Cottage Cheese Bagels: A Simple Recipe for Perfect Results

Ever wished you could enjoy a fresh, chewy bagel without the guilt? Cottage cheese bagels are the answer! These fluffy, protein-rich delights are surprisingly easy to make at home, with no yeast or lengthy rise times required. Originating as a clever hack for low-carb and high-protein diets, they’ve become a favorite for their soft texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent, a fitness enthusiast, or just craving a wholesome breakfast, these bagels will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Soft & Chewy Texture – These bagels bake up perfectly tender with a slight crisp outside.
2. High-Protein Boost – Cottage cheese adds a nutritious punch, keeping you full longer.
3. No Yeast, No Waiting – Skip the long rise—these come together in under 30 minutes.
4. Endless Customization – Top with everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.

Fun Facts About Cottage Cheese Bagels

• Cottage cheese bagels gained popularity as a viral TikTok trend, praised for their simplicity.
• Traditional bagels require boiling before baking, but this version skips that step.
• Cottage cheese has been used in baking for decades in Eastern Europe for added moisture and protein.
• They’re naturally lower in carbs than classic bagels, making them a great alternative.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, 4% milk fat works best)
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (one standard packet)
• ¼ cup warm water (105-110°F)

For the Water Bath:

• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking soda

Optional Toppings:

• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
• 1 egg white (for egg wash to help toppings stick)

Cottage Cheese Bagels Steps

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon of the honey or sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
2. Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cottage cheese, remaining honey/sugar, olive oil, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky.
4. First rise: Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1-1½ hours until doubled in size.
5. Shape the bagels: Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke your thumb through the center and gently stretch to form a ring with a 1½-inch hole.
6. Second rise: Place shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rest for 20-30 minutes.
7. Prepare water bath: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large pot, bring water, honey/sugar, and baking soda to a gentle boil.
8. Boil and bake: Boil bagels for 30 seconds per side. If using toppings, brush with egg wash and sprinkle toppings immediately after boiling. Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown.

Cottage Cheese Bagels Tips and Twists

Essential Tips:

1. Use room temperature cottage cheese for easier incorporation into the dough.
2. Don’t skip the boiling step—it’s what gives bagels their characteristic chewy exterior.
3. For a shinier crust, brush with egg wash even if you’re not adding toppings.
4. Let the bagels cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing to prevent gumminess.
5. If your dough feels too wet, add flour gradually—just 1 tablespoon at a time.

Delicious Variations:

1. Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1 tablespoon cinnamon and ½ cup raisins to the dough.
2. Herb and Garlic: Mix in 2 teaspoons garlic powder and 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs.
3. Jalapeño Cheddar: Fold in ¼ cup shredded cheddar and 2 tablespoons finely diced jalapeños.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Proper handling ensures your cottage cheese bagels maintain their delightful texture and flavor long after baking.

Storage: Store completely cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, seal in freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For the freshest taste, slice and toast frozen or room-temperature bagels. Alternatively, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Frozen bagels can go straight to toasting without thawing.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough through shaping, then refrigerate the shaped bagels overnight for a slow rise. Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before boiling and baking. Alternatively, freeze shaped unbaked bagels on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags once solid. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before boiling and baking.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your freshly baked cottage cheese bagels into memorable meals with these perfect pairings:

1. Classic Breakfast: Split and toast your bagel, then layer with cream cheese, smoked salmon, thinly sliced red onion, capers, and fresh dill.
2. Mediterranean Lunch: Top with hummus, cucumber slices, roasted red peppers, feta crumbles, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing midday meal.
3. Sweet Treat: Spread with mascarpone or ricotta cheese, honey, and fresh berries for a dessert-like option that complements the subtle tanginess of the cottage cheese dough.
4. Hearty Sandwich: Use as the foundation for an egg sandwich with avocado, bacon, and spinach for a protein-packed meal.
5. Simple Snack: Toast and butter while still warm for a comforting treat that highlights the unique flavor profile of these special bagels.

FAQ About Cottage Cheese Bagels

Q: Can I use fat-free cottage cheese? A: While possible, full-fat or 2% cottage cheese yields better results. Fat-free versions may produce a drier bagel.

Q: Why didn’t my bagels float during the boiling step? A: This typically indicates the dough hasn’t risen enough. Ensure your yeast is active and give the shaped bagels enough time to rise before boiling.

Q: Can I make these without a stand mixer? A: Absolutely! Hand-kneading works perfectly for bagel dough and helps you develop a better feel for proper texture.

Q: How can I make these gluten-free? A: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but add 1 tablespoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it. The texture will differ slightly from traditional bagels.

Q: Why are my bagels wrinkled after baking? A: This usually happens when the boiling water isn’t hot enough. Ensure it’s at a gentle boil before adding bagels.

Final Thoughts on Cottage Cheese Bagels

These cottage cheese bagels prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture. With minimal ingredients and maximum versatility, they’re perfect for meal prep, quick breakfasts, or satisfying snacks. Once you try them, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Print

Cottage Cheese Bagels

These cottage cheese bagels offer a protein boost and wonderfully chewy texture that’s perfect for breakfast sandwiches or simple toasting. The tangy flavor from the cottage cheese creates a unique twist on traditional bagels that’s both satisfying and simple enough for beginner bakers to master.

Course Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine American

Keyword breakfast bread, cottage cheese bagels, easy bagel recipe, homemade bagels, protein bagels

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 8 bagels

Calories 165kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cottage cheese small curd, 4% milk fat
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast one standard packet
• ¼ cup warm water 105-110°F
• 8 cups water for boiling
• 2 tablespoons honey for water bath
• 1 tablespoon baking soda for water bath
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning

Instructions

• In a small bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and 1 teaspoon honey. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
• In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Add cottage cheese, remaining honey, olive oil, and the activated yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
• Knead dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1½ hours until doubled.
• Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then poke your thumb through the center and stretch to form a ring with a 1½-inch hole. Let rest for 20-30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425°F. Bring water, honey, and baking soda to a gentle boil in a large pot.
• Boil cottage cheese bagels for 30 seconds per side, then transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Add toppings if desired.
• Bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown. Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For softer cottage cheese bagels, use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overknead the dough. Try adding cinnamon and raisins to the dough for a sweet breakfast variation that highlights the subtle tanginess of the cottage cheese.

Nutrition:
Calories: 165
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 395mg

Explore More Recipes on Our Blog

Craving more cozy, beginner-friendly recipes? Check out Abby’s Recipes for inspiration. Try the Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread for another protein-packed treat. Love breakfast bakes? The Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Muffins are a quick win. For a sweet twist, bake Pecan Pie Bars. Want another savory delight? The Quick Cheddar Bay Biscuits pair perfectly with your bagels. Visit Abby’s Recipes for more!