Fluffy Cottage Cheese Bagels

Imagine biting into a warm, golden bagel with a perfectly chewy crust and a soft, pillowy interior—all while getting a serious protein boost. These Cottage Cheese Bagels are the answer to your breakfast dreams: no yeast, no waiting for dough to rise, and ready in just 35 minutes. Blending cottage cheese into the dough creates an incredibly tender texture while packing each bagel with 11 grams of protein. Whether you're meal-prepping for busy mornings or craving a homemade bagel without the fuss, this simple recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort.

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The secret to these bagels lies in blending the cottage cheese until completely smooth. This step transforms the curds into a creamy base that integrates seamlessly into the dough, creating that signature tender crumb. The combination of baking powder and egg provides lift and structure, while the egg wash and generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning deliver that classic bakery finish. Fresh from the oven, these bagels are irresistible—crispy on the outside, fluffy within, and ready to be slathered with cream cheese or piled high with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 g) cottage cheese (preferably low-fat or full-fat, not fat-free)
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (or sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a food processor or blender, blend the cottage cheese until very smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, egg, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Divide and Shape

Lightly flour your hands and the work surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.

Step 5: Form the Bagels

Roll each portion into a rope (about 7 inches/18 cm long), then shape into a ring, pinching the ends to seal and form bagels.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash and Seasoning

Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with bagel seasoning.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the smoothest dough texture, make sure your cottage cheese is completely blended—no curds should remain visible. If you don't have a food processor or blender, you can press the cottage cheese through a fine-mesh sieve, though blending is much easier and more effective. When shaping the bagels, keep your hands lightly floured to prevent sticking, but avoid adding too much extra flour, as this can make the dough dry. The ropes should be thick enough to hold their shape but not so thick that the bagel hole closes during baking. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before shaping.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These bagels are wonderfully adaptable to your taste preferences. For extra flavor, fold chopped fresh chives, shredded cheddar cheese, or dried herbs like rosemary or oregano directly into the dough. You can experiment with different toppings beyond everything bagel seasoning—try sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coarse sea salt, or a blend of dried garlic and onion flakes. For a sweet variation, omit the salt and seasoning, add a tablespoon of honey to the dough, and top with cinnamon sugar before baking. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these Cottage Cheese Bagels warm, sliced in half and spread with whipped cream cheese for a classic breakfast. For a more substantial meal, top with smoked salmon, capers, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh dill. Avocado lovers will enjoy mashed avocado with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and red pepper flakes. These bagels also make excellent sandwich bases—try turkey, Swiss cheese, and arugula, or go vegetarian with hummus, roasted red peppers, and cucumber. Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, toast directly from frozen or let thaw at room temperature.

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These Cottage Cheese Bagels prove that homemade bagels don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With their high protein content, satisfying texture, and endless topping possibilities, they're destined to become a weekend breakfast staple. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or toasted the next day, each bite delivers wholesome flavor and the kind of comfort that only a warm bagel can provide. Give this easy recipe a try, and discover just how simple it is to bake bakery-quality bagels in your own kitchen.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

→ How do I achieve a chewy texture without yeast?

Using baking powder as a leavening agent and cottage cheese creates a soft but chewy dough without yeast fermentation.

→ Can I substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Yes, but the texture may vary. Consider gluten-free blends designed for baking to maintain softness.

→ What toppings complement these bagels best?

Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or fresh herbs enhance flavor and texture nicely.

→ How should I store leftover bagels?

Keep them in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.

→ Is it possible to add extra flavor to the dough?

Yes, incorporating chopped chives, shredded cheese, or dried herbs adds depth to the flavor profile.