Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels
These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are a quick and healthy option for any time of the day! They have a soft, chewy texture with a high protein boost, making them perfect as a savory snack, breakfast staple, or sandwich base. You can bake or air-fry them and customize the toppings to suit your taste.
Servings: 4 bagels
Calories: 180kcal
Ingredients
For the Bagel Dough:
- 1 cup self-rising flour see Notes for gluten-free or substitution options
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
For Assembly:
- 1 large egg beaten (for egg wash)
- Toppings of choice: sesame seeds everything bagel seasoning, shredded Asiago cheese, or poppy seeds
Instructions
Preheat Oven or Air Fryer
- For the oven: Preheat to 375°F and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- For the air fryer: Preheat to 350°F for 5 minutes.
Blend Cottage Cheese
- Place the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender. Blend on high until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Make the Dough
- Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl. Add the self-rising flour and mix until fully combined. The dough should begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer the dough to a generously floured work surface. Knead it 8–10 times until smooth, adding more flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Shape the Bagels
- Roll the dough into a ball and divide into 4 equal pieces (about 80g each if using a scale).
- Roll each piece into a 6–7 inch rope, about 1 inch thick. Form each rope into a circle, pinching the ends tightly to seal.
- Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet (or air fryer basket if air-frying).
Add Toppings
- Brush the tops of the bagels with the beaten egg. Sprinkle generously with your desired toppings.
Bake or Air Fry
- Oven Method: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
- Air Fryer Method: Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray, then air fry the bagels for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the bagels to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Flour Substitution:
For gluten-free bagels, use 1 cup of gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum (like
King Arthur’s) mixed with 3 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
If self-rising flour is unavailable, substitute with 1 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 3 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
Cottage Cheese Substitution:
Full-fat cottage cheese works best for texture, but plain Greek yogurt can also be used.