Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels (Print)

Soft, high-protein bagels using cottage cheese and self-rising flour for a quick nutritious breakfast or snack.

# Components:

→ Dough

01 - 1 cup cottage cheese, full-fat or low-fat
02 - 1½ cups self-rising flour

→ Toppings

03 - 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
04 - 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese and self-rising flour until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth, avoiding over-kneading.
04 - Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope, form into a bagel shape, and pinch ends to seal.
05 - Place bagels on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with desired toppings.
06 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
07 - Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Only two main ingredients for the dough—cottage cheese and self-rising flour
  • High in protein with 11g per bagel, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack
  • No yeast required, so no waiting for dough to rise
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Soft, chewy texture with a golden crust that rivals traditional bagels
  • Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and seasonings
  • Vegetarian-friendly and simple enough for beginner bakers
02 -
  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for the richest, most tender texture
  • Don't skip the egg wash—it creates that signature golden, glossy crust
  • Knead just until smooth; over-kneading will make the bagels tough
  • Make sure your self-rising flour is fresh for the best rise and texture
  • For uniform bagels, weigh each dough portion on a kitchen scale (about 85g each)
  • Let bagels cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing to prevent them from becoming gummy
  • Store leftovers in the freezer and reheat in a toaster for fresh-baked taste anytime
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