High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels (Print Version)

# 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:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°).
02 - Blend cottage cheese in a food processor or with an immersion blender until smooth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:

01 - 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
02 - Store bagels for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Toast & Enjoy!
03 - Freeze bagels for up to 3 months in a freezer bag, and thaw directly frozen in a toaster.