These cottage cheese bagels are a fantastic alternative to traditional bagels, offering a protein-packed option that is both light and satisfying. The incorporation of cottage cheese into the dough brings a moist, tender crumb and a delightful tanginess, while the everything bagel seasoning provides that classic savory flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or something easy to make on a weekend morning, these bagels are an ideal choice. Plus, with minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll have freshly baked bagels in no time!
Ingredients
For the bagel dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (recommend 4% milkfat for this recipe)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup + 1 tbsp self-rising flour (plus extra for flouring hands)
For the topping:
- 1 large egg, whisked in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the dough: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese and egg. Mix until well blended and smooth. If the cottage cheese is too lumpy, you can blend it briefly using a food processor or hand mixer for a smoother texture. Add the self-rising flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Shape the bagels: Dust your hands and the work surface with a bit of extra self-rising flour to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your fingers to gently poke a hole in the center of each ball to create a bagel shape. Stretch and shape the dough to widen the hole and form a rounded bagel. Place each formed bagel onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Egg wash and toppings: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 large egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make the egg wash. Brush the top and sides of each bagel with the egg wash. This will help the bagels turn golden brown during baking and allow the seasoning to stick. After brushing with egg wash, sprinkle everything bagel seasoning evenly on top of each bagel.
- Bake the bagels: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through. The tops should be slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft and chewy. Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve the cottage cheese bagels warm with your favorite toppings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado. They are also delicious on their own thanks to the flavorful everything bagel seasoning.
