High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
Soft, chewy, and delicately golden, the aroma of freshly baked High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels wafts through the kitchen, instantly transforming your morning routine. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm bagel that’s both hearty and satisfying, its structure holding a delightful chewiness. The magic happens in just a flash, and you can whip these up in under 30 minutes. I remember weekends spent at home, rising to the smell of bagels toasting in the oven while my favorite toppings lined the counter. Those memories always stir a sense of comfort, making every bite feel like a hug.
Table of Contents
With autumn’s embrace inviting cozy gatherings, there’s no better time to bake a batch of these High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday breakfast or a quick snack between errands, these bagels are perfect to fill your home with warmth. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making these delightful morsels; trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just three ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll be enjoying these bagels in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy cottage cheese combined with a hint of everything bagel seasoning makes each bite a taste sensation.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Shiny, golden bagels topped with a sprinkle of seasoning look fantastic on any brunch table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even meal prep for the week ahead, these bagels adapt to any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: For those watching their diet, these bagels are low in carbs and high in protein, making them a fantastic choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Self-Rising Flour: This flour is the star of the show, creating a soft structure without needing any added yeast or rising agents. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Cottage Cheese (Full-Fat): This creamy ingredient not only adds protein but also moisture, resulting in a delightful texture. If you prefer, low-fat cottage cheese works too, but avoid non-fat for the best taste.
- Egg (Small, Beaten): Used for an egg wash, this adds a shiny finish and golden hue to the bagels. If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute with unsweetened applesauce or a plant-based milk wash.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: This wonderful blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion offers a burst of flavor that elevates each bite. Feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your preference!
How to Make High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375℉. If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 350℉ for later. While that heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside. Moving the oven rack to the top third ensures an even bake and that lovely golden crust.
Blend Cottage Cheese: Place your cottage cheese in a food processor or blender and blend until it’s completely smooth. This step is crucial, as it helps integrate the cheese into the dough without clumps. Take a moment to scrape down the sides, ensuring every bit gets blended for that perfect consistency.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer your smooth cottage cheese into a medium bowl. Gradually add the self-rising flour, stirring just until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides. You want to avoid overmixing, as it could lead to denser bagels. It should start to feel soft yet manageable!
Knead the Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface and place the dough onto it. Knead gently for about 8 to 10 times, adding a scant amount of flour if the dough sticks. You want it to be smooth and soft, which will feel delightful when you shape it. Keep an eye out for an elastic texture that bounces back slightly when pressed.
Shape the Bagels: Roll the dough into a ball, then divide it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope that’s about 6 to 7 inches long and 1 inch thick. Bring the ends together to form a circle, ensuring to pinch the seam tightly to secure the shape. This step is both fun and satisfying, resulting in wonderfully shaped bagels.
Brush and Season: Give your bagels a glossy finish by brushing the tops with the beaten egg, which acts as an attractive glaze. Generously sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning, making sure to cover the surface—this will ensure every bite is flavorful!
Air Fry for Perfection: If using an air fryer, spray the basket with nonstick spray before placing your bagels inside. Air fry them for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and beautifully puffed. Keep yourself busy; the aroma will be irresistible!
Bake for Golden Goodness: For oven baking, arrange the bagels spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes, and watch as they puff up and turn golden brown. You won’t be able to resist peeking at them, trust me!
Cool and Slice: After baking or air frying, allow your bagels to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This step is important; it helps to set the structure and flavor while making it easier to cut without squishing.
Storing & Reheating
Those delightful High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in a cool, dry place, or in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. If you want to save some for later, they freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350℉ for about 10 minutes, or in the air fryer for about 5 minutes. Just a heads up: while freezing is magical, some texture change may occur, so refreshing them will help bring back that loving chewiness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-kneading: Knead just until it’s smooth to keep the bagels light and airy. Too much kneading can lead to a dense texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients: If possible, let your eggs and cheese sit out for a bit. Room temperature ingredients mix more uniformly, enhancing texture.
- Adjust cook time: Keep an eye on your bagels, as kitchen variances may lead to slight differences. Look for that gorgeous golden color, and use a toothpick for extra assurance—the toothpick should come out clean.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add in your favorite herbs or spices to the dough for a fun twist. Or swap the Everything seasoning for sesame seeds or garlic flakes!
- Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the dough and shape the bagels ahead of time. Cover and store in the fridge overnight for a super quick breakfast in the morning!
These High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels blend simplicity with heartiness, making them a fantastic addition to your kitchen repertoire. You’ll love how they satisfy your cravings while delivering ample protein to power through your day. Don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors or serve them up with an array of toppings! Whether you’re enjoying them straight out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, they’re bound to become a staple in your home.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. Alternatively, whole wheat flour can be used, though the bagels will have a denser texture.
How can I make these bagels gluten-free?
You can substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that contains xanthan gum. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution for the best results!
Can I make these bagels ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and shape the bagels and then store them in the fridge overnight. This makes for a convenient breakfast option in the morning—just bake or air fry them when you’re ready to eat.
What are some good toppings or spreads for these bagels?
The beauty of these bagels is in their versatility! You can top them with cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, or even your favorite nut butter. Feel free to get creative and pile on whatever your heart desires!
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📖 Recipe Card
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels offer a satisfying chewiness and delightful flavor, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep, loved for their simplicity and nutritional benefits.
Ingredients
- Self-Rising Flour
- Cottage Cheese (Full-Fat)
- Egg (Small, Beaten)
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth.
- In a bowl, combine smooth cottage cheese and self-rising flour to form a dough.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.
- Shape the dough into four equal pieces, rolling each into a rope and forming bagels.
- Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning.
- Air fry for 12-14 minutes or bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Store bagels at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
For freezing, wrap cooled bagels tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
