These 2-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are high in protein clocking in at 11 grams of protein per bagel and are super easy to make. You only need two ingredients and no special equipment!
These bagels are the same as my cottage cheese pizza. They can be also paired with this cottage cheese breakfast casserole, this high-protein egg salad, or these delicious scrambled eggs.
Savory baked goods are a weakness of mine and if there is a little chance I can incorporate them into my healthy high protein diet I totally would.
These bagels are a lifesaver when I'm craving a cream cheese bagel but I need to keep my protein intake high from breakfast all the way to dinner.
If you saw my previous cottage cheese recipes, you can probably tell how much I've been enjoying incorporating it in different recipes. And you should too.
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Why I love this recipe
High in protein: The bagel dough is high in protein thanks to the cottage cheese, and I can make it even higher with fillings. Scroll down for some filling suggestions.
Simple and quick: With only 2 main ingredients and no extended kneading or dough-proofing. Normal bagels require lots of kneading, and boiling it before baking in the oven.
No yeast: Many people nowadays prefer not to eat dough-based goods such as bread and bagels as they gut microbiome is easily impacted by yeast, this recipe doesn't contain yeast so it's totally safe.
Ingredients needed
Cottage cheese: I almost always like using full fat cottage and recommend it. But if you prefer to use zero fat or low fat go for it. Greek yogurt works brilliantly as well.
Self-raising flour: If you can pick the high-protein kind at your grocery store, even better! If all you've got in your pantry is all purpose flour and baking powder you can make your own self-raising flour by measuring one cup of 1 cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free self-raising flour or making your own using the measurements above.
Egg: This is an optional ingredient if you choose to sprinkle some toppings for garnish.
Toppings: This is also an optional ingredient if you want to give the bagel that classic look, you can use everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or both.
How to make cottage cheese bagels
Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Start by using a fork to mix the flour and cottage cheese until combined, then use your clean hands to bring the mixture together into a dough ball.
Knead it for two minutes. If the dough is too sticky to handle you can add one to two tablespoons of flour.
Divide the dough into four equal balls.
Create a hole in the center and gently stretch it to shape it into a bagel. Lightly brush each bagel with egg wash or with milk, then sprinkle with your chosen topping.
Place your cottage cheese bagels on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
Hanaa's recipe tips
Be sure to let the bagels cool down for 10 minutes before consuming them as they absorb moisture.
I highly recommend using full-fat cottage cheese for the best flavor and texture.
How to add extra protein to bagels
While these bagels score a healthy amount of protein each, you can amp it up by adding these mix-ins to make them a satisfying and nutritious meal:
- Layer smoked salmon, a generous spread of light cream cheese, capers, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Sliced turkey breast, mashed avocado, and a hard-boiled or poached egg.
- Spread hummus on the bagel and add grilled chicken strips, cucumber slices, and spinach.
- Fill with cottage cheese, roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
- Mix tuna with Greek yogurt instead of mayo for extra protein.
- Spread peanut butter on one side of the bagel and a dollop of Greek yogurt on the other.
Storage instructions
I recommend eating the bagels within 24 to 48 hours in which case you can store them in a resealable bag or airtight container at room temperature.
If you want to freeze them I recommend slicing them before and placing a bag in between slices for easier thawing and reheating.
Frequently asked questions
No, it's not, you can leave the bagels bare, brush them with milk or butter.
Yes, place the bagel dough in a 300F preheated air fryer for minutes flipping them halfway through.
Recipe card
Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese full fat, low fat or fat-free
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1 egg optional
- toppings everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or both.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Start by using a fork to mix the flour and cottage cheese until combined, then use your clean hands to bring the mixture together into a dough ball.
- Knead it for two minutes. If the dough is too sticky to handle you can add one to two tablespoons of flour.
- Divide the dough into four equal balls.
- Create a hole in the center and gently stretch it to shape it into a bagel. Lightly brush each bagel with egg wash or with milk, then sprinkle with your chosen topping.
- Place your cottage cheese bagels on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
Anastasia says
I'm so glad it's high in protein! Can't wait to try it out.
Kathy says
I love bagels and this recipe helps to make it healthier! Can't wait to try it!
Umer Siddiqui says
These cottage cheese bagels sound like a delicious and healthy snack!