Easy Cottage Cheese Bagels

Name: Easy Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 bagels
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Toppings of choice (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning)

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I absolutely love making these easy cottage cheese bagels, especially when I'm looking for a quick yet satisfying breakfast solution. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and a touch of seasoning creates a delightful flavor profile that pairs perfectly with a variety of toppings. Plus, they only take about 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for a busy morning. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding!

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-20T01:43:14.153Z

When I first tried making cottage cheese bagels, I was amazed by how easy and delightful they turned out! The secret lies in the cottage cheese, which adds moisture and a rich flavor without needing much else. I experimented with different toppings, and I find that a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning really elevates the taste.

During my baking process, I discovered that using a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour gives these bagels a nutty flavor and a slight texture that I adore. Don't be afraid to customize them with your favorite herbs and spices!

        Why You'll Love These Bagels
        Rich, creamy texture from cottage cheese.
Quick and simple to make, perfect for busy mornings.
Versatile base for a variety of toppings.

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of these bagels is the cottage cheese, which not only adds a rich creaminess but also enhances the moisture content of the dough. When selecting cottage cheese, opt for full-fat or low-fat varieties depending on your preference; however, avoid the non-fat kind as it can lead to a dry texture. The combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour creates a great balance of structure and flavor, yielding bagels that are hearty yet tender.

Baking powder serves as the leavening agent in this recipe, which is key to achieving a light and fluffy texture without the long fermentation time typically required for traditional bagels. The honey adds a slight sweetness and helps with browning, enhancing the overall flavor. You can also substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup if you’re looking for alternatives, but keep in mind that these may impart their own distinct flavors.

Shaping and Baking Techniques

When shaping your bagels, ensure that you create a uniform size for even baking. If you're aiming for a specific size, consider using a kitchen scale to portion the dough evenly. Aim for a weight of approximately 3.5 ounces (100 grams) per bagel. As you form the rings, pinch the dough together smoothly to avoid seams; this step ensures that your bagels rise evenly and have a pleasing appearance.

Baking these bagels at 375°F (190°C) is optimal. It allows the exterior to crisp up while keeping the inside soft and tender. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes in the oven; they should have a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly firm crust. If you prefer a crunchier bagel, you can increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) after 15 minutes, but make sure to watch closely to prevent over-browning.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious cottage cheese bagels:

For the Bagels

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Toppings of choice (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning)

Now that you have everything you need, let’s move on to the preparation!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your cottage cheese bagels:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and honey. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Form Bagels

Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a bagel by forming a ring with your hands.

Apply Egg Wash and Toppings

Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with your chosen toppings.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy with your favorite spreads!

Your delicious cottage cheese bagels are now ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding herbs like dill or chives directly into the dough for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These cottage cheese bagels are incredibly versatile. You can serve them simply with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite jam for a classic breakfast experience. For a nutritious twist, top them with avocado and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. They also make excellent sandwich bases; add sliced turkey, lettuce, and tomato for a satisfying lunch option that provides both protein and fiber.

If you want a unique take, try spreading flavored hummus on top along with sliced cucumbers and sprouts. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and fresh ingredients will deliver a delightful flavor profile. You can also use these bagels as a base for a breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs and spinach—quick and filling!

Storage and Freezing

These bagels are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can also be stored for later use. Once completely cooled, place the bagels in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you prefer longer storage, they freeze well; wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat frozen bagels, simply remove them from the freezer and allow to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can then warm them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps restore some of the original texture and flavor, making them almost like freshly baked!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese will work, but it might result in a slightly drier bagel.

→ How do I store leftover bagels?

Store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these bagels?

Absolutely! Freeze the bagels in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

I love everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor.