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High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

Featured in Tasty Morning Favorites.

These High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a game-changer for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while enjoying a classic breakfast favorite. With 11 grams of protein per bagel and just 167 calories, they're incredibly satisfying without weighing you down. The magic happens when smooth blended cottage cheese combines with flour and a few pantry staples to create a surprisingly easy dough - no yeast or complicated techniques required. These bagels bake up fluffy and airy in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings or meal prep. Customize them with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or keep them plain, then store at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
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Ranah
Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 17:56:49 GMT
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High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels | lifesugar.co

Cottage cheese bagels revolutionize breakfast with their impressive protein content and surprisingly simple preparation method. These fluffy, satisfying rings deliver bakery-quality results without the complicated process of traditional bagel making. Their slightly tangy flavor and tender interior create the perfect canvas for both sweet and savory toppings while providing substantial nutrition to fuel your morning.

I first discovered cottage cheese bagels when looking for higher-protein alternatives to my morning toast. I was skeptical about the cottage cheese being detectable, but was amazed when my teenage son couldn't tell the difference between these and store-bought bagels. They've become our Sunday morning tradition, with everyone choosing their own toppings.

Nutritional Powerhouses

  • Cottage Cheese: Provides exceptional protein content while creating a moist, tender crumb structure in the bagels. Choose small or medium curd varieties with 2% or 4% fat for best results and creamiest texture.
  • Flour: Forms the structural base of the bagels and works with the cottage cheese proteins to create the perfect chewy texture. All-purpose flour works well, but bread flour creates an even more authentic bagel chew.
  • Baking Powder: Creates the necessary rise without yeast, producing airy pockets throughout the dough. Fresh baking powder is crucial - test yours by placing a teaspoon in hot water to ensure it bubbles vigorously.
  • Salt: Balances the mild tanginess of the cottage cheese while enhancing the overall flavor profile. Fine sea salt incorporates most evenly, though kosher salt works beautifully as well.
  • Egg: Creates the characteristic shiny crust and helps toppings adhere properly. Farm-fresh eggs with vibrant yolks produce the most appetizing golden-brown finish.
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High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe | lifesugar.co

Bagel Crafting Method

Prepare Your Workspace:
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside a small bowl with one beaten egg for the egg wash. Having everything ready ensures seamless assembly once your dough comes together.
Create The Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt, whisking thoroughly to distribute the leavening agent evenly. Add 1 cup of cottage cheese to the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula initially, then using your hands to bring everything together into a cohesive dough that feels slightly tacky but not sticky.
Shape Your Bagels:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for about 30 seconds until smooth. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions using a bench scraper or knife. Roll each portion into a ball, then press your thumb through the center to create a hole. Gently stretch the ring to about 3½ inches in diameter, maintaining an even thickness throughout.
Finish And Bake:
Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet, allowing at least 2 inches between each. Brush thoroughly with egg wash, being careful to coat the entire surface for even browning. Sprinkle your chosen toppings generously over the bagels. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before enjoying.

My neighbor was skeptical when I first shared these bagels with her, insisting cottage cheese would create an odd flavor. She became an immediate convert after one bite and now makes a double batch every weekend for her family. I personally love using herbs from my garden mixed into the dough - rosemary and thyme create an incredible savory version that pairs perfectly with cream cheese and lox.

Perfect Pairings

Transform these protein-rich bagels into complete meals by topping them thoughtfully. Create a Mediterranean-inspired open-faced sandwich with hummus, cucumber slices, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of za'atar. For a heartier option, split and toast the bagels, then layer with smashed avocado, a fried egg, and everything bagel seasoning for a breakfast that combines protein with healthy fats.

Custom Creations

Experiment with flavor variations by incorporating different ingredients directly into your dough. Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, or basil for garden-fresh flavor. Sweet versions benefit from 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of raisins kneaded into the dough. For cheesy bagels, fold ¼ cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan into the mixture before shaping.

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Easy High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe | lifesugar.co

Freshness Tricks

Keep your homemade bagels at peak freshness by storing them properly after they've completely cooled. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, slice the bagels before freezing and separate each slice with parchment paper for easy toasting directly from frozen. Refresh day-old bagels by lightly spritzing with water before reheating in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

I've experimented with countless homemade bagel recipes over the years, but these cottage cheese bagels have become my absolute favorite for their incredible ease-to-results ratio. When my sister visited from out of town, she was amazed that these weren't from an artisanal bakery and immediately requested the recipe. The protein boost makes these bagels substantially more filling than traditional versions, keeping hunger at bay until lunchtime even on my busiest mornings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Using all whole wheat flour may make the bagels too dense.
→ Do I have to use a food processor to blend the cottage cheese?
An immersion blender works well too. If you don't have either, you can use a blender or even mash the cottage cheese very thoroughly with a fork, though the texture won't be as smooth.
→ Can I make these bagels dairy-free?
This specific recipe relies on cottage cheese for its protein content and texture. For dairy-free options, you'd need a completely different recipe.
→ Why are my bagels not rising as much as expected?
Check that your baking powder is fresh - it loses potency over time. Also, be careful not to overwork the dough which can make the bagels tough and prevent proper rising.
→ Can I add other ingredients to the dough like cinnamon and raisins?
Absolutely! You can fold in about 2-3 tablespoons of mix-ins like raisins, cinnamon, blueberries, or herbs to customize the flavor.

High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

These fluffy cottage cheese bagels pack 11g of protein each and need just 5 simple ingredients. Perfect for meal prep and ready in just 35 minutes!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Morning Favorites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bagels)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dough

01 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese
02 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
03 2 tsp baking powder
04 ½ tsp salt

→ Topping

05 1 egg, beaten
06 everything bagel seasoning, or sesame seeds, poppy seeds, plain

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°).

Step 02

Blend cottage cheese in a food processor or with an immersion blender until smooth.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir with a silicone spatula until a sticky dough forms. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead with your hands until smooth. If the dough remains too sticky, gradually add up to 2 additional tablespoons of flour.

Step 04

Divide the dough into 4 equal portions (use a scale for even portions). Shape each one into a ball, cup your hand around, and roll it gently in a circular motion under your palm to create a smooth, tight ball. Then, shape each ball into a 10-inch-long rope.

Step 05

Bring the ends of the rope together to form a circle, overlapping and pinching the ends together to seal. You can roll the seam on the counter to smooth it out. → The hole in the bagel should be 2 inches in diameter before baking to allow for expansion while keeping the classic shape. If it isn't big enough, gently stretch the dough around the hole with your fingers to widen it.

Step 06

Place the bagels on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush twice with the beaten egg and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, a topping of choice, or leave them plain.

Step 07

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  1. Everything Bagel Seasoning (you might not need the whole amount): 2 tbsp white sesame seeds, 1 tbsp black sesame seeds, 1 tsp poppy seeds, ¼ tsp dried garlic powder of flakes, ¼ tsp dried onion powder or flakes, a pinch of sea salt
  2. Store bagels for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Toast & Enjoy!
  3. Freeze bagels for up to 3 months in a freezer bag, and thaw directly frozen in a toaster.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor or immersion blender
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Silicone spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cottage cheese)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 167
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: 11 g