What Makes Cottage Cheese Bagels So Special
With just a handful of simple ingredients, cottage cheese bagels deliver a golden, chewy texture and a subtle tang that’ll make you forget store-bought versions ever existed. These homemade bagels are lightly sweetened with honey, brushed with egg white for that perfect shine, and crowned with everything bagel seasoning for a savory crunch. Whether you’re craving a high-protein breakfast or a wholesome snack, these bagels come together faster than you’d think—no yeast, no waiting!
Now, I’ll confess: my first batch spread a tad too much on the baking sheet. But here’s the trick I learned—knead the dough just until it’s smooth (overworking it makes them dense). And trust me, once you pull these from the oven, you’ll understand why my family begs me to double the recipe every time. They’re simpler than they look, darling!
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What You’ll Find in This Article
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Bagels
- 1 1/2 cups small-curd cottage cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 egg white, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
Cook Time for Homemade Bagels Easy
In my sunlit North Carolina kitchen, these cottage cheese bagels take about 30 minutes start to finish—faster than running to the bakery! Prep is a breezy 10 minutes (just mixing and shaping), while baking needs 20–25 minutes. If you’re new to healthy baking, this recipe’s forgiving nature makes it a joy. Perfect for sleepy mornings when you need something hearty without the fuss.
How to Make High Protein Bagels
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps cleanup effortless and prevents sticking—something I learned after scrubbing one too many pans!
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, stir together cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, honey, and the beaten egg until a sticky dough forms. Don’t fret if it’s shaggy at first—it’ll come together as you knead.
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently for 1–2 minutes until smooth, then divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a rope and shape into a circle, pinching the ends to seal. Place on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops with egg white, sprinkle generously with everything seasoning, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and firm. Let them cool slightly—if you can resist!
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe more times than I can count. Here’s what makes it foolproof:
- Flavor swap: Try cinnamon-sugar instead of everything seasoning for a sweet twist—my grandkids adore it!
- Diet tweak: For low-carb bagels, swap half the flour for almond flour (add an extra egg white to bind).
- Texture fix: If the dough feels too wet, dust your hands with flour—it’s sticky but manageable.
- Storage tip: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Reheat in a toaster for that just-baked crispness.
Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups small-curd cottage cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 egg white lightly beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
Method
- Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, stir together cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, honey, and the beaten egg until a sticky dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently for 1–2 minutes until smooth, then divide into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a rope and shape into a circle, pinching the ends to seal. Place on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with egg white, sprinkle generously with everything seasoning, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and firm.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
These cottage cheese bagels pack a protein punch—each one delivers about 12 grams, thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs. They’re also lower in carbs than traditional bagels, making them a smart choice for balanced eating. I love pairing them with avocado or whipped cottage cheese for extra staying power. According to nutrition experts, cottage cheese supports muscle health and keeps you fuller longer—no mid-morning crashes here!
A Lighter Version of Healthy Bagel Recipe
For those watching sugar or carbs, here’s how I lighten them up: replace honey with a mashed ripe banana (it adds natural sweetness) or use a sugar-free syrup. You can also try whole-wheat flour or a cauliflower flour blend for extra fiber. For gluten-free needs, this adaptation uses gluten-free flour beautifully. The best part? These tweaks don’t sacrifice flavor—just guilt!
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
Now, sugar-conscious friends, I hear you—because my sister-in-law Mary, bless her heart, has been managing her blood sugar for years. That’s why I love how adaptable these cottage cheese bagels are! For a diabetic-friendly version, swap honey with mashed banana (it adds natural sweetness without spiking glucose) or try a sprinkle of stevia. If you’re watching carbs, almond flour works beautifully—just add an extra egg white to keep the dough tender. And darling, if you’ve ever wondered about portion control, these bagels freeze wonderfully so you can enjoy one at a time without temptation!
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Bagels
Oh, how I adore lazy Sunday mornings with these bagels—warm from the oven, split open to reveal their pillowy centers. My grandson Jake insists on slathering his with peanut butter and banana slices, while I lean toward creamy avocado and a drizzle of hot honey. For a heartier meal, top them with fluffy cottage cheese egg bites or pair with a crisp arugula salad. And if you’re hosting brunch? Arrange them on a wooden board with smoked salmon and capers—Skinnytaste’s protein-packed pairing inspired this elegant twist!
Funny story—last Easter, I brought these to church potluck, and Reverend Thompson mistook them for traditional bagels! His face when he discovered they were high-protein bagels made with cottage cheese? Priceless. Now the ladies’ auxiliary committee asks me to bring them monthly!
Mistakes to Avoid
Sweetheart, let me save you the kitchen mishaps I’ve endured. First, over-kneading the dough—it makes these homemade bagels easy turn dense as biscotti. Stop as soon as it’s smooth! Second, skipping the egg wash (trust me, that golden shine matters). And third? Not spacing them on the baking sheet—my first batch fused into a bagel-monster! For perfect results every time, check my healthy baking guide or Feel Good Foodie’s troubleshooting tips.
Oh, and a word to the wise—if your bagels spread too much, pop the dough in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking. Works like a charm!
How to Store Cottage Cheese Bagels
Remember my neighbor Carol? She stashed a batch in a breadbox last summer and—well, let’s just say we learned why airtight containers exist! For freshness, wrap cooled bagels in beeswax wraps or store in a container lined with paper towels (absorbs moisture). They’ll keep 3 days at room temperature, but here’s my secret: freeze them individually wrapped. When my high-protein breakfast cravings hit, I toast one straight from the freezer—crispy outside, tender inside, just like The Modern Nonna’s genius method!
Try This Cottage Cheese Bagels Yourself
Darling, if my dear friend Margaret—who once burned microwave popcorn—can master these, so can you! There’s magic in that first bite: the crunch of seasoning, the slight tang of cottage cheese, the way they make ordinary mornings feel special. Need more inspiration? Explore my cottage cheese recipe collection, whip up some cloud-like strawberry mousse, or try protein-packed muffins for variety. Now go preheat that oven—your future self will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cottage cheese good for bagels?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese adds protein and moisture, creating that signature chewy texture. As dairy nutritionists confirm, it’s a brilliant swap for traditional wet ingredients.
Can you use cottage cheese instead of yogurt in bagels?
You can, sugar! Just strain excess liquid first. I prefer cottage cheese for its milder tang—perfect for both savory and sweet variations.
How do you make Bethenny Frankel’s viral cottage cheese bagel?
While her exact recipe varies, the magic lies in blending cottage cheese until smooth. For a similar effect, try Bethenny’s technique with our seasoning twists!
Is cottage cheese healthy for weight loss?
In moderation, yes! Its high protein content promotes fullness. Pair these bagels with veggies for a balanced meal that satisfies.
