Are you craving a simple yet delicious high-protein bagel recipe? These Cottage Cheese Bagels are packed with 11 grams of protein per serving and made with just five basic ingredients. No complicated steps or special equipment required, making them perfect for beginners! Plus, if you’re a fan of soft, fluffy bagels, you’ll love how light and airy these turn out, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a healthy snack, these bagels are sure to satisfy your cravings without all the fuss.

Why These Cottage Cheese Bagels Are a Must-Try

• Effortless to Make: Skip the usual hassle of yeast, waiting for the dough to rise, and boiling the bagels. These cottage cheese bagels are ready in just about an hour with minimal effort.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need five basic ingredients, or even as few as three if you omit toppings! The recipe is flexible and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences, including a gluten-free option.
• Protein-Packed: With 11 grams of protein per bagel, these are a healthier alternative to store-bought bagels. The cottage cheese adds both protein and moisture, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Kid-Approved: These bagels are not only nutritious but also kid-friendly, making them a great option for school lunches or afternoon snacks.
• Visually Appealing: They look just like regular bagels! The cottage cheese curds melt entirely during baking, leaving no trace behind.

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Bagels

Before diving into the method, let’s talk about the ingredients that make these bagels both nutritious and delicious:

1. Cottage Cheese: The star of the recipe, cottage cheese adds protein and moisture to the bagels, keeping them soft and fluffy.
2. All-Purpose Flour: This serves as the base of the dough. You can also use gluten-free flour if needed. If you have self-rising flour on hand, you can cut down on the number of ingredients even further.
3. Baking Powder: This helps the dough rise and become fluffy, giving the bagels their characteristic texture.
4. Egg: Used both in the dough and as an egg wash to give the bagels a golden, shiny finish. You can opt for an egg white if you prefer.
5. Everything Bagel Seasoning: A popular topping for bagels, but feel free to use your favorite toppings or leave the bagels plain if you like. Options include sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or onion flakes.

Making Cottage Cheese Bagels

Making these bagels is surprisingly simple and requires minimal hands-on time. Here’s how you can make them:

1. Prepare the Self-Rising Flour If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder until thoroughly combined. This step ensures that the bagels will rise properly during baking.

2. Make the Dough Next, add the cottage cheese directly into the flour mixture. No need to strain or blend the cottage cheese; the curds will melt during baking. Mix the ingredients with a spatula at first, then use your hands to form a ball of dough. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet or dry. If it’s too sticky, gradually add small amounts of flour until the dough is manageable.

3. Let the Dough Rest Once the dough has come together, cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step allows the dough to relax and rise slightly, contributing to the fluffiness of the final bagels. Don’t skip this crucial resting period!

4. Shape the Bagels Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a log and divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and form a circular shape, pinching the ends together to create a bagel. Repeat the process for the remaining dough portions.

5. Apply the Egg Wash In a small bowl, whisk the egg or egg white. Brush the top of each bagel with the egg wash to give them a golden, shiny finish during baking. This step is optional, but it enhances the bagels’ appearance. If you like, you can sprinkle Everything Bagel Seasoning or other toppings on top.

6. Bake the Bagels Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bagels on the sheet. Bake them on the middle rack for about 25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and fluffy.

7. Let the Bagels Rest After baking, remove the bagels from the oven and let them rest for at least 15 minutes. This step is essential, as it allows the bagels to set and become perfectly fluffy. Cutting into them while hot may cause them to lose their shape and become soggy.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cottage Cheese Bagels

• Don’t Drain or Blend the Cottage Cheese: Some recipes may call for straining or blending cottage cheese, but it’s unnecessary here. The cottage cheese will melt into the dough while baking, leaving no trace behind.
• Adjust the Dough if Needed: Cottage cheese brands vary in moisture content. If your dough feels too wet, add small amounts of flour until it becomes slightly sticky but still easy to handle.
• Resting Time is Key: Allowing the dough to rest for 10 minutes is crucial for achieving the best texture. Don’t rush this step!
• Shape with Care: Rolling the dough into ropes and forming circles yields the best shape. Avoid flattening the dough, as this will affect the rise and texture of the bagels.
• Allow Post-Bake Resting: Once the bagels are out of the oven, let them sit for at least 15 minutes before slicing or serving. This ensures they firm up and remain fluffy.

Storing and Freezing Your Cottage Cheese Bagels

• Storing: You can store these bagels in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For best results, keep them in a cool, dry place. However, these bagels are so delicious that they might disappear much sooner!
• Freezing: If you want to make a larger batch or have leftovers, you can freeze the bagels for up to 3 months. Once they have completely cooled, place them in a resealable freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat.