Cottage Cheese Bagels are a fun twist on your regular bagels! They are soft and chewy, packed with protein from the cottage cheese, making them a great breakfast treat.
Who knew bagels could be so healthy and tasty? I love spreading a bit of cream cheese on mine, but really, they are delicious on their own too! Perfect for busy mornings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Choose low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter option. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using a plant-based cream cheese or ricotta as a substitute. I’ve found that ricotta gives it a lovely creamy texture too.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but you can swap it for whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. If gluten-free, almond or chickpea flour could also work, though it may change the texture a bit.
Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients. If you’re looking for an egg-free option, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water).
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This is a fantastic topping, but feel free to mix up the flavors! If you don’t have the seasoning, just sprinkle on some sea salt or garlic powder for extra taste.
How Do You Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading is crucial for developing the bagel’s chewy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a floured surface and place your dough in the center.
- Using the heel of your hand, push the dough away from you.
- Fold the dough back over itself, then turn it a quarter turn.
- Repeat this process for about 3-5 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- If the dough sticks too much, sprinkle on a little more flour as needed.
Don’t rush this step—it helps create the perfect bagel texture!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (225g) low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for brushing)
- Everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and coarse salt for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh bagels at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so that your bagels don’t stick.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, add the low-fat cottage cheese and crack in the egg. Use a fork or whisk to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle in the baking powder and salt. Give it a good stir to mix these ingredients thoroughly into your cottage cheese mixture.
4. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough starts to form. Don’t worry, it will look a bit messy at first!
5. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it gently for about 3-5 minutes. You want to work it until it’s smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
6. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, and then poke a hole through the center with your finger. Gently stretch the dough to create the bagel shape.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place your shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. If you like, brush the tops lightly with olive oil for a nice shine. This step is optional but adds a lovely flavor!
8. Add Toppings:
Generously sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the tops of the bagels. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
9. Bake:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until your bagels are golden brown and cooked through.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool slightly. They are delicious warm and can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite spread like cream cheese!
Enjoy your homemade Cottage Cheese Bagels! They are perfect for breakfast or a snack any time of day!
Can I Use Non-Fat Cottage Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, non-fat cottage cheese can be used! It will work just as well in the recipe, but the bagels may be slightly less creamy in texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
To store leftover bagels, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and toast directly from frozen when ready to enjoy!
Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water). The bagels will still turn out delicious!
What Other Toppings Can I Use Besides Everything Bagel Seasoning?
If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning on hand, try sprinkling sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a mix of crushed garlic and herbs like oregano or thyme for a different flavor twist.