Introduction
The quest for healthy, satisfying breakfast staples often ends in disappointment—until now. These High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are the answer to the viral ‘two-ingredient dough’ trend, offering a chewy, fluffy texture without the lengthy proofing time of traditional yeast bagels. Originating from the health and fitness community looking for high-protein, lower-carb alternatives, this recipe swaps out most of the complex carbohydrates for nutrient-dense cottage cheese. They are incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and pack a serious protein punch, making them perfect for meal prep or a quick weekend bake.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese (must be blended)
- 1 cup (120g) self-rising flour (or use all-purpose flour + 1 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt)
- 1 large egg, whisked (for egg wash)
- 1-2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds (for topping)
Step-by-step Preparation
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, resembling thick yogurt or ricotta cheese. This step is crucial for ensuring a smooth, non-lumpy dough.
- Form the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese and the self-rising flour (or flour/baking powder mixture). Mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 8–10 times until it comes together into a cohesive, slightly sticky ball. Avoid over-kneading.
- Preheat and Divide: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into four equal pieces.
- Shape the Bagels: Roll each piece into a small log, about 4 inches long. Connect the ends to form a ring, or use your finger to poke a hole through the center and gently stretch the dough until the hole is about 1 inch wide. This prevents the hole from closing up during baking.
- Egg Wash and Top: Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire surface of each bagel generously with the whisked egg wash. Sprinkle immediately with your chosen topping (e.g., Everything Bagel Seasoning).
- Bake: Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the bagels are puffed up, deeply golden brown, and sound hollow when tapped. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
These bagels are an excellent macro-friendly choice. Each bagel (based on 4 servings) contains approximately 200–220 calories, providing around 15–18 grams of protein and significantly less fat and simple carbohydrates than standard bakery bagels. The inclusion of cottage cheese adds calcium and essential amino acids, making this a highly satisfying and muscle-supporting breakfast option.
Storage
Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag (sliced is recommended) for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice the bagels and toast them directly from the refrigerator or freezer until warm and crisp.
Conclusion
These cottage cheese bagels are incredibly versatile. Serve them immediately warm with classic cream cheese and smoked salmon, or use them as a sturdy base for a breakfast sandwich with avocado and fried eggs. For variations, try adding 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of jalapeño flakes to the dough before shaping for a savory kick, or incorporate 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and 1/4 cup of raisins for a sweet treat.