Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I absolutely love making Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels; they are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat. The aromatic blend of herbs and the creamy texture of the cottage cheese elevate the flavor to a new level. Each bite is a wonderful mix of savory goodness, making them perfect for brunch or as a midday snack. I often pair them with my favorite toppings, and they never fail to impress. You won’t believe how easy they are to whip up, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
When I first decided to try making bagels with cottage cheese, I was surprised at how moist and flavorful they turned out. The addition of cottage cheese not only enhances the moisture but also provides a wonderful source of protein. I found that letting the dough rest allows the flavors to develop further, resulting in a richer taste.
After experimenting with various toppings, I discovered that rosemary and garlic pair exceptionally well with the bagels. Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. This recipe quickly became a favorite in my household, especially during brunch gatherings with friends!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy cottage cheese adds a unique twist to traditional bagels.
- Herbal and savory flavor profile that's perfect for any time of day.
- Quick and easy to make, ideal for busy mornings or brunch with friends.
Crafting the Perfect Dough
When you mix the flour, baking powder, and salt, it’s crucial to ensure these dry ingredients are evenly combined. This not only helps strengthen the dough but also allows for a uniform rise. If your mixture seems too dry once you add the wet ingredients, don't hesitate to incorporate a splash more cottage cheese. The goal is to achieve a smooth, elastic dough that feels a little tacky but is not overly sticky to handle.
Kneading the dough is an essential step. Be gentle yet firm, knead it for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If you're not familiar with kneading techniques, think of it as pushing the dough away with the heel of your hand, folding it back over itself, and rotating it slightly. This process helps develop the gluten, giving your bagels a chewier texture.
Shaping and Boiling Tips
Shaping the bagels can be fun and creative! After dividing the dough, make sure your portions are similar in size for even baking. For evenly shaped bagels, I often pat the dough into a flat disk before creating the hole. If the hole closes up during cooking, simply re-poke it to maintain the classic bagel shape. This ensures a perfect bite each time.
Boiling the bagels is where they truly transform into authentic bagels. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil; this helps give the bagels that signature chewy crust. Add a teaspoon of sugar or baking soda to the boiling water for extra flavor and browning. Just remember to keep a close watch — boiling for too long can lead to overly dense bagels, so stick to the 2-minute guideline.
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients for these delightful bagels!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Mix and knead the ingredients to create a smooth dough!
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your bagels!
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese, egg, olive oil, rosemary, and garlic powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and knead until smooth.
Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your fingers to form a bagel shape.
Boil the Bagels
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently add the bagels to the boiling water, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove and let drain on a towel.
Bake the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the boiled bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Let the bagels cool before serving - enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips
- Try adding your favorite herbs or spices to the dough for a personalized touch. These bagels are versatile and can be enjoyed with various toppings like cream cheese, avocado, or even smoked salmon.
Serving Suggestions
These Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels are incredibly versatile. I love serving them warm straight out of the oven as is, or with a spread of cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs. They also pair beautifully with smoked salmon, avocado, or sliced tomatoes for a more substantial meal. However, don’t be afraid to get creative with your favorite toppings or spreads; the soft texture of the bagel can handle bold flavors!
For a unique twist, try making mini bagels using the same recipe. Just divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the cooking time slightly. They make perfect bite-sized snacks for gatherings or parties. You can even prepare an assortment of bagels topped with different flavors like everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or even a sprinkle of cheese.
Storage and Freezing
If you find yourself with leftover bagels, storing them properly is key. Simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze them after they've cooled completely. Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Reheating is a breeze; pop them in a toaster for a few minutes or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, you can revive that fresh-baked flavor and chewy texture, bringing the bagels back to life!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese will work, but it may result in slightly less creaminess.
→ How should I store leftover bagels?
Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag.
→ Can I add toppings before baking?
Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like everything bagel seasoning or herbs before baking.
→ Is it necessary to boil the bagels?
Boiling the bagels helps achieve that classic chewy texture, so it is recommended for the best results.
Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels
I absolutely love making Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels; they are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat. The aromatic blend of herbs and the creamy texture of the cottage cheese elevate the flavor to a new level. Each bite is a wonderful mix of savory goodness, making them perfect for brunch or as a midday snack. I often pair them with my favorite toppings, and they never fail to impress. You won’t believe how easy they are to whip up, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese, egg, olive oil, rosemary, and garlic powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and knead until smooth.
Divide the dough into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your fingers to form a bagel shape.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently add the bagels to the boiling water, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove and let drain on a towel.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the boiled bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Extra Tips
- Try adding your favorite herbs or spices to the dough for a personalized touch. These bagels are versatile and can be enjoyed with various toppings like cream cheese, avocado, or even smoked salmon.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 9g