There’s something nostalgic about biting into a warm, fresh bagel straight from the oven. This High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels recipe gives you that same bakery-style comfort, but with a healthy, protein-packed twist.
Made with cottage cheese and simple ingredients, they’re soft, chewy, and perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or meal prep – ready in under 30 minutes using your oven or air fryer!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat, pressed to remove excess liquid)
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt)
- 1 large egg (for dough)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning
Step-by-Step Directions
1️⃣ Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, self-rising flour, egg, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
2️⃣ Shape the Bagels
Lightly flour your hands and surface. Divide dough into 4–5 equal portions. Roll each into a rope and shape into a bagel ring.
3️⃣ Add Toppings
Place shaped bagels on parchment paper. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or your favorite topping.
4️⃣ Bake (Oven Method)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake bagels for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
5️⃣ Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place bagels in a single layer and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.
6️⃣ Cool and Serve
Let the bagels cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve plain, with cream cheese, or your favorite healthy spread.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 bagels
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
Tips & Variations
- Extra Chewy Bagels: Refrigerate dough for 15–20 minutes before shaping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend.
- Low-Fat Version: Use fat-free cottage cheese and skip egg wash.
- Flavor Twist: Add cinnamon and a touch of honey for a sweet version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are cottage cheese bagels keto-friendly?
Not fully keto, but they’re low in fat and higher in protein compared to regular bagels, making them a healthier alternative.
2. Can I make cottage cheese bagels without self-rising flour?
Yes, just use 1 cup all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt as a substitute.
3. Can I freeze high protein cottage cheese bagels?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
4. How to make cottage cheese bagels softer?
Avoid overmixing the dough and make sure the cottage cheese is smooth before combining with the flour.
Final Thoughts
These High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a quick, healthy way to enjoy a classic comfort food without the guilt. Whether you use the oven or air fryer, they turn out soft, chewy, and absolutely delicious every time. Perfect for breakfast, meal prep, or a mid-day snack.
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