Name: Cottage Cheese Bagels (30 Minute Recipe)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
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)

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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!

Golden brown baked cottage cheese bagels on a green surface

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, Cottage Cheese Blueberry Muffins, Tiramisu Overnight Oats and PB&J Overnight Oats. Or cottage cheese cookie dough for an evening sweet treat.

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 for more stable blood sugar and 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.

Browse more ➡️ Blood Sugar-Friendly Recipes

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.

stretching out the ring to make a hole in the center of the dough for a bagel

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.

bagels on parchment paper being brushed with egg wash

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.

Bagels on a baking sheet after being baked

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.