Cottage Cheese Bagels are a fun and tasty twist on classic bagels! Made with creamy cottage cheese, they come out soft and fluffy, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
I love how easy these are to make. Just mix, shape, and bake! You can top them with your favorite spreads or enjoy them plain—no judgment here! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using full-fat cottage cheese as it gives the bagels a richer taste and softer texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese works too, though the bagels might be a bit denser.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to for this recipe, but if you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just check that it has a binding agent, like xanthan gum, for best results.
Eggs: Eggs help with binding and give structure. If you want a vegan option, use flaxseed meal or chia seeds—mix 1 tablespoon of either with 2.5 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
Seasonings: The optional garlic and onion powders add flavor. Feel free to skip them or swap for your favorites. Dried herbs like basil or oregano are great alternatives!
How Do I Shape Bagels Properly?
Shaping bagels is easier than it sounds! Here’s the process to get that perfect ring:
- After mixing the dough, divide it into equal parts. Four portions work well, but you can also make smaller bagels.
- Take a portion and roll it into a ball using your hands. Ensure a smooth surface.
- Poke your finger through the center of the ball and gently stretch the dough until it forms a hole. Keep the center bigger than you think, as it’ll shrink during baking!
- Place each shaped bagel on the parchment-lined baking sheet and get ready for baking!
Take your time with this step for the best bagel shape—it really makes a difference!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 ½ cups (340g) cottage cheese (full fat preferred)
- 2 cups (200g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
For the Topping:
- Everything bagel seasoning, or a mix of:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 egg white, beaten (for brushing on bagels)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cottage Cheese Bagels recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in just under an hour, you can enjoy freshly baked bagels right from your oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the bagels won’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using). Stir them together to mix well!
3. Add Cottage Cheese and Eggs:
Now add the cottage cheese and eggs into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until you get a sticky dough. If you feel the dough is too wet, add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable.
4. Shape the Bagels:
Dust a clean surface with flour and lightly flour your hands. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Take each piece and roll it into a ball. Create a hole in the center of each ball with your finger, gently stretching it to form a bagel shape.
5. Get Ready to Bake:
Arrange the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of each bagel with the beaten egg white to help the toppings stick and give them a shiny finish.
6. Add Seasonings:
Generously sprinkle everything bagel seasoning (or your chosen topping mix) over the top of each bagel.
7. Bake:
Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels turn a lovely golden brown and are cooked through.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Then, they’re ready to enjoy!
9. Enjoy Your Bagels:
These cottage cheese bagels are delicious on their own, or you can dress them up with your favorite spreads like cream cheese, butter, or even smoked salmon. Enjoy your homemade bagels!
This recipe yields soft, protein-rich bagels, bursting with flavor and perfect for any time of day!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that the bagels may be slightly denser and not as rich as those made with full-fat cottage cheese.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a resealable freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing!
What Can I Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will work well to bind the ingredients together!
Can I Add Other Toppings to My Bagels?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Shredded cheese, herbs, or even spices like chili flakes can be great additions. Just make sure they pair well with the savory flavors of the bagel.