These cottage cheese bagels are a fluffy and tasty treat! They’re packed with protein, making them a healthy choice for breakfast or a snack. Plus, they’re fun to make!
Whenever I whip up a batch, my family can’t get enough. They’re perfect toasted with a little butter or cream cheese. Trust me, it’s hard to eat just one! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the recipe. It adds moisture and protein. You can use whole or low-fat cottage cheese. If you like a smoother texture, you can blend it a bit before mixing.
Self-Rising Flour: This helps the bagels rise beautifully. If you don’t have it, make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. Use 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1.5 teaspoons baking powder, and 0.5 teaspoons salt.
Egg: Eggs bring richness and moisture to the bagels. For a vegan option, you can try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce.
Seeds & Herbs: Sesame and poppy seeds add crunch and flavor. If you’re out of them, consider using garlic powder, rosemary, or even finely grated cheese on top. Don’t skip the herbs; they’re key for taste!
How Do I Shape Bagels Perfectly?
Shaping the bagels can be tricky but here’s how to do it right:
- Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces to ensure evenly sized bagels.
- Lightly flour your hands and the surface to prevent sticking.
- Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long. Ensure it’s uniform, as this helps them cook evenly.
- Join the ends to form a ring, and press firmly to seal. This step is important to prevent them from falling apart during baking.
Take your time with this process, and don’t worry if they aren’t perfect! They’ll still taste delicious.
Enjoy making these cottage cheese bagels—they’re a great way to start your day!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (whole or low-fat)
- 2 cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt)
- 1 egg
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp dried dill (or fresh finely chopped dill)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: feta cheese for stuffing or topping
- Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to bake, making the total time around 40-45 minutes. After baking, let them cool for a few minutes, and then they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bagels from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mixing the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and egg. Mix them together until they’re smooth and creamy. This will be the base for your bagels!
3. Making the Dough:
Next, gradually add in the self-rising flour (or your homemade version). Stir it in until you form a soft dough. It should be slightly sticky but still easy to handle. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
4. Shaping the Bagels:
Lightly flour your hands and your work surface to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long, and then form a circle, pressing the ends firmly to seal.
5. Adding Flavor:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, dill, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, oregano, salt, and pepper. This blend will add lots of flavor to your bagels.
6. Getting Ready to Bake:
Brush each bagel with a little olive oil or melted butter. This helps the seasoning stick on. Sprinkle the seasoning mix generously over each bagel, gently pressing it to make sure it adheres well.
7. Baking the Bagels:
Place your bagels on the lined baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown and have a delightful aroma filling the kitchen.
8. Finishing Touches:
Once baked, they can be stuffed with crumbled feta or cream cheese while still warm, if desired. This is totally optional but adds a delicious twist!
9. Cooling and Serving:
Allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy these bagels warm or toasted. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or just as a snack!
These cottage cheese bagels will have a lovely golden crust, soft interior, and a deliciously herby topping that you’re sure to love! 🥯
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While cottage cheese is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like ricotta or even cream cheese for a richer flavor. Just keep the total volume similar to ensure the dough maintains the correct consistency.
What if I Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt. This will give you the lift needed for the bagels.
Can I Make These Bagels Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum to help the dough hold together. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them; place them in a freezer bag or wrap them tightly. Thaw and toast them when you’re ready to enjoy!