Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe

Introduction

This Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel is a quick and easy homemade treat packed with protein and flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy warm, fresh bagels topped with your favorite seasonings any time of day.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the rack at the top. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Place the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender and blend on high until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cottage cheese to a medium bowl and add the self-rising flour. Mix until fully combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a generously floured surface and knead 8–10 times until smooth. Add more flour as needed so the dough is no longer sticky.
5. Step 5: Divide the dough into 4 equal balls (about 80g each if using a scale). Roll each ball into a 6–7 inch rope about 1 inch thick. Join the ends to form a circle and pinch the seams tightly to seal.
6. Step 6: Brush the bagel tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle your choice of toppings.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
8. Step 8 (Optional): To air fry, preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with nonstick spray, then air fry the bagels for 12–14 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Tips & Variations

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Try different toppings like poppy seeds or asiago cheese for variety.
• If dough is sticky, add flour gradually to avoid making the bagels too dense.
• Let bagels cool completely before slicing to maintain their shape and texture.

Storage

Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To refresh, warm them briefly in a toaster or oven before serving. They also freeze well—wrap individually and thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

Using regular flour requires adding baking powder and salt to mimic self-rising flour. For each cup of flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.

Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese?

Full-fat cottage cheese works best for texture and flavor, but low-fat versions can be used. The bagels may be slightly less moist and tender.

Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 77 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel recipe offers a healthy, high-protein twist on traditional bagels using full-fat cottage cheese and self-rising flour. The dough is blended until smooth, kneaded, shaped into classic bagel rings, and baked until golden brown. Optional toppings like sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or shredded asiago cheese add extra flavor and texture. These bagels are perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack and can also be made in an air fryer for a quicker cooking option.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (oven) or 12-14 minutes (air fryer)
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 bagels 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dough

• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese

Egg Wash and Toppings

• 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
• Toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Blend cottage cheese: Place the full-fat cottage cheese into a food processor or blender. Pulse or blend on high until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure an even consistency.
3. Mix dough: Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl. Add the self-rising flour and mix together until fully combined and the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Knead dough: Turn the dough out onto a generously floured work surface. Knead gently 8-10 times until the dough is smooth and no longer sticky, adding extra flour if necessary.
5. Shape bagels: Roll the dough into a ball and divide into four equal portions, approximately 80 grams each for uniform sizing. Roll each portion into a 6-7 inch rope about 1 inch thick, then join the ends to form a ring. Pinch the seam tightly to seal.
6. Apply toppings: Brush the tops of the bagels with beaten egg to give a glossy finish and help toppings adhere. Sprinkle your choice of sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago, or poppy seeds on top.
7. Bake bagels: Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
8. Alternative air fryer method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with nonstick spray, place bagels inside, and air fry for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked inside.
9. Storage: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Using self-rising flour eliminates the need for added leavening agents like baking powder or yeast.
• Full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for best texture and flavor.
• Kneading just enough to form a smooth dough ensures chewy but tender bagels.
• Customize toppings to your preference to add different flavors and textures.
• Air frying is a great quick alternative to baking and results in a nice crust.
• Allow bagels to cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling or tearing.
• Bagels can be toasted after refrigeration to refresh texture before eating.

Keywords: cottage cheese bagel, protein bagel, homemade bagel, healthy bagel recipe, baked bagel, air fryer bagel