Cottage cheese protein bagels are a unique twist on a classic breakfast favorite. They’re soft, warm, and packed with protein, making them a great choice to start your day. These bagels are super easy to whip up, perfect for busy mornings or a leisurely weekend brunch. A touch of seasoning on top adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe is special for several reasons. First, it uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. It’s a quick recipe that doesn’t require any fancy equipment, just a bowl and a food processor. Plus, these bagels are great for the whole family. They’re healthy, filling, and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Simple Method for Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels
The process of making these bagels is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll blend the cottage cheese until smooth, mix in the flour, and then shape the dough. Once baked, you’ll have warm, fresh bagels that are perfect for breakfast or snack time.
What You Need
- 1 cup self-rising flour ((Note 1))
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese ((Note 2))
- 1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 375 and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend cottage cheese: Place the cottage cheese in the food processor or blender and pulse or blend on high until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add flour: Transfer it to a medium bowl and add the flour. Mix until completely combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a generously floured work surface and knead the dough 8-10 times until smooth. Add more flour to the work surface as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
- Shape and season: Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into 4 equal balls. If you want them to be the exact same size, you can weigh out each piece of dough to approximately 80g. Roll each ball out into a 6-7 inch rope, about 1-inch thick. Join the ends to make a circle and pinch the seam tightly to seal. Brush the tops with a beaten egg and top with your seasoning of choice.
- Bake: Place the bagels in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. If you prefer, you can also air fry them for a crispier texture.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These cottage cheese protein bagels are delightful on their own or can be served with sweet or savory toppings. Try spreading some cream cheese or avocado on top. They also go well with a bowl of fresh fruit or a side salad for a light meal. Enjoy them for breakfast before school or as a snack after playtime.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bagel tightly and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or microwave until warm.
Helpful Cooking Notes
- Use a food processor for a quick blending of the cottage cheese.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a little bit more flour while kneading.
- Ensure that your oven is fully preheated for even baking.
- Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite flavor.
- For a crispier bagel, consider air frying at a higher temperature for a shorter time.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Herb and Cheese: Add dried herbs like oregano or basil to the dough for a savory twist.
- Sweet Cinnamon: Mix in a touch of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version that’s perfect with cream cheese.
- Veggie Bagels: Fold in some finely chopped spinach or sundried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
Common Questions
Can I make these bagels ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the bagels the night before. Just cover them with plastic wrap and place them in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze the bagels?
Absolutely! Once they have cooled completely, wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
What’s the best way to reheat these bagels?
To reheat, simply place the bagel in the toaster until it’s warm and crispy. You can also microwave it for about 20-30 seconds, but it won’t be as crispy.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
Yes, you can swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a similar texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
What’s a common mistake to avoid when making these bagels?
A common mistake is adding too much flour at the start. Start with the recommended amount and only add more if the dough is too sticky. This helps you achieve the right texture.
Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup self-rising flour (Note 1)
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (Note 2)
- 1 large egg beaten, for egg wash
Toppings
- to taste sesame seeds
- to taste everything bagel seasoning
- to taste shredded asiago cheese
- to taste poppy seeds
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl and add the self-rising flour. Mix until completely combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer the dough to a generously floured work surface and knead the dough 8-10 times until smooth, adding more flour to the work surface as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
Shaping and Baking
- Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into 4 equal balls (approximately 80g each for uniformity).
- Roll each ball out into a 6-7 inch rope, about 1-inch thick. Join the ends to make a circle and pinch the seam tightly to seal.
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg and top with your desired seasoning.
- Place the bagels in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown. For a crispier texture, consider air frying them at a higher temperature for a shorter time.
