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3 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels – Healthy High Protein Bagel Recipe Thumbnail

Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese

These 3 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels are soft, chewy, and packed with protein, making them the perfect addition to any healthy high protein meal. Made with just cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, this simple bagel recipe comes together in minutes and requires no yeast or complicated steps. You can cook them in the air fryer for a quick fix or in the oven if preferred. Top them with cheese bagels, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning for extra flavor. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a protein dinner, these homemade bagels are beginner-friendly, versatile, and delicious.
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Prep Time 17 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Protein Dinner, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • Flour
  • All-purpose flour works perfectly here but whole wheat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend (like Cup 4 Cup) can also be used with great results.
  • Cottage Cheese
  • A thick full-fat cottage cheese is ideal. Brands like Good Culture are especially convenient because there’s no need to strain or blend beforehand.
  • Baking Powder
  • This replaces yeast and gives the bagels their lift helping them puff up and stay soft inside.
  • Salt Optional
  • A small pinch boosts flavor and balances the dough.
  • Egg Wash Optional but Recommended
  • One egg mixed with a splash of water or milk adds shine color, and helps toppings stick.
  • Optional Toppings
  • Everything seasoning sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded Asiago cheese all work beautifully.

Method
 

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
    2. Create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or spatula until the mixture starts coming together into a rough dough. A stand mixer with a dough hook also works.
      3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead by hand for about 1–2 minutes until the dough looks smoother and holds together. If it feels sticky, dust lightly with more flour.
        4. Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 6–7 inches long, then bring the ends together to form a bagel shape. Press gently to seal.
          5. Whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Brush a thin layer over each bagel, then add any toppings you like.
            6. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Lightly grease or line the basket with parchment paper. Arrange the bagels in a single layer and cook for 15–17 minutes, checking around the 10-minute mark. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.
              7. Once the bagels are lightly golden and firm, remove them and allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

                Notes

                Oven Method

                No air fryer? No problem. Prepare the bagels as instructed above. Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Let them rest for 15 minutes before serving.

                Flavor Variations

                • Everything Bagels: Egg wash + everything seasoning
                • Sesame Bagels: Top with sesame seeds only
                • Poppy Seed Bagels: Keep it classic with poppy seeds
                • Asiago Cheese Bagels: Finish with shredded Asiago before cooking

                Pro Tips for Best Results

                • Always mix baking powder into the flour first to ensure even rising.
                • Don’t skip kneading—it helps the dough hold its shape and improves texture.
                • Egg wash creates a bakery-style finish, but olive oil spray works too.
                • Check early when air frying; every machine cooks a bit differently.
                • Cooling time matters—the bagels continue setting as they rest.

                Serving Ideas

                • Breakfast Sandwich: Toasted bagel with eggs and bacon
                • Quick Snack: Spread with cottage cheese or cream cheese and tomatoes
                • Mini Bagel Pizzas: Add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then reheat
                • Crunchy Croutons: Cube, season, and air fry until crisp
                • Bagel Chips: Slice thin and bake or air fry for a crunchy snack

                Storage & Reheating

                Store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the air fryer, toaster, or microwave.

                FAQs

                Are protein bagels a healthy option?
                 Yes! These bagels are made with simple ingredients and provide about 10 grams of protein per bagel at roughly 170 calories, making them filling and balanced.
                How much protein does each bagel contain?
                 Each bagel delivers around 10–11 grams of protein. Turning one into a breakfast sandwich can easily boost protein to 25 grams.
                Can these be made gluten-free?
                 Absolutely. Swap regular flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend designed for baking.

                Final Thoughts

                These cottage cheese protein bagels prove that homemade baking doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you get soft, chewy bagels that fit perfectly into busy mornings, meal prep plans, or high-protein lifestyles. They’re flexible, beginner-friendly, and endlessly customizable—once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.