Name: High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489111H33M59S
Total time: PT-489111H33M59S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup self-rising flour; 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese; 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash); Toppings of choice: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds

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These high-protein cottage cheese bagels are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor—and they only require three ingredients. I make them in either the oven or the air fryer, and they come out golden and delicious every time. Whether I eat them plain, topped with cream cheese, or turned into a sandwich, these bagels never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and fast this recipe comes together. There’s no yeast, no rising time, and no complicated steps—just mix, shape, and bake. These bagels give me a protein-packed option for breakfast or snacks, and they freeze wonderfully for future meals. The texture is soft with a light chew, and they hold up beautifully to any topping I pile on.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Toppings of choice: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and move the rack to the top position. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor on high until smooth.
Mix the dough by combining the blended cottage cheese with the flour in a bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms and pulls away from the sides. Transfer to a floured surface and knead 8-10 times until smooth.
Divide and shape the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a rope (6–7 inches long, 1 inch thick), then form a ring and pinch the ends together to seal.
Brush with egg wash and add toppings of your choice.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Let them cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with nonstick spray. Air fry for 12–14 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 bagels.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes (oven) or 12–14 minutes (air fryer)
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

I swap in gluten-free flour mixed with baking powder and salt for a celiac-friendly version.
I love experimenting with toppings like asiago cheese, poppy seeds, or a homemade spice blend.
These bagels make an excellent base for sandwiches—think turkey and Boursin, egg salad, or classic lox and cream cheese.
For a sweet twist, I sometimes skip the seasoning and add cinnamon sugar or raisins to the dough.

storage/reheating

Once cooled, I store the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. I avoid refrigerating them since that can dry them out faster. For longer storage, I slice them almost all the way through and freeze them. When I’m ready to eat, I just toast them from frozen—they come out perfect.

FAQs

How much protein is in each cottage cheese bagel?

Each bagel has approximately 11 grams of protein, making it a great high-protein breakfast or snack option.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, I’ve tested this with plain Greek yogurt, and it works well. The texture is slightly different, but still delicious.

What kind of cottage cheese should I use?

I prefer full-fat cottage cheese for a richer flavor and better dough consistency. Brands like Good Culture work great.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

I recommend shaping and baking the bagels right after making the dough. However, the baked bagels freeze really well, so I often make a double batch to have on hand.

Do these taste like regular bagels?

They’re slightly different in texture—softer and a bit more tender—but still satisfy my bagel cravings with fewer ingredients and more protein.

Conclusion

These cottage cheese bagels are my go-to when I want something warm, filling, and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. The simple ingredients and versatility make them a staple in my weekly meal prep. Whether toasted, topped, or turned into sandwiches, these bagels always hit the spot.