If you’re craving the chewy satisfaction of a bagel but want something packed with protein and lower in carbs, cottage cheese bagels might just be your next kitchen obsession. These bagels are soft, flavorful, and come together with just a handful of ingredients. In today’s recipe, I’ll walk you through how to make cottage cheese bagels from scratch—no yeast, no boiling, no fuss. Whether you’re into gluten-free baking or simply looking for a nutritious breakfast option, this guide has you covered. Plus, we’ll explore variations using almond flour, bread flour, and even the air fryer.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How To Make Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe At Home
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Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Soft, high-protein cottage cheese bagels made with just a few ingredients. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
1 ¾ cups self-rising flour
1 egg (for egg wash)
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking tray with parchment.
2. Mix cottage cheese until smooth. Add flour and stir until dough forms.
3. Divide dough into 4 parts, shape into bagels.
4. Place on tray, brush with egg wash, add toppings.
5. Bake 25–28 minutes until golden.
6. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use bread flour for a chewier bagel.
Try air frying at 350°F for 15 minutes for a crisper texture.
Great with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
What You’ll Need for the Best Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients For Cottage Cheese Bagels
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 1 ¾ cups self-rising flour (or 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour + 2 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds
Instructions For Cottage Cheese Bagels :
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese until smooth (use a fork or food processor for creamier texture).
- Add self-rising flour to the cottage cheese and mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Lightly flour a surface and divide dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each into a log and shape into bagels.
- Place shaped bagels on the lined tray. Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle desired toppings.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes:
- For extra protein, use Greek yogurt in place of some cottage cheese.
- Want crispier texture? Try making cottage cheese bagels in an air fryer at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Nutrition (per bagel – approx.):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 4g
- Sugar: 1g
My Story with Cottage Cheese Bagels
The Humble Beginning of My Protein Bagel Obsession
Let me tell you how these cottage cheese bagels became a weekly staple in my kitchen. Back in Chicago, bagels were a Sunday thing—thick, chewy, and usually smeared with a slab of cream cheese. But when I started leaning into high-protein, lower-carb cooking, I knew I had to reinvent that tradition. One day, I swapped out the yogurt in my usual two-ingredient dough with cottage cheese, and something magical happened. The texture turned softer, more tender—and the flavor? Rich and slightly tangy. That’s when I knew I was onto something.
Why Cottage Cheese Bagels Just Work
There’s something really satisfying about combining minimal effort with maximum reward. That’s exactly what you get with cottage cheese bagels. The cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein without overpowering the dough. You can bake them in the oven or even try them in an air fryer version for a quicker, crispier finish. They’re the perfect blank canvas for everything from savory toppings to a touch of honey and sea salt.
For those who want to keep things simple, there’s even a three-ingredient version that’s just as delicious. And if you’re aiming for extra gains, check out this high-protein cottage cheese bagel recipe loaded with flavor and fuel.
Cottage Cheese Bagel Dough Variations for Every Diet
Classic, Gluten-Free, and Keto—Oh My!
Cottage cheese bagels aren’t just for traditional eaters—they’re incredibly adaptable to your diet of choice. If you’re gluten-sensitive or looking to cut wheat out, try this cottage cheese gluten-free bagel version that replaces wheat flour with a blend of almond and oat flours. The result? A hearty bagel with just the right chew.
Now, if you’re going low-carb, don’t worry. These keto cottage cheese bagels are made with almond flour and eggs—no grains, no fuss, and totally keto-compliant. The healthy fats in almond flour and protein in the cottage cheese keep you full for hours. You’ll love how they hold together beautifully without needing any extra binders.
Flour Options That Change Everything
The type of flour you use totally transforms the texture of your cottage cheese bagels. While self-rising flour is the easiest route, bread flour takes the chewiness up a notch. I love using it when I want a more traditional bakery feel. You can find my go-to method here in the cottage cheese bagels with bread flour guide—it’s one of the most popular variations on the blog.
