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cottage cheese bagels recipe

Easy Cottage Cheese Bagels - High Protein & Incredibly Fluffy

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These cottage cheese bagels sound absolutely insane until you make them - then they become your weekly meal prep obsession. Fluffy, protein-packed, and cost pennies compared to store-bought. Your breakfast routine will never be the same once you taste these golden, everything-seasoned beauties that fool everyone into thinking you're a legit baker.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 bagel's
Course: Breakfast, brunch, meal prep
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cottage cheese 4% milkfat (Breakstone's or Daisy preferred)
  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 large egg for egg wash
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2-3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds optional
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes optional
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds optional

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl For combining cottage cheese and flour without overmixing
  • 1 Kitchen scale (optional but recommended) 8 oz cottage cheese to 1 cup flour ratio for consistency
  • 1 Wooden Spoon To mix dough gently without developing tough gluten
  • 1 Large baking sheet Line with parchment paper for easy removal
  • 1 Wire cooling rack Essential for preventing gummy centers - 20 minutes cooling minimum
  • 1 Pastry brush For thorough egg wash application and professional shine

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Get your kitchen scale ready if you have one - it makes a huge difference in consistency.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup (8 oz) cottage cheese and 1 cup self-rising flour. Using a wooden spoon, stir until a shaggy dough forms. Stop mixing as soon as it comes together - overmixing creates tough bagels. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
    cottage cheese bagels recipe mixing step
  3. Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope, then connect the ends to form bagel shapes. Don't stress about perfect circles - rustic looks intentional and tastes just as good. Space them out on your prepared baking sheet.
    cottage cheese bagels recipe shaping step
  4. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water. Brush every surface of each bagel thoroughly - this creates that beautiful golden shine. Load up on everything seasoning and press it gently into the surface. Don't be stingy with toppings!
    cottage cheese bagels recipe topping step
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until deep golden brown. Rotate the pan halfway through for even browning. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. This is your cue they're perfectly done.
    cottage cheese bagels recipe baking step
  6. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing - about 20 minutes. I know they smell incredible, but cutting them hot releases steam and creates gummy centers. Patience here prevents disappointment!

Nutrition

Serving: 1baggelCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 15gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.8mg

Notes

The real magic happens when you don't overthink it - cottage cheese transforms into bakery-quality bagels that cost 70 cents each versus $4 store-bought. Use 4% milkfat cottage cheese (Breakstone's or Daisy work best), never skip the cooling time, and load up on everything seasoning like your life depends on it. These freeze beautifully and actually toast better from frozen than fresh.

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