How to Make the Best Cottage Cheese Bagel at Home

Last Updated on March 22, 2025 by Souhail

If you love bagels but want a healthier, protein-rich alternative, this cottage cheese bagel recipe is just what you need! These homemade bagels are soft, chewy, and packed with nutrients, making them the perfect choice for breakfast or a satisfying snack. Unlike traditional bagels, which can be heavy and carb-dense, these incorporate cottage cheese for added protein and a tender texture.

What makes this recipe stand out? It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and doesn’t even need yeast! You can whip up these bagels in no time, and they pair wonderfully with both sweet and savory toppings. Whether you enjoy them plain, toasted with butter, or loaded with cream cheese and veggies, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why This Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe Works

1. High-Protein and Nutritious
   Cottage cheese is packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, making these bagels not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to store-bought ones.
2. No Yeast, No Waiting
   Unlike traditional bagels, this recipe doesn’t require yeast, which means no proofing or long rising times. You can have fresh bagels in under an hour!
3. Soft Yet Chewy Texture
   The combination of cottage cheese and flour creates a dough that bakes into a soft, yet slightly chewy bagel with a delightful bite.
4. Customizable
   These bagels can be made plain or flavored with herbs, seeds, or even a touch of honey for sweetness. Add everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or dried fruits for variations.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
   Make a batch in advance and store them for easy breakfasts or snacks throughout the week. They reheat beautifully in a toaster or oven.

Ingredients Breakdown

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare (5 minutes)
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough (10 minutes)
   In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the dough starts coming together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
3. Knead the Dough (5 minutes)
   Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough. Knead it for about 3-5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Avoid over-kneading, as this can make the bagels dense.
4. Shape the Bagels (5 minutes)
   Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions (depending on your preferred size). Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your thumb. Gently stretch the hole to form a classic bagel shape.
5. Apply the Egg Wash and Add Toppings (5 minutes)
   In a small bowl, beat the egg. Brush each bagel with the egg wash for a golden brown finish. Sprinkle your choice of toppings over the bagels.
6. Bake the Bagels (25 minutes)
   Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Enjoy (10 minutes)
   Let the bagels cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing or serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer texture. If using low-fat, the dough may be slightly drier, so adjust with a tablespoon of milk if needed.
• Don’t skip the egg wash, it gives the bagels a golden, glossy crust.
• Make them extra crispy by toasting them before serving.
• Flour your hands when shaping the dough to prevent sticking.
• For a tangier taste, add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dough.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days for extended freshness.
• Freezing: Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe Card

Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe

Recipe by SimonCourse: BreakfastDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

85

kcal

These high-protein cottage cheese bagels are soft, chewy, and easy to make. No yeast required! Perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Mix the dough: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until dough forms.
• Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 3-5 minutes until smooth.
• Shape bagels: Divide the dough into 4-6 pieces, roll into balls, and poke a hole in the center to form bagels.
• Apply egg wash and toppings. Brush bagels with beaten egg and sprinkle with desired toppings.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
• Cool & enjoy. Let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a whole wheat version, replace half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
• If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These cottage cheese bagels are a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade, high-protein alternative to traditional bagels. They’re simple to make, don’t require yeast, and offer the perfect balance of softness and chewiness. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a savory spread, or as part of a delicious breakfast sandwich, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

If you’re interested in more homemade bread and baked goods, check out our Oat Molasses Bread Recipe for a hearty, slightly sweet loaf. Looking for a fun twist on classic cookies? Try the Moon Spell Cookies Recipe for a magical treat. And if you love cottage cheese-based recipes, you might also enjoy our Cottage Cheese Crisps Recipe for a crunchy, protein-packed snack.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how you liked it! Feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors. If you have any questions or fun variations, leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you! Happy baking!