Why Cottage Cheese Bagels?

Cottage cheese has recently gained immense popularity as a versatile ingredient for health-conscious eaters. It’s high in protein, low in calories, and pairs well with both sweet and savory dishes. From cottage cheese bowls to pancakes and now bagels, this dairy product can be transformed into countless meals. These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels offer a great alternative to regular bagels, giving you a higher-protein option without much fuss.

Benefits of Cottage Cheese Bagels

High Protein: Each serving of these bagels provides a significant protein boost, making them perfect for breakfast or as a post-workout snack. One bagel can contain up to 11 grams of protein, thanks to the cottage cheese.
Quick to Make: With no rising time required, these bagels are incredibly fast to prepare. From mixing the dough to baking, you can enjoy fresh homemade bagels in just 35 minutes.
Customizable: Want to try different toppings? From everything bagel seasoning to sesame seeds, you can easily adjust the flavor to suit your taste.
Oven or Air Fryer Options: Whether you prefer baking in the oven or air frying for a faster result, this recipe can be adapted to your preferred cooking method.

Ingredients Overview

Before we get into the process, let’s break down the simple ingredients needed to make these bagels:

Self-Rising Flour: This helps the bagels rise without needing additional leavening agents. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding baking powder and salt.
Cottage Cheese: Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and protein content. Blending the cottage cheese helps achieve a smooth dough.
Egg: Used as an egg wash, this ingredient gives the bagels a nice golden crust. Feel free to top the bagels with your favorite seasoning after brushing the egg wash.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cottage Cheese Bagels

Smooth Blending: Make sure to blend or pulse your cottage cheese until it’s completely smooth. This will prevent lumps in your dough and ensure a more uniform texture in your bagels.
Handling Sticky Dough: Cottage cheese can make the dough a bit sticky. Use plenty of flour on your work surface to knead the dough and prevent it from sticking to your hands or rolling pin.
Shaping Tips: When shaping your bagels, roll each piece of dough into a rope and join the ends tightly to form a circular shape. Pinch the ends to ensure the bagel holds its shape during baking.
Choosing Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese are all great options. For a sweeter version, you could even sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
Freezing for Later: If you want to make a larger batch, these bagels freeze well. Simply slice them in half after cooling, store in a freezer-safe bag, and pop one in the toaster when you’re ready to eat.

Recipe Variations

These bagels are very adaptable. Here are a few variations you can try:

Gluten-Free: To make these bagels gluten-free, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. Add baking powder and salt as described in the recipe, and you’ll get a similar result.
Greek Yogurt Substitute: If you don’t have cottage cheese on hand, Greek yogurt works as a great substitute, providing a similar texture and taste. However, cottage cheese offers more protein.
Different Flavors: Besides the classic sesame or everything bagel toppings, you can also mix in fresh herbs, grated cheese, or even garlic powder into the dough for added flavor.
Bagel Sandwiches: Once your bagels are ready, they make excellent bases for sandwiches. Top them with smoked salmon, cream cheese, or avocado for a quick and nutritious meal.

Baking vs. Air Frying

One of the standout features of this recipe is that it can be made in either the oven or the air fryer. Here’s a comparison of both methods:

Oven: Baking in the oven takes around 25-30 minutes. It’s ideal for making larger batches and results in evenly golden, slightly chewy bagels.
Air Fryer: If you’re in a hurry, the air fryer is the way to go. You’ll have your bagels ready in just 10-12 minutes, and they turn out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Nutritional Value

These cottage cheese bagels are a healthier alternative to traditional bagels. By using cottage cheese instead of cream cheese or butter, you’re boosting the protein content while keeping the fat levels moderate. Plus, since they’re baked and not fried, they’re lower in calories.

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels — Print

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