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Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel Recipe

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3.9 from 52 reviews

This Cottage Cheese Protein Bagel recipe is a wholesome, protein-packed alternative to traditional bagels. Made with just self-rising flour and full-fat cottage cheese, these bagels are easy to prepare, tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside. Finished with a golden egg wash and your choice of toppings like sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning, they make a delicious breakfast or snack option that can be baked or air fried for convenience.

Ingredients

Bagel Dough

  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese

Toppings & Wash

  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds (as desired)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Blend the Cottage Cheese: Place the full-fat cottage cheese into a food processor or blender. Pulse or blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure even blending.
  3. Mix the Dough: Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of self-rising flour and mix until fully combined. The dough should begin to pull away from the bowl sides, forming a workable dough.
  4. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface. Knead it for 8-10 times until smooth and elastic. Add more flour to the surface if the dough remains sticky to achieve a manageable consistency.
  5. Shape the Bagels: Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into 4 equal portions, approximately 80 grams each for uniformity. Roll each piece into a rope about 6-7 inches long and 1 inch thick. Connect the ends of each rope to form a sealed circle, pinching the seams tightly.
  6. Apply Egg Wash and Add Toppings: Brush the tops of the shaped bagels with the beaten egg to help browning and adhere toppings. Sprinkle your choice of sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds evenly over the tops.
  7. Bake the Bagels: Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
  8. Alternative Air Fry Method: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place the formed bagels in the basket and air fry for 12-14 minutes until golden brown and cooked through with no doughy center.
  9. Storage: Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt; do not add extra leavening agents.
  • Full-fat cottage cheese is preferred for moisture and texture.
  • Blending the cottage cheese ensures a smoother dough consistency without large curds.
  • If dough is too sticky, add flour gradually but avoid making it too dry.
  • Use a kitchen scale to weigh dough portions for equally sized bagels.
  • The egg wash promotes a shiny, golden crust and helps toppings stick.
  • Both oven baking and air frying methods produce excellent results; choose based on your available equipment and preferred texture.