These Cottage Cheese Bagels are incredibly quick to make and packed with protein, perfect for busy mornings or school lunches that your kids will actually eat!
I love how these bagels deliver a perfect chewy texture with very little effort. No complicated boiling or proofing dough. Just combine a few pantry staples and cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt) and they're ready in under 30 minutes!
My kids request these frequently for breakfast and school lunches.I love that they pack an extra dose of protein to fuel our busy days with 12 grams of protein per bagel!
If you're like me and prioritize protein at meals, check out my Chia Yogurt Parfait and PB&J Overnight Oats.
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Ingredients
- Bread Flour - Bread flour helps make for a chewier bagel with higher protein content. But all purpose flour works, too!
- Baking Powder - Provides the rise without needing yeast, making these much faster to prepare.
- Salt - Enhances flavor and strengthens the gluten structure.
- Full-Fat Cottage Cheese - Adds moisture, protein, and a tender texture. Can be substituted with full-fat Greek yogurt for equally delicious results.
- Egg - Used for the egg wash to create a glossy golden crust.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning - Creates that classic bagel shop flavor, but feel free to substitute with any toppings you enjoy.
See recipe card for quantities.
Why Full-Fat Matters
Using full-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt delivers both culinary and nutritional benefits that make these bagels exceptional.
As far as the performance of the recipe, full-fat helps:
- Moisture & Texture - The fat content helps create a tender, moist interior while maintaining that classic bagel chew. Fat-free versions can produce drier, tougher results.
- Binding Properties - The fat molecules help bind ingredients together, giving the dough better structure during baking.
- Flavor Development - Full-fat dairy creates a more complex, satisfying flavor profile.
Full-fat dairy also comes with a host of nutritional benefits like:
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins - Full-fat dairy contains vitamins A, D, E, and K that your body can actually absorb and use, unlike in fat-free versions where these nutrients are less bioavailable.
- Sustained Energy - The healthy fats help slow digestion and provide steady energy.
- Greater Satiety - The fat content helps keep you and your kids feeling fuller longer, reducing the need for less nutritious snacks between meals.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create perfect bagels every time!
- Step 1: Mix the dough. Combine bread flour, baking powder, and salt, then mix in the full-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt until a rough dough forms then knead it for a minute to form a ball.
- Step 2: Form the bagels. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, roll each into a ball, then poke your thumb through the center and gently stretch to form the bagel shape.
- Step 3: Apply egg wash. Place the bagels on a baking sheet with parchment paper and brush the tops and sides of each bagel with egg wash for that golden, shiny crust.
- Step 4: Add toppings. Generously sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning or your favorite toppings.
- Step 5: Bake to perfection. Bake on the top rack at 375°F for about 20 minutes until beautifully golden brown.
Hint: I bake the bagels on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
- The dough will be slightly sticky at first, but avoid adding too much extra flour or your bagels may become dense. Trust the process!
- Position the bagels on the top rack of your oven for that perfect golden crust.
Storage
These bagels keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze them for up to 3 months. Pop frozen bagel halves directly into the toaster for a quick breakfast or lunch addition! We of course love ours with a cream cheese schmear or peanut butter.
Cottage Cheese Bagels (30 Minute Recipe)
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cottage Cheese Bagels are incredibly quick to make and packed with protein, perfect for busy mornings or school lunches that kids will love.
Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups (167g) bread flour
- 2 tsp (8g) baking powder
- ¾ tsp (5g) salt
- 1 cup (210g) full-fat cottage cheese (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Everything bagel seasoning (or toppings of your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the upper third of the oven.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the bread flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- Add the cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt) to the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a surface and knead until it fully comes together in a ball. The dough might seem dry and crumbly at first, but trust the process. It will come together. Adding more liquid could result in sticky dough that's harder to work with.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your thumb to poke a hole in the center. Gently stretch the hole to about 1½ inches in diameter, creating a bagel shape.
- Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make the egg wash by beating an egg in a small bowl and then brush the tops and sides of each bagel with the egg wash.
- Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning or toppings of your choice.
- Bake on the top rack for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Using bread flour results in a chewier bagel thanks to its higher protein content.
- These bagels freeze beautifully! Cool completely, slice, and freeze in an airtight container.
- Try cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese as alternative toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 239
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 780.6 mg
- Fat: 6.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 33.3 g
- Fiber: 1.1 g
- Protein: 12.6 g
- Cholesterol: 14.4 mg
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