Cottage Cheese Bagels

Imagine biting into a warm, golden bagel with a tender, chewy interior and a crisp, golden crust—now imagine it's packed with protein and ready in just 35 minutes. These Cottage Cheese Bagels are a game-changer for busy mornings when you want something satisfying, nutritious, and utterly delicious. No yeast, no waiting, no fuss—just simple ingredients blended into a fluffy dough that bakes into bakery-worthy bagels right in your own kitchen.

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The secret to these bagels lies in the cottage cheese, which adds moisture, protein, and a subtle tang that elevates every bite. Blended until silky smooth, the cottage cheese creates a dough that's soft yet sturdy, pliable yet pillowy. Whether you're topping them with classic everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or keeping them plain for versatile pairing, these bagels adapt to your cravings. Serve them warm with cream cheese, pile them high with smoked salmon, or toast them until crispy for your favorite sandwich.

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

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a food processor or blender, blend the cottage cheese until very smooth.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, egg, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Step 4

Lightly flour your hands and the work surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions.

Step 5

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 6

Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with bagel seasoning.

Step 7

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden brown and puffed.

Step 8

Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Blending the cottage cheese until completely smooth is crucial for achieving the best texture—any lumps will result in an uneven dough. Use a food processor or high-speed blender for the smoothest consistency. When shaping the bagels, make sure the center hole is generous, as it will shrink slightly during baking. If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour, but avoid adding too much extra flour to the dough itself, as this can make the bagels dense. The egg wash is key to achieving that beautiful golden-brown color, so don't skip it.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra flavor, fold chopped fresh chives, shredded cheddar cheese, or dried herbs like rosemary or oregano directly into the dough before shaping. Experiment with different toppings: try cinnamon sugar for a sweet version, garlic and Parmesan for a savory twist, or leave them plain for a versatile base. You can also swap the everything bagel seasoning for sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or flaky sea salt. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

Serviervorschläge

These bagels are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with both sweet and savory toppings. Spread them with whipped cream cheese, layer on smoked salmon with capers and red onion, or go classic with butter and jam. For a hearty breakfast sandwich, slice them in half and fill with scrambled eggs, avocado, and crispy bacon. They're also delicious toasted and served alongside a bowl of soup or a fresh green salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 2 months—simply toast straight from frozen for a quick breakfast.

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With their fluffy texture, satisfying chew, and impressive protein content, these Cottage Cheese Bagels prove that homemade doesn't have to be complicated. In just 35 minutes, you'll have fresh, warm bagels that rival anything from your favorite bakery—and you'll feel good knowing exactly what's in them. Whether you're fueling up for a busy day or treating yourself to a leisurely weekend brunch, these bagels deliver comfort, flavor, and nutrition in every golden bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fat-free cottage cheese in the dough?

Using fat-free cottage cheese may alter the texture, making the bagels less moist and fluffy. Full-fat or low-fat versions yield better results.

→ Do I need a food processor to blend the cottage cheese?

While a food processor or blender is recommended for a smooth dough, you can also mash the cottage cheese thoroughly by hand for a similar texture.

→ Can these bagels be toasted after baking?

Yes, the bagels toast well and develop a pleasant crispness while retaining their chewy interior.

→ What are good toppings for these bagels?

Classic toppings include everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or herbs. After baking, spread cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado for added flavor.

→ How should I store leftover bagels?

Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage, up to 2 months.

→ Is yeast required for these bagels?

No yeast is needed; baking powder leavens the dough, making preparation faster and simpler without compromising texture.