Cottage Cheese Bagels

Name: Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8.0
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Highlighted under: Simple Speedy Plates

Ever find yourself wanting a bagel but don't have time for the whole boil-and-bake process? That's where these cottage cheese bagels come in. I stumbled upon this recipe when I wanted something fresh, easy, and with a protein punch. The cottage cheese adds a lovely texture, and trust me, they puff up beautifully in the oven. Not only are they quick to make, but they also satisfy that craving for a chewy bagel without the fuss. You've got to try them!

Created by

The Globalbitesrecipes Team

Last updated on 2026-05-12T13:57:15.748Z

I was feeling a bit adventurous in the kitchen and wanted to try something new, so I decided to make these cottage cheese bagels. Honestly, I didn't think they would turn out as good as they did! The dough came together so quickly, and the aroma wafting through my kitchen had my family asking what was cooking.

The little bits of cottage cheese in the mix give the bagels a unique texture, and they puff up beautifully. I learned that letting them rest a bit before baking helps them form that nice crust. Next time, I might experiment with some toppings like everything seasoning or sesame seeds, just to switch things up a bit!

The Best Part

You probably have cheese in the fridge already
They bake up in no time, perfect for busy mornings
Great for toasting and adding your favorite spreads

Choosing Your Ingredients

When making cottage cheese bagels, the ingredients are super straightforward, which I love. The cottage cheese is key here, so don’t skimp on quality. I prefer the full-fat version, it adds creaminess that really shines through when baked. The baking powder does the heavy lifting for leavening, so make sure it's fresh for the best puffy results.

You can also experiment a bit with the flour. While all-purpose works like a charm, a mix of whole wheat or bread flour can give your bagels a different texture. And trust me, if you have some herbs or garlic powder lying around, sprinkle in a teaspoon for an extra kick—these bagels can handle it!

A Quick Note on Cottage Cheese Bagels

These bagels bake very quickly, so keep an eye on them. They should be a lovely golden brown when done, which usually takes about 20 minutes. If you notice that they’re browning too fast, you can turn your oven down slightly or cover them with a piece of foil to slow things down a bit. I’ve done this before and it works just fine.

The texture is chewy yet soft, making them a real treat without the heavy lifting of traditional bagels. I often make them on Sunday mornings, and they’re even better if you toast them once they cool. I like to slather mine with cream cheese or avocado, but you do you!

And hey, if you're short on time one morning, you can absolutely skip the egg wash and just bake them plain. They won’t be quite as golden, but they’ll still taste fantastic—trust me, I’ve made them that way more times than I can count.

Ingredients

Here’s what you'll need to make these delicious bagels:

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

And that’s it! Gather your ingredients and let’s make some bagels!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your cottage cheese bagels:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). I like to line a baking sheet with parchment paper, but if you don’t have any, just grease it lightly.

Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and olive oil. Use a fork or your hands to mix until a dough forms. It might seem a bit sticky, but don’t worry, it works out!

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into eight equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 8 inches long, then pinch the ends together to form a bagel shape. Don't stress if they're not perfect, they’ll still taste great!

Egg Wash

If you want a golden color, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the bagels before baking. You can leave this step out if you're skipping the egg wash.

Bake

Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. You'll know they are done when they look golden brown and smell incredible. Just a heads up, keep an eye on them towards the end to avoid any burning.

Let the bagels cool for a few minutes before digging in. Enjoy!

Scaling Cottage Cheese Bagels for a Crowd

If you want to make a bunch of cottage cheese bagels for a brunch or a gathering, it’s super easy to scale up this recipe. Doubling or tripling the ingredient amounts is straightforward—just keep an eye on the baking time, as larger batches may need a minute or two more in the oven. I like to use multiple baking sheets so they all bake evenly.

This is also a great opportunity to try different topping ideas. Since these bagels have a bit of a blank canvas flavor, you can get creative with toppings. After shaping, try sprinkling sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even shredded cheese right on top before baking. Just make sure those toppings aren't too heavy, or they might weigh down the bagels.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Sure, you can, but it might change the texture a bit. To be fair, I usually stick with full-fat for that creamy feel.

→ How do I store leftovers?

I usually keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They last a couple of days, but honestly, they’re best fresh!

→ Can I freeze these bagels?

Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully cooled. Wrap them well, and they'll freeze nicely for a month.

→ What should I add to the dough?

Some folks love adding garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor. Personally, I think cheese bits would be a fun addition.

→ What's the best way to reheat them?

A quick toast in the toaster brings them back to life! Just a minute or two should do the trick.