These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are super easy and tasty! With just cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, you can whip up a fresh batch in no time.
Honestly, they’re the perfect breakfast or snack. I love topping them with cream cheese or even just a bit of butter—so good! Give them a try, and you’ll see how simple they are to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the bagels a rich flavor and moist texture. If you’re watching your calories, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but it might make the bagels slightly drier.
Self-Rising Flour: This flour has baking powder and salt already mixed in. If you don’t have it, mix 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt. This substitution works great!
Eggs: Eggs add structure and moisture to the dough. For a vegan alternative, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), though the texture might vary slightly.
Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! I love using everything bagel seasoning for a flavor boost. You can also experiment with grated cheese or just enjoy them plain.
How Can I Shape the Bagels Correctly?
Shaping your bagels might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple with a little practice! Here’s how to easily form them:
- After dividing the dough, lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking.
- Roll each portion into a ball, then poke your finger through the center.
- Carefully widen the hole to about 1-2 inches, as it will shrink while baking. This helps ensure they bake evenly.
Using a gentle hand is key here—you want to keep as much air in the bagels as possible. Happy baking!
How to Make 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat recommended)
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour (or substitute all-purpose flour plus baking powder)
- 2 large eggs
Optional Toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Dried herbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In just around 35 minutes, you can enjoy warm, homemade bagels right from your oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, get your oven nice and hot by preheating it to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the bagels won’t stick.
2. Mixing the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and self-rising flour. Mix everything together well until it forms a dough. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky; that’s perfectly normal!
3. Shaping the Bagels:
Sprinkle some flour on your hands and on a clean surface to make it easier to work with the dough. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then gently poke a hole through the center with your finger to shape it like a bagel. Remember to widen the hole to about 1-2 inches—it will shrink a bit as it bakes.
4. Preparing to Bake:
Place the shaped bagels onto your lined baking sheet. For a nice golden crust, brush the tops with a bit of a beaten egg if you’d like.
5. Adding Toppings:
Now, it’s time to sprinkle your favorite toppings on the bagels! You can use sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or some dried herbs for extra flavor—so many delicious choices!
6. Baking:
Pop the bagels in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and look delightful. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once they’re done, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm—plain or with cream cheese or your favorite spread!
Enjoy your delicious cottage cheese bagels!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cottage cheese is great for this recipe, you can substitute it with ricotta or cream cheese for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that the moisture content may vary, so adjust the flour accordingly if needed.
What Should I Do If the Dough is Too Sticky?
If the dough feels too sticky to handle, sprinkle a bit more flour onto your hands and the surface while shaping the bagels. You can also add a tablespoon of flour at a time to the mixture during the mixing process until it reaches a workable consistency.
Can I Freeze These Bagels?
Yes, these bagels freeze wonderfully! Just let them cool completely after baking, then wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm them in the oven or toaster.
How Can I Make These Bagels More Flavored?
For more flavor, consider adding in some spices or herbs directly into the dough, like garlic powder, onion powder, or chopped fresh herbs. You can also experiment with various toppings to suit your taste preferences!
