Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
Introduction
These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are quick, easy, and delicious, making them perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. With a soft texture and a crispy golden crust topped with seeds, they might just become your new family favorite.

Ingredients
- 1 cup full fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup plus 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Mix of sesame and poppy seeds (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt if using. Add the cottage cheese and mix with a spatula. Use your hands to form the mixture into a dough.
- Step 2: Knead the dough at least 10 times until it’s neither too sticky nor too dry. Shape it into a ball, cover the bowl with a tea towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Step 4: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a log shape.
- Step 5: Cut the log into 4 equal pieces.
- Step 6: Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch rope, then join the ends together, pinching firmly to form a bagel shape.
- Step 7: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of each bagel. Sprinkle the sesame and poppy seeds evenly on top.
- Step 8: Place the bagels on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Bake for 25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
- Step 9: Once baked, let the bagels cool completely for at least 15 minutes before serving to ensure the best texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a slightly tangier flavor and softer texture.
- Experiment with different seed toppings like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend, adjusting quantity as needed.
- Allow the dough to rest covered; this helps hydrate the flour and makes shaping easier.
Storage
Store the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually for up to 1 month. Reheat by toasting or warming in the oven until heated through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?
Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese gives a richer texture and better flavor. Using low-fat may result in slightly drier bagels.
How can I make these bagels dairy-free?
Substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or firm tofu blended until smooth. The texture may vary slightly, but it works well in a pinch.
PrintCottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are a simple, quick, and delicious homemade treat perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. With a soft texture and delightful toppings of sesame and poppy seeds, they offer a healthy and high-protein alternative to traditional bagels that your entire family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Bagel Dough
- 1 cup full fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup + 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Toppings
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Mix of sesame and poppy seeds
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add Cottage Cheese and Form Dough: Add the full fat cottage cheese to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together with a spatula, then use your hands to form the mixture into a dough.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough at least 10 times until it reaches a consistency that is neither too sticky nor too dry. Form the dough into a ball and cover the bowl with a tea towel. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: After the dough has rested, preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F).
- Shape Bagels: Flour your work surface and roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6-7 inches long and join the ends by pinching them to form a bagel shape.
- Prepare for Baking: Beat the egg and brush it generously over the top of each bagel. Sprinkle a mix of sesame and poppy seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
- Bake Bagels: Place the bagels on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until they are puffy and golden brown.
- Cool Down: Remove the bagels from the oven and allow them to cool completely for 15 minutes before serving. This step ensures the bagels set properly and enhances texture.
Notes
- Don’t skip the cooling step as it helps the bagels firm up and improves their texture.
- You can use low-fat cottage cheese if you want a lighter version, but full-fat gives a richer taste.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with other seeds such as flax or chia for variety.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour a tablespoon at a time to adjust.
- Ensure the ends of the bagels are firmly pinched together to prevent them from opening during baking.
Keywords: bagels, cottage cheese, cottage cheese bagels, healthy, high protein, homemade bagels, easy bagel recipe

