Protein Bagels With Cottage Cheese

Name: Protein Bagels With Cottage Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 bagels
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling); Optional toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.)

Highlighted under: Healthy Eats

I love starting my day with a protein-packed punch, and these Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese fit the bill perfectly. The creamy, rich cottage cheese provides an incredible texture while boosting the protein content of each bite. Plus, making bagels from scratch has become one of my favorite weekend activities. The combination of flavors is delightful, whether enjoyed plain or with your favorite toppings. They also freeze beautifully, so I can stash some away for busy mornings on the go!

Created by

Sophia Lane

Last updated on 2026-02-02T01:41:35.739Z

Experimenting with various recipes, I stumbled upon the idea of incorporating cottage cheese into bagels. I was thrilled to discover that it not only enhances the nutritional profile but also creates a wonderfully chewy texture. The key is to mix the cottage cheese thoroughly with the dry ingredients to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth consistency throughout. This method has worked wonders for me, leading to perfectly baked bagels every time.

I've also learned that letting the bagels rest for a few minutes after shaping them allows the dough to relax, making them easier to shape and manage. Additionally, the trick to achieving a lovely golden crust is to boil the bagels briefly in water mixed with baking soda before baking them. It gives them that classic bagel texture we all love!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
High-protein, making it a great breakfast or snack option
Deliciously chewy texture that rivals any bagelry
Versatile toppings can elevate your bagel experience

The Importance of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is the star ingredient in these protein bagels, offering not just rich creaminess but also a significant protein boost. It contains casein, a slow-digesting protein that supports muscle repair, making these bagels an exceptional choice for post-workout fuel. The moisture in the cottage cheese also contributes to a softer bread texture, ensuring your bagels are chewy rather than dense. Balancing moisture content with the flour helps you achieve that perfect bagel consistency.

When choosing cottage cheese for this recipe, opt for full-fat or low-fat versions without any added preservatives to really enjoy the wholesome taste and nutritional benefits. If you're looking to experiment, consider flavored cottage cheese varieties for a hint of excitement, but remember to decrease the added honey to keep the sweetness balanced.

Troubleshooting Common Mistakes

One common issue when making these bagels is dough consistency. If your dough is too wet and sticky after mixing, add flour gradually—start with one tablespoon at a time. Alternatively, if the dough feels dry and crumbly, a splash of water can help bring it together. Ensuring the dough is just right is critical for achieving the desired chewiness in the finished bagels.

Another tip to avoid is under-boiling. The boiling step is essential for developing that signature bagel crust, so don't rush it. Keep the bagels in the boiling water for the full 30 seconds on each side. This process creates a lovely golden-brown exterior when baked, setting the stage for that perfect bagel bite.

Ingredients

Bagel Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
1 egg
1 tablespoon baking soda (for boiling)
Optional toppings (sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.)

Preparation Steps

Directions

Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, honey, and egg until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Use your finger to poke a hole through the center and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape.

Boil the Bagels

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add baking soda. Carefully drop in the bagels, a few at a time, and boil for 30 seconds on each side.

Bake the Bagels

Place the boiled bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Optionally sprinkle your desired toppings and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite spread!

Enjoy Your Bagels!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding herbs like dill or onion powder directly into the dough. Also, adjust the toppings to match your taste or the seasons, making these bagels a versatile choice.

Serving Suggestions

These protein bagels are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. For a classic brunch experience, try them with a smear of cream cheese and a slice of smoked salmon, complemented by fresh capers and dill. If you're feeling adventurous, top with avocado for a creamy, healthy option, or go for peanut butter and banana for a sweet twist that’s great post-workout.

You can also enjoy these bagels as a sandwich base. Pair them with turkey, cucumbers, and hummus for a quick lunch. They are satisfactory enough on their own, but with some thoughtful additions, they can elevate any meal or snack.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're preparing for a busy week, feel free to make a double batch. Once the bagels have cooled completely, freeze them in an airtight bag or container. To revive them, simply toast the frozen bagels straight from the freezer—this will keep them perfectly chewy. You can also slice them before freezing for easy toasting later on.

For an even quicker morning routine, consider making the dough ahead of time. You can refrigerate the formed bagels overnight before boiling and baking them for breakfast the next day. This prep can save precious minutes in the morning while still delivering fresh bagels with minimal effort.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but the bagels may have a denser texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make these bagels vegan?

To make them vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based yogurt in place of cottage cheese.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Popular toppings include everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or a simple sprinkle of salt. Get creative!