3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

Introduction

These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are a quick and nutritious snack that’s perfect for any time of day. With a high protein content and simple ingredients, they make a versatile choice for breakfast, snacks, or sandwiches.

The image shows a close-up of two stacked bagels filled with a thick layer of white cream cheese. The top bagel has a golden brown crust with a shiny surface sprinkled with mixed seeds, such as sesame and poppy seeds, giving it a textured look. The bagel dough appears flaky and slightly crispy on the edges, with soft and airy inside layers visible on the bottom half. The bagels are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup self-rising flour (see tips for alternatives)
  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
  • 1 large egg (for egg wash)
  • Optional: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack on the top level. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth to create a creamy base for your dough.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese with the self-rising flour. Stir until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it 8-10 times until smooth and pliable.
  5. Step 5: Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch rope about 1 inch thick, then join the ends to form a bagel shape, pinching the seam to seal.
  6. Step 6: Brush the tops of the bagels with the beaten egg and sprinkle with your choice of seasoning.
  7. Step 7: Bake the bagels at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until they are golden brown. Allow them to cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
  8. Optional Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Spray the basket with a nonstick spray, then air fry the bagels for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.

Tips & Variations

  • If you don’t have self-rising flour, use 1 cup of all-purpose or whole wheat flour plus 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt instead.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute with 1 cup gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum, plus 2 teaspoons baking powder.
  • Try topping the bagels with shredded cheese before baking for an extra savory touch.
  • Freeze leftover bagels for up to 4 months; slice before freezing for easy toasting later.

Storage

Store cooled bagels in an airtight bag at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 4 months. To reheat, toast the frozen bagels directly for a quick, fresh-tasting snack.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a stack of two golden-brown bagels with a shiny, crispy crust covered in a mix of black, white, and beige seeds. Each bagel is thick, with a smooth, slightly crispy outer layer and a soft, fluffy inside. Between the two bagels, there is a generous layer of white, creamy cream cheese spread evenly, slightly oozing out from the sides. The bagels rest on a dark surface, with a white marbled texture background visible softly in the picture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese yields the best texture and flavor. Using low-fat versions may make the dough slightly drier, so you might need to adjust the flour amount.

Do these bagels need to rise before baking?

No, these bagels don’t require rising since they use self-rising flour. This makes them a quick and easy option.

Print

3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are a quick, easy, and high-protein snack or breakfast option. Made from cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and an egg wash, they can be baked in the oven or air fried for a golden-brown, savory treat perfect for sandwiches, toppings, or on their own.

  • Author: luca
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (oven) or 10-12 minutes (air fryer)
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes (oven) or 20-22 minutes (air fryer)
  • Yield: 4 bagels 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup self-rising flour (or all-purpose/whole wheat flour with 2 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt; or gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and 2 tsp baking powder)
  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (blended smooth)

For Egg Wash & Topping

  • 1 large egg (beaten for egg wash)
  • Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or poppy seeds for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the oven rack on the top level. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Blend Cottage Cheese: In a blender or food processor, blend the full-fat cottage cheese until smooth to ensure an even dough texture.
  3. Mix & Knead Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese and self-rising flour. Stir well until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead it 8-10 times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
  4. Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough evenly into four portions. Roll each portion into a rope approximately 6-7 inches long and about 1 inch thick. Join the ends of each rope securely to form a classic bagel shape, pinching the seam to seal.
  5. Apply Egg Wash & Season: Brush the tops of the bagels with beaten egg to promote browning. Sprinkle your preferred topping such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or poppy seeds for added flavor and texture.
  6. Bake: Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the bagels turn golden brown. Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
  7. Air Fryer Option: Alternatively, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place the bagels inside and air fry for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, checking halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Notes

  • You can substitute self-rising flour with all-purpose or whole wheat flour by adding 2 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt.
  • For a gluten-free version, use 1 cup gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and 2 tsp baking powder.
  • Store the baked bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze bagels for up to 4 months; slice before freezing for easier toasting later.
  • These bagels pack approximately 11 grams of protein each, making them a great healthy, high-protein snack.

Keywords: cottage cheese bagels, 3 ingredient bagels, high protein bagels, healthy breakfast, easy bagel recipe, homemade bagels, baking bagels, air fryer bagels

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