If you’re looking for a nutritious and protein-packed breakfast option, these 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are about to become your new favorite. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, they are easy to bake in the oven or cook in the air fryer.
Enjoy them as a satisfying snack, a delicious breakfast staple, or the perfect base for a variety of sandwich creations.
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Bagels:
- Quick & Easy: Just mix, knead, shape, and bake—no need to wait for the dough to rise.
- High-Protein Boost: Each bagel contains 11 grams of protein, offering a great start to your day.
- Minimal Ingredients: Only three simple ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Versatile: Enjoy them plain, topped with butter, cream cheese, or as the base for a breakfast sandwich.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a batch in advance and freeze them for easy grab-and-go mornings.
Cottage Cheese Craze: A Trend Worth Trying
Cottage cheese is having a major moment in the food world, and for good reason! It’s an incredibly versatile ingredient, offering a creamy texture and high protein content.
How to Make High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients:
- 1 cup self-rising flour (see substitutions below)
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, asiago cheese, or poppy seeds.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Cottage Cheese
Begin by blending 1 cup of cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until it reaches a smooth consistency.
2. Mix with Dry Ingredients
Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a mixing bowl. Add self-rising flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead and Shape the Dough
Lightly flour a work surface, knead the dough a few times until smooth, then divide it into four equal portions.
4. Shape into Bagels
Roll each portion into a 6-7 inch rope, then join the ends to form a classic bagel shape. Pinch the seam to seal and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Brush with Egg Wash & Add Toppings
Lightly brush the bagels with beaten egg and sprinkle your favorite toppings.
6. Bake or Air Fry
- Oven Method: Bake at 375°F on the top rack for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 10-12 minutes.
7. Cool & Enjoy
Allow the bagels to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Flour Substitutions & Tips
- Gluten-Free Option: Use 1 cup gluten-free flour with 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds extra fiber but may yield a denser texture.
- Avoid Almond & Coconut Flour: These absorb too much moisture and will make the dough too dry.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Classic Bagel & Cream Cheese – Keep it simple with a classic smear.
- Savory Breakfast Sandwich – Add eggs, turkey bacon, and avocado.
- Bagel & Lox – Top with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers.
- Protein-Packed Snack – Spread with peanut butter and top with banana slices.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight bag for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Slice them before freezing, so they can go straight into the toaster from frozen. They last up to 4 months.
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