Protein Bagels With Cottage Cheese

Name: Protein Bagels With Cottage Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 bagels
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, drained; 1 egg; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon honey; Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Highlighted under: Smart Planning

I absolutely love starting my day with these Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese! They are a delightful twist on classic bagels, providing a satisfying and nutritious boost to my breakfast routine. Each bite is packed with protein, making them perfect for anyone looking to fuel their day. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make at home, allowing me to customize the toppings to my liking. Whether I enjoy them plain or dressed up with avocado and smoked salmon, these bagels have become my go-to recipe for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Created by

Violet Kingsley

Last updated on 2026-02-02T00:17:35.615Z

These Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese have become a staple in my kitchen. I decided to experiment with a recipe that would not only be high in protein but also easy to prepare. After a few attempts, I found that the addition of cottage cheese added a delightful moisture and richness that traditional bagels lacked. The result is a fluffy bagel that is perfect for toasting and topping with your favorite spreads.

During the testing phase, I discovered that baking them at the right temperature ensures a golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and chewy. I also learned the importance of letting the dough rest before shaping the bagels, which helps improve their texture. This method truly delivers a bagel that satisfies my cravings without the guilt!

        Why You Will Love These Bagels
        High in protein to keep you full longer
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Perfectly fluffy texture with a delicious crust
Great for meal prep and on-the-go breakfasts

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Cottage cheese serves as the star ingredient in these protein bagels, contributing a creamy texture and an impressive protein boost. By using drained cottage cheese, you avoid excess moisture, ensuring your bagels don't end up gummy. The addition of an egg not only helps bind the dough but also adds richness to the flavor. If you're looking to experiment, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for a vegan alternative while still retaining a good texture.

When it comes to the flour, the combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flours strikes a beautiful balance between fluffiness and heartiness. All-purpose flour gives the bagels a nice rise, while whole wheat adds fiber and a subtle nutty flavor. For gluten-free options, you can swap in a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but keep an eye on moisture levels since gluten-free flours can absorb water differently.

Baking Tips for Perfect Bagels

The key to achieving that coveted golden-brown crust is in the baking. It’s essential to preheat your oven to the right temperature—375°F (190°C)—before placing your bagels inside. This ensures they rise properly and develop a crusty exterior. Keep an eye on them as they bake; they should be golden and spring back slightly when pressed lightly in the center. If they’re browning too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil halfway through the bake to prevent burning.

Shaping the bagels can be a bit tricky. After forming them, ensure the hole in the center is wide enough, as they tend to puff up during baking. A good rule of thumb is to start with a dough ball about 3 inches in diameter and form the hole at least 1 inch wide. If you notice them flattening during baking, try moving them to a different area of the baking sheet to promote even cooking.

Ingredients

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 cup cottage cheese, drained
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your protein-packed bagels:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, honey, and salt. Stir until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and baking powder together.

Form the Bagels

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. Dust your hands with flour and shape the dough into four bagels, making a hole in the center of each.

Bake the Bagels

Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy toasted or with your favorite toppings!

And that's it! You've made delicious Protein Bagels!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough, such as garlic powder or onion flakes.

Serving Suggestions

These protein bagels are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. A classic choice is to simply enjoy them with cream cheese or a generous spread of avocado for a nutrient-dense breakfast. For those who love adding a savory punch, pile on some smoked salmon, capers, and a sprinkle of dill. You could also try a sweeter approach with almond butter and sliced bananas on top, making for a filling and tasty brunch option.

To elevate your bagel experience, consider toasting them slightly before adding toppings. A quick toast not only enhances their texture but also warms up any toppings you apply, especially butter or spreads. If you have leftover bagels, slice them and freeze them individually, then toast them straight from the freezer for a quick, satisfying breakfast.

Storage and Meal Prep

These bagels are perfect for meal prep! After baking, let them cool completely before storing. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, slice them and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, simply pop them in the toaster or oven to refresh their texture before topping with your favorites.

If you want to make a larger batch for future breakfasts, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you're baking multiple trays at once, keeping an eye on them to ensure they cook evenly. With this approach, you can enjoy quick, healthy breakfasts all week without the fuss of daily preparation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

→ How long can I store these bagels?

They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

→ What are some good toppings for these bagels?

Cream cheese, smoked salmon, avocado, or even peanut butter work wonderfully!

→ Can I make these bagels ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the bagels, then refrigerate them overnight before baking.