Name: High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485734H20M50S
Total time: PT-485734H20M50S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup self-rising flour; 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese; 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash); Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds

These high-protein cottage cheese bagels are a game-changer in my kitchen. With just three simple ingredients, I can whip up soft, chewy bagels that are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sandwiches. Whether baked in the oven or air-fried, they deliver a satisfying bite every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: I can prepare these bagels in about 35 minutes, making them ideal for busy mornings.
High in Protein: Each bagel packs approximately 11 grams of protein, keeping me full and energized.
Versatile: I enjoy them plain, with toppings like sesame seeds, or as a base for my favorite spreads and fillings.
No Yeast Needed: The use of self-rising flour eliminates the need for yeast, simplifying the process.
Freezer-Friendly: I often make a double batch and freeze some for later, ensuring I always have a healthy option on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender and blend on high until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl and add the self-rising flour. Mix until completely combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Transfer the dough to a generously floured work surface and knead the dough 8-10 times until smooth. Add more flour to the work surface as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into 4 equal balls. Roll each ball out into a 6-7-inch rope, about 1-inch thick. Join the ends to make a circle and pinch the seam tightly to seal.
Brush the tops with the beaten egg and top with your seasoning of choice.
Bake for 25-28 minutes or until golden brown.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 bagels. The preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and the baking time is 25-28 minutes, totaling around 35-38 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Gluten-Free: I substitute self-rising flour with a gluten-free flour blend mixed with 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
Different Toppings: I experiment with toppings like shredded cheese, garlic flakes, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
Mini Bagels: I divide the dough into smaller portions to create mini bagels, perfect for snacks or appetizers.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, I toast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. For longer storage, I freeze the bagels individually wrapped and reheat them directly from frozen.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have self-rising flour?

I make my own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, but I find that full-fat cottage cheese provides a richer flavor and better texture.

How do I prevent the dough from being too sticky?

I add flour gradually to the work surface and my hands while kneading until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky.

Can I make these bagels in an air fryer?

Absolutely! I preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the bagels for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Are these bagels suitable for freezing?

Yes, I freeze them individually wrapped and reheat as needed for a quick and healthy option.

Conclusion

These high-protein cottage cheese bagels have become a staple in my kitchen. They’re easy to make, versatile, and satisfy my cravings without compromising on nutrition. Whether I enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheated from the freezer, they never disappoint.