High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

Name: High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional); Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (for topping)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love the surprising texture and flavor of these High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels. The incorporation of cottage cheese not only boosts the protein content but also creates a wonderfully chewy dough that’s delightful to bite into. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, these bagels are versatile enough to be enjoyed with sweet or savory toppings. I've experimented with this recipe a few times, and each batch turns out fluffy yet satisfying, making it hard to eat just one!

Created by

Katherine Blake

Last updated on 2026-01-20T03:16:12.709Z

When I first tried making bagels at home, I had my doubts about using cottage cheese as a key ingredient. However, after a few test runs, I realized that the creaminess of the cheese combined with the right amount of flour creates a batch of bagels that are not only rich in protein but also have a delightful texture. I remember serving these fresh out of the oven, and everyone was surprised at how tender they were!

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap in your favorite herbs or even add seeds on top before baking. Experimenting with toppings became a part of the fun—I've had success with everything from smoked salmon to sweet cream cheese. Each time, I learned something new, which motivated me to keep tweaking the recipe until it was just right.

        Why You'll Love These Bagels
        Packed with protein to fuel your day
Deliciously chewy texture that satisfies
Perfect for any topping, sweet or savory

      

Understanding Key Ingredients

Cottage cheese is the star of these bagels, contributing not only protein but also moisture. The curds help achieve a lovely chewy texture, which is often difficult to achieve in traditional bagels made with only flour and water. Be sure to use regular or low-fat cottage cheese; non-fat versions may result in a drier dough. Additionally, when mixing the ingredients, beware of overworking the dough as it can toughen the bagels, making them less enjoyable to chew.

The choice of flour also plays a crucial role. All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe because it offers a balance of protein content that complements the cottage cheese well. If you want a heartier version, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Just note that this may require a slight tweak in hydration, as whole wheat flour can absorb more moisture.

Techniques for Perfect Bagels

Shaping the bagels properly can transform their texture and appearance. When rolling the dough into ropes, ensure evenness in thickness to promote uniform cooking. If the ropes are too thick, the inside might remain doughy, while if they are too thin, they risk becoming overcooked. Aim for about 3/4 inch in thickness. Pinching the ends together securely is essential to ensure they don’t unravel during baking.

Baking at the right temperature ensures the bagels get a crisp exterior without burning. Keep an eye on them around the 15-minute mark; they should begin turning golden brown. If the bagels aren't browning as expected, consider checking your oven temperature with an oven thermometer. Occasionally, home ovens can run cooler or hotter than indicated, which could affect your baking results.

Ingredients

You'll need the following ingredients to make these bagels:

Bagel Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cottage cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (for topping)

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cottage cheese, egg, baking powder, salt, and optional honey or sugar. Mix until a dough forms.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long and shape it into a circle, pinching the ends together to seal.

Prepare for Baking

Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning if desired.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bagels to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips

For best results, let the dough rest for a few minutes before shaping to allow the gluten to relax. This helps achieve a better texture in the bagels.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These bagels can be made in advance and stored for perfect convenience. After cooling, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them! Wrap each cooled bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a resealable freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a toaster or oven until warmed through.

If you prefer fresh bagels with that wonderful baked aroma, consider preparing the dough ahead of time. After mixing the ingredients, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together. However, be cautious not to refrigerate for too long, as the yeast’s leavening action can diminish.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These bagels are a blank canvas for a variety of toppings. For a classic experience, try spreading cream cheese on a warm bagel paired with smoked salmon and capers. Alternatively, for a hearty breakfast, top with avocado slices and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don’t shy away from sweet options either — a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon can make for a delightful snack.

Feel free to jazz up the base recipe with mix-ins. Ingredients like fresh herbs, diced jalapeños, or shredded cheese can be folded into the dough for additional flavor and texture. If you want to keep the preparation simple, consider adding your preferred seasoning directly on top before baking, which enhances both presentation and taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly to account for the different absorption properties of whole wheat flour.

→ How long do these bagels last?

They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these bagels?

Absolutely! Freeze them individually and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and toast before serving.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, and hummus are all great options! Feel free to get creative.