Cottage Cheese Bagels

Imagine biting into a warm, golden bagel that's not only delicious but packed with protein to fuel your morning. These Cottage Cheese Bagels are a game-changer for anyone who loves the chewy texture of traditional bagels but wants a simpler, healthier option. With no yeast and no waiting time, you can have fresh, homemade bagels on your table in just 35 minutes. The secret ingredient? Blended cottage cheese that adds moisture, protein, and a subtle tang that makes these bagels irresistibly fluffy.

Pin

Whether you're looking for a quick weekday breakfast or a weekend brunch treat, these cottage cheese bagels deliver on both convenience and flavor. The blended cottage cheese creates a smooth, creamy base that binds beautifully with flour and baking powder, resulting in a dough that's easy to handle and shape. Top them with everything bagel seasoning for that classic deli vibe, or get creative with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even cinnamon sugar for a sweet variation.

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: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a food processor or blender, blend the cottage cheese until very smooth. This creates a creamy base without any lumps.

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 that holds together well.

Step 4: Shape the Bagels

Lightly flour your hands and the work surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. 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 5: Apply Egg Wash and Toppings

Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with bagel seasoning for a golden, flavorful crust.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed. The bagels should be firm to the touch and beautifully bronzed.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the interior to set while keeping them warm enough to enjoy immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

The key to perfect cottage cheese bagels is ensuring your cottage cheese is completely smooth before adding it to the flour mixture. Any lumps will create an uneven texture in the final product. Use a food processor or high-powered blender and blend for at least 30 seconds until the mixture looks like thick cream. When shaping your bagels, work quickly but gently—the dough is soft and forgiving, but overworking it can make the bagels tough. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust with additional flour, but avoid adding too much as this can dry out the bagels. The egg wash is essential for achieving that classic golden-brown bagel exterior and helps the toppings adhere perfectly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These bagels are wonderfully versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. For extra flavor, add chopped chives, shredded cheese, or dried herbs directly to the dough before shaping. Try mixing in garlic powder and Italian herbs for a savory twist, or add a tablespoon of honey and cinnamon for a sweeter breakfast option. You can also experiment with different toppings beyond everything bagel seasoning—try sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sea salt flakes, or even a cinnamon-sugar mixture. For a protein boost, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the dough.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these cottage cheese bagels warm or toasted with whipped cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and red onion for a classic bagel experience. They're also delicious with sliced avocado, tomato, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a fresh, healthy breakfast. For a sweet option, spread with almond butter and top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey. These bagels make an excellent base for breakfast sandwiches—try them with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crispy bacon. Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply toast them directly from frozen for a fresh-baked taste any day of the week.

Pin

These Cottage Cheese Bagels prove that homemade doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward method, you can enjoy fresh, protein-packed bagels that rival any bakery version. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility—whether you're meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick weekend breakfast, these bagels deliver every time. Once you try them, you'll wonder why you ever bought store-bought bagels in the first place.

Recipe FAQ

→ How does cottage cheese affect the bagel texture?

The cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, resulting in a soft, fluffy interior with a slight chewiness, differing from traditional yeast bagels.

→ Can I substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used but may result in a denser texture and a nuttier flavor. Adjust moisture if needed.

→ Is yeast required for these bagels?

No yeast is needed; baking powder acts as the leavening agent, making the process quicker and simpler.

→ What toppings work well on these bagels?

Everything bagel seasoning is classic, but alternatives like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or dried herbs add great flavor variations.

→ How should leftover bagels be stored?

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