These Cottage Cheese Bagels are soft and chewy, making breakfast feel special! With cottage cheese mixed in, they have extra protein and a delightful texture.
Honestly, I can’t resist slathering them with cream cheese or my favorite spread. They’re so good that I often make a double batch to share — or not! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese is great for texture and richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese works too. Greek yogurt can also be a good substitute but will give a slightly different texture.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the dough, giving structure. If you want to make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour, but note that it might change the texture slightly.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This seasoning blend adds a delicious crunch. If you don’t have it, make a simple mix using sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. You can even try other toppings like sesame seeds or a pinch of herbs.
How Do You Get the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping your bagels can be tricky, but here’s a simple way to get it just right. After dividing the dough, make a ball with each piece, then flatten it slightly. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center. Gently stretch it out to form the ring shape.
- Make sure the hole is big enough; it will shrink when baking.
- Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—homemade bagels are all about character!
With these insights, you’re all set to make your Cottage Cheese Bagels a success! Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat recommended)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg white (for egg wash)
For Topping:
- Everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 35-40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy your fresh bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bagels from sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir everything together until a shaggy dough forms. It might look a bit lumpy at first, but that’s perfectly normal!
3. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it gently for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and holds together nicely. Don’t over-knead, or your bagels will be tough!
4. Shape the Bagels:
Now it’s time to shape the bagels! Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten it slightly. Use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball and gently stretch it to form the classic bagel shape.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Place your shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until it’s frothy. Brush the top of each bagel with the egg white, this will give them a nice shine when baked!
6. Season the Bagels:
Generously sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top of the bagels. Feel free to get creative with your toppings if you want to try something different!
7. Bake the Bagels:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked through. Keep an eye on them as they get close to the end time!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them plain or slathered with your favorite cream cheese or spreads!
These Cottage Cheese Bagels are guaranteed to be soft and chewy with a deliciously seasoned crust! Enjoy your homemade treat!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese! While it might slightly change the texture, the bagels will still turn out delicious and lower in calories.
What Can I Substitute for All-Purpose Flour?
You can use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit from the original version.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To enjoy, just thaw and toast them for a warm, chewy treat!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like chopped herbs, diced vegetables, or cheese to the dough for a flavorful twist. Just make sure to keep the overall dough consistency in check by adjusting the flour as needed.