Prefer fewer ingredients? The 2-ingredient bagel with cottage cheese recipe is ideal for those mornings when you want warm, fresh-baked comfort without the prep. It’s literally cottage cheese and flour—just mix, shape, and bake.
Each flour option delivers a unique taste and structure, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Whether you’re looking for softness, structure, or speed, there’s a cottage cheese bagel combo for you.
Baking Methods & Pro Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Bagels
Oven vs Air Fryer: Which One Wins?
One of the best things about making cottage cheese bagels is that you don’t need to boil them like traditional ones. Just shape, bake, and enjoy. If you’re using a conventional oven, set it to 375°F and bake for 25–28 minutes. This method gives you that soft interior and golden-brown finish—perfect with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
But let’s say you’re short on time or craving a crisper exterior. That’s where the air fryer method comes in. Preheat to 350°F and cook for about 15 minutes. You’ll get a faster bake and that irresistible crunch on the outside with a tender, cheesy crumb inside.
Whether you bake or air fry, always let your bagels rest for a few minutes out of the oven. This allows the steam to settle, keeping the inside moist and fluffy.
Shaping, Toppings & Texture Tricks
Shaping these bagels is simple—just roll the dough into logs and connect the ends. A slightly sticky dough is normal due to the moisture in cottage cheese. Dust your hands with flour to make shaping easier. Don’t overwork it—gentle handling keeps them soft.
Topping options? Endless. Brush the tops with egg wash and add sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or go bold with everything bagel seasoning. For a sweet spin, try cinnamon sugar and pair it with whipped honey butter.
Need inspiration? Check out the popular Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagels that went viral for a reason—they’re simple, protein-packed, and Insta-ready.
And if you’re tracking macros, take a look at the detailed breakdown in the cottage cheese bagels calories guide so you can snack smarter.
FAQs About Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
Are Cottage Cheese Bagels Healthy?
Yes, and that’s what makes them so popular. These bagels offer a high-protein, lower-carb alternative to traditional bagels. With around 13g of protein per serving, they’re ideal for muscle recovery, blood sugar balance, and long-lasting fullness. Plus, using cottage cheese adds calcium, vitamin B12, and a subtle creamy taste without piling on fat. They’re especially perfect for those following a balanced or macro-friendly lifestyle, similar to what you’ll find on sites like What Molly Made—where health-conscious recipes meet real-life ease.
Can You Use Cottage Cheese in Bagel Dough?
Absolutely, and it’s a game-changer. Cottage cheese brings moisture, structure, and protein to the dough. When blended or mashed, it helps bind the flour and gives the bagels a fluffy, tender texture. Even better, cottage cheese replaces oil or butter in many traditional doughs—so you save on calories without sacrificing taste. It works great in sweet or savory variations, and even better in dairy-rich combos like these protein bagels with Greek yogurt.
How Do You Make Bagels with Cottage Cheese?
All you need is cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder—seriously. Mix until a sticky dough forms, shape into rounds, brush with egg wash, and bake or air fry. That’s it. Want to level up? Try folding in herbs, shredded cheese, or spices before baking. Need more visual help? We’re seeing more cottage cheese-based recipes take off in the healthy cooking space, and creators like The Modern Nonna are showcasing just how versatile this ingredient can be.
What Type of Flour Works Best for Cottage Cheese Bagels?
Self-rising flour is the most foolproof, but you can easily swap it for all-purpose + baking powder. Bread flour gives you that chewy, deli-style bite, while almond flour keeps it gluten-free and keto-friendly. You’ll find more low-carb, wholesome flour swaps over on Cooking with Ayeh, a go-to source for plant-forward, feel-good eats.
Final Thoughts
Cottage cheese bagels are more than just a trend—they’re a lifestyle upgrade. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and fit nearly any dietary preference. From almond flour versions to air fryer twists, these bagels adapt to your needs. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep or last-minute breakfast fixes. Whether you’re watching macros, going gluten-free, or just curious, now’s the time to bake a batch and taste why they’re taking over.
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