Transform your breakfast with these viral cottage cheese bagels! Made with just 2 ingredients, each bagel packs 12g of protein and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or anyone craving a healthier bagel option.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why These Cottage Cheese Bagels Work
These viral cottage cheese bagels have become a breakfast game-changer for good reason. Each bagel delivers serious nutritional benefits compared to traditional bagels:
| Feature | Cottage Cheese Bagel | Regular Bagel |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 6-7g complete protein | 8-10g |
| Sugar | 2g | 9g |
| Sodium | 200mg | 450mg |
| Prep Time | 35 minutes | 3+ hours |
The secret science: Cottage cheese contains casein protein, which digests slowly and provides sustained energy for hours. The lactic acid in cottage cheese also helps create that perfect chewy texture without needing yeast or long rise times.
After testing 27 different batches, I discovered the key to perfect cottage cheese bagels: thoroughly draining the cottage cheese prevents soggy dough and ensures proper rise.
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pro Tips
The Cottage Cheese Prep (Most Important Step!)
- Drain thoroughly: Use cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer for 10 minutes
- Blend smooth: No lumps = better texture
- Use low-fat (2%): Full-fat adds too much moisture
Dough Handling Tips
Use rice flour for dusting: Prevents sticking without adding extra gluten
Don’t overmix: Fold ingredients just until combined
Knead exactly 10 times: More creates tough bagels
Perfect Shaping Technique
- Divide dough into 8 equal portions (about 2.5 oz each)
- Roll into smooth balls
- Poke hole with two fingers
- Gently stretch hole to 2 inches wide
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet
Recipe Variations
Sweet Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Cinnamon Raisin: Add 1 tsp cinnamon + ⅓ cup raisins to dough
- Blueberry: Fold in ½ cup fresh blueberries
- Everything Sweet: Top with cinnamon sugar instead of everything seasoning
Savory Options
- Garlic Herb: Add 1 tsp garlic powder + 1 tbsp dried herbs to dough
- Cheese Lovers: Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan into dough
- Spicy Everything: Add red pepper flakes to everything seasoning
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend + 1 tsp xanthan gum
- Higher Protein: Add 1 scoop unflavored protein powder (reduce flour by 2 tbsp)
- Vegan: Use dairy-free cottage cheese alternative
Storage & Freezing Tips
Short-Term Storage
- Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days
- Don’t refrigerate – this makes bagels stale faster
- Toast day-old bagels to refresh
Freezing Instructions
- Cool completely before freezing
- Pro tip: Slice almost all the way through before freezing
- Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in freezer bags
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Toast directly from frozen – no thawing needed!
Meal Prep Ideas
- Make double batch on Sunday
- Pre-slice and freeze in portion sizes
- Perfect for grab-and-go breakfast sandwiches
Troubleshooting Guide
My Cottage Cheese Bagels Are:
Too Dense/Heavy
- Cottage cheese wasn’t drained enough
- Overmixed the dough
- Used expired baking powder
Spreading/Not Holding Shape
- Cottage cheese too wet
- Dough was overmixed
- Oven temperature too low
Not Rising
- Check baking powder expiration date
- Make sure self-rising flour is fresh
- Don’t skip the egg wash (helps with browning)
Soggy/Gummy Inside
- Cottage cheese needs more draining time
- Bake longer until hollow-sounding when tapped
- Let cool fully before cutting
Best Serving Ideas
Breakfast Options
- Classic: Cream cheese and everything seasoning
- Protein Power: Scrambled eggs and avocado
- Sweet Start: Almond butter and sliced banana
Lunch Combinations
- Deli Style: Turkey, cheese, and lettuce
- Veggie Loaded: Hummus, cucumber, sprouts
- Lox Alternative: Cottage cheese dip, capers, red onion
FAQs:
Can I use full-fat cottage cheese?
Low-fat (2%) works best. Full-fat cottage cheese has too much moisture and can make bagels dense. If you only have full-fat, drain it extra thoroughly.
Is cottage cheese good for bagels?
Yes! Cottage cheese adds moisture, protein, and a tender crumb while reducing fat. Its mild flavor lets seasonings shine, and the lactic acid creates that perfect bagel chew without yeast. After testing dozens of batches, I found low-fat (2%) works best for ideal rise.
How do you make Bethenny Frankel’s viral cottage cheese bagel?
Bethenny’s famous 2-ingredient recipe inspired ours! We elevated it by:
Draining cottage cheese thoroughly (crucial for texture!)
Adding an egg wash for crispiness
Using self-rising flour for reliable lift
Our version maintains her simplicity but guarantees fluffy results every time.
Why do bodybuilders eat cottage cheese before bed?
Cottage cheese is packed with casein protein—a slow-digesting protein that releases amino acids gradually. This fuels muscle repair overnight, making it ideal for recovery. Each bagel delivers 12g of this powerhouse protein!
Is it healthy to eat cottage cheese for breakfast?
Yes! With 24g protein per cup, cottage cheese stabilizes blood sugar and keeps you full for hours. Pair these bagels with fruit for balanced nutrition—they contain 45% more protein and 7g less sugar than traditional bagels.
How do I know when cottage cheese bagels are done?
They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Internal temperature should reach 190°F if you have a thermometer.
Do I need self-rising flour?
Yes, self-rising flour is crucial for proper rise. If you only have all-purpose flour, add 2 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt per cup of flour.
My Cottage Cheese Bagel Journey
After 27 test batches (including some epic fails that resembled hockey pucks!), I’ve perfected this cottage cheese bagels recipe. What started as a desperate attempt to feed my picky six-year-old has become our family’s Sunday morning tradition.
The real breakthrough came from treating cottage cheese like I do in my cottage cheese dip recipe – draining it thoroughly is absolutely crucial. This simple step transformed soggy disappointments into fluffy, bakery-worthy bagels.
Now our Portland kitchen fills with the aroma of everything seasoning while tiny hands help shape dough rings. It’s messy, flour gets everywhere (including on the dog), but these moments of imperfect cooking create perfect memories.
Ready to make your own cottage cheese bagels? Start with this foolproof recipe, and don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfect – even my 27th attempt had room for improvement! Share your creations with our Easy Cook Today Facebook family – we celebrate every golden ring and lopsided triumph.
Looking for more high-protein breakfast ideas? Try our low-carb high protein bagels or browse our complete collection of healthy breakfast recipes.
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Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 bagels
Description
Soft, high-protein bagels made with creamy cottage cheese and baked or air fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (2%), well-drained
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
- Everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)
- Rice flour for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain cottage cheese in cheesecloth for 10 minutes until very dry, then blend until completely smooth.
- In a large bowl, gently fold blended cottage cheese into self-rising flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead exactly 10 times until smooth.
- Divide into 8 equal pieces, roll each into a ball, poke a hole in the center, and gently stretch to form bagel rings about 2 inches wide.
- Brush with beaten egg (or water) and sprinkle with everything seasoning if desired.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, rotating tray halfway through, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- For air fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, prepare dough as above, spray basket lightly with oil, place bagels without overcrowding, air fry 12-15 minutes until golden, then cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best texture, ensure cottage cheese is well-drained and blended smooth before mixing with flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Oven, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American