Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel: A High-Protein Breakfast Treat
If you’re looking for a protein-packed, homemade bagel that’s easy to make and deliciously satisfying, this Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel recipe is for you. With just two main ingredients—self-rising flour and blended cottage cheese—these bagels are soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack, you can top them with sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even cheese to suit your taste. Plus, they’re ready in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 cup self-rising flour (Note 1)
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (Note 2)
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Toppings (choose any):
- Sesame seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Shredded asiago cheese
- Poppy seeds
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack at the top of the oven.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bagels from sticking.
2. Blend the Cottage Cheese
- In a food processor or blender, blend the cottage cheese until it is smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. This step ensures your bagels will have a smooth texture.
3. Make the Dough
- Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl and add the self-rising flour. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and forms a dough.
- The dough should start pulling away from the sides of the bowl.
4. Knead the Dough
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it about 8-10 times, or until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle extra flour on the surface as needed.
5. Shape the Bagels
- Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into four equal portions, roughly 80 grams each.
- Take each portion and roll it into a 6-7 inch rope, about 1-inch thick. Bring the ends of the rope together to form a circle and pinch the seams tightly to seal each bagel.
6. Add the Toppings
- Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of each bagel with the beaten egg, then sprinkle your desired toppings on top (sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds).
7. Bake
- Bake the bagels for 25-30 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden brown. Once baked, let the bagels cool for about 15 minutes before slicing and enjoying.
Air Fryer Option
- If you prefer using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray, then place the bagels in the basket.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 250 kcal per bagel
- Servings: 4 bagels
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: Thanks to the cottage cheese, each bagel is packed with protein, making it a nutritious start to your day.
- Easy to Make: With just two main ingredients, these bagels come together quickly and easily, perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable Toppings: You can choose your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even shredded cheese for added flavor.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you bake them in the oven or use the air fryer, these bagels turn out perfectly golden and delicious every time.
Tips for Success
- Smooth Cottage Cheese: Make sure to blend the cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth. This step ensures the dough is well-mixed and gives the bagels a soft texture.
- Kneading the Dough: Knead the dough gently to avoid overworking it. You want it to be smooth, but not tough.
- Egg Wash for Shine: The beaten egg wash helps give the bagels a shiny, golden exterior. Don’t skip this step if you want that bakery-style finish!
Serving Ideas
- Classic Breakfast: Slice the bagel and top it with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado for a delicious breakfast.
- Snack Time: Enjoy these protein-packed bagels as a mid-day snack with a little butter or jam.
- Bagel Sandwich: Use the bagels to make a hearty sandwich with eggs or your favorite deli meats and cheese.
Final Thoughts
These Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels are a quick, easy, and nutritious alternative to store-bought bagels. Not only are they high in protein, but they’re also incredibly versatile—you can top them with your favorite seasonings or enjoy them plain. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, as a snack, or making sandwiches, these homemade bagels are sure to become a household favorite. Give them a try and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade bagels in under an hour!
Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The combination of cottage cheese and self-rising flour creates an airy, protein-packed bagel that is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy breakfast option. These Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels are delightfully easy to make, with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. They can be topped with anything from classic sesame seeds to a mix of shredded asiago cheese or everything bagel seasoning for that extra crunch.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl and add the flour. Mix until fully combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead 8-10 times, until smooth. Add extra flour to prevent sticking if necessary.
Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into four equal portions (around 80g each).
Roll each portion into a 6-7 inch rope, about 1-inch thick, and join the ends to form a circle. Pinch the seams tightly to seal.
Brush each bagel with the beaten egg and sprinkle with your desired toppings.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
Air Fryer Option: Preheat to 350°F for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with nonstick spray and air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250