Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels

You can make delicious, high-protein bagels at home with just three simple main ingredients. These Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels are golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and pack 10 grams of protein each for a satisfying breakfast or lunch.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love these Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels because they are incredibly easy to make and require no yeast or advanced baking experience. By swapping traditional yogurt for protein-rich cottage cheese, you get a light and airy texture with a significant protein boost. They are perfect for meal prep, can be customized with your favorite toppings, and cook quickly in either the air fryer or the oven.

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (unbleached, whole wheat, or gluten-free Cup 4 Cup)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt (optional, for enhanced flavor)
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (4% or 2% milk fat)
• 1 large egg (whisked with a splash of water for egg wash)
• Toppings of choice (everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base: In a medium mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
2. Form the Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Use a rubber spatula or a fork to mix until a crumbly dough forms. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together into a ball.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, knead the dough for about 2 minutes until it becomes semi-smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a light sprinkle of flour as you go.
4. Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section into a log approximately 6 to 7 inches long and 3/4 inches thick. Bring the ends together and pinch them firmly to seal, forming a bagel shape.
5. Add Toppings: Whisk the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops and sides of each bagel with the egg wash, then sprinkle your desired toppings over the surface.
6. Cook the Bagels: To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 300°F. Line the basket with parchment paper or spray with cooking oil. Place the bagels in an even layer and cook for 15 to 17 minutes until golden brown. To bake in the oven, preheat to 375°F and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 20 to 25 minutes.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bagels from the heat and let them cool for at least 15 minutes. This step is essential as the bagels continue to set while cooling. Slice, toast, and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Success

To get the best results with your Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels, ensure you mix the flour and baking powder thoroughly before adding the cheese; this creates a self-rising effect that makes the bagels puff up. Kneading is another critical step, as it develops the structure needed for a smooth finish. Always use an egg wash or a light spray of olive oil to help your toppings stick and to achieve that beautiful golden-brown color. Finally, remember that air fryers vary in temperature, so start checking your bagels at the 10-minute mark to prevent over-browning.

Variations and Substitutions

If you need a gluten-free option, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. For those who want to save time, you can use self-rising flour and omit the baking powder and salt. You can also vary the flavors by adding shredded Asiago cheese to the top or mixing cinnamon and a touch of sweetener into the dough for a dessert-style bagel.

Serving Suggestions

These Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a classic breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, cheese, and bacon, or keep it simple with a spread of cream cheese or extra cottage cheese topped with sliced tomatoes. They also make excellent bagel pizzas—just add sauce and mozzarella and air fry until melted. For a crunchy snack, you can even slice them thin and air fry them into homemade bagel chips.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, these bagels freeze beautifully for up to 3 months; just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you are ready to eat, defrost them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the toaster, microwave, or the air fryer at 330°F until warmed through and crisp.

Nutrition Information

Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels

You can make delicious, high-protein bagels at home with just three simple main ingredients. These Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels are golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and pack 10 grams of protein each for a satisfying breakfast or lunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Cooling Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 bagels

Course: Breakfast, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Calories: 170

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour unbleached, whole wheat, or gluten-free Cup 4 Cup
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 pinch salt optional, for enhanced flavor
• 1 cup cottage cheese plus 2 tablespoons, 4% or 2% milk fat
• 1 large egg whisked with a splash of water for egg wash
• Toppings of choice everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese

Method

 

1. Prepare the Base: In a medium mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
   1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 pinch salt
2. Form the Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Use a rubber spatula or a fork to mix until a crumbly dough forms. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together into a ball.
   1 cup cottage cheese
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, knead the dough for about 2 minutes until it becomes semi-smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a light sprinkle of flour as you go.
4. Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section into a log approximately 6 to 7 inches long and 3/4 inches thick. Bring the ends together and pinch them firmly to seal, forming a bagel shape.
5. Add Toppings: Whisk the egg with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops and sides of each bagel with the egg wash, then sprinkle your desired toppings over the surface.
   1 large egg, Toppings of choice
6. Cook the Bagels: To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 300°F. Line the basket with parchment paper or spray with cooking oil. Place the bagels in an even layer and cook for 15 to 17 minutes until golden brown. To bake in the oven, preheat to 375°F and bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 20 to 25 minutes.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bagels from the heat and let them cool for at least 15 minutes. This step is essential as the bagels continue to set while cooling. Slice, toast, and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure you mix the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding the cheese to allow the bagels to puff up correctly. Kneading the dough until semi-smooth and allowing the bagels to cool for 15 minutes after cooking are critical steps for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions