and shape into bagels.
- Brush bagels with egg wash and add toppings of choice.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- You can make these bagels gluten-free by swapping the self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Air fryer method: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and air fry for 12-15 minutes for a crispier texture.
Your New Favorite Bagel
So, there you have it—cottage cheese bagels are about to become your new go-to breakfast (or anytime snack). These bagels are soft, chewy, and high in protein, making them the perfect way to start your day. Plus, they’re super customizable, so you can make them savory or sweet depending on your mood.
Ready to make your own bagels? Grab that cottage cheese and get baking—you won’t regret it. And while you’re at it, check out Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Ciabatta Bread Recipe, Fluffy Cottage Cheese Bread, Crusty Italian Bread Recipe, and Sourdough Sandwich Bread for more homemade bread goodness.
