High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

Cottage cheese bagels are super fun, easy to make, and packing about 11 grams of protein per bagel perfect for a healthy, whole‑foods breakfast.

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Bagels

These bagels are fluffy in the middle, slightly crispy on the bottom, and salty on top the ultimate combination. You can bake them in the oven or crisp them up in an air fryer for a golden finish. Whether you’re gluten‑free, keto‑curious, or just want a high‑protein breakfast hack, they’re a wholesome delight.

Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels

Required ingredients (Cottage Cheese Bagels)

  • Cottage cheese
  • Eggs
  • Almond flour or regular flour

Importance of these ingredients

Using cottage cheese gives each bagel a creamy texture and rich protein punch. Almond flour keeps them low‑carb and gluten‑free. Prefer a classic version? Swap with all‑purpose flour.

Preparation Instructions Cottage Cheese Bagels

Step‑by‑step instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F), or set your air fryer to 180 °C (350 °F).
Step 2: In a bowl, blend cottage cheese, eggs, and almond flour (or regular flour) until a dough forms.
Step 3: Divide the dough, roll into ropes, and shape into bagels.
Step 4: Lightly brush with water, sprinkle with coarse salt or “Everything bagel seasoning.”
Hint: Letting the dough rest for 5 minutes tightens the texture and makes shaping easier.
Step 5: Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden‑brown. In the air fryer, cook at 180 °C for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.

Cooking Tips

  • Don’t rush slow cooking bake fully to avoid doughy centers.
  • For a crispier crust, spray lightly with oil before air frying.
  • Want a soft bagel? Steam them for 2 minutes before baking.

Personal Anecdote

When I first brought these hot cottage cheese bagels out of the oven, Grandma Mary’s smiling nod said it all.
One time, the kitchen timer broke and I had to judge doneness by smell a bit rustic, but the aroma of baking bagels floating through the house is unforgettable.
The life lesson? Trust your senses and your heart when baking ❤

Cottage Cheese Bagels Substitutions

  • Gluten‑free: Use almond or coconut flour.
  • Dairy‑free: Try blended silken tofu.
  • Vegan: Replace eggs with aquafaba + flaxseed mix.

Variations on Cottage Cheese Bagels

  • Stir in Everything Bagel seasoning or chopped olives.
  • Sweet twist: add cinnamon and top with raisins.
  • High‑protein: sprinkle hemp seeds or flax.

Equipment Cottage Cheese Bagels

  • Mixing bowl and spoon (grainy wooden spoon for grandma vibes!)
  • Baking sheet or air fryer basket
  • Measuring cups and parchment paper

Storage Tips Cottage Cheese Bagels

Store in zip‑top bags at room temperature for 2 days. Freeze flat, then reheat in the toaster or air fryer for 2–3 minutes.

Nutritional Information

  • Calories: ~180 per bagel
  • Protein: ~11 g
  • Carbs: ~10 g (with almond flour)
  • Fat: ~12 g

Grandma Mary’s Secret Cottage Cheese Bagels

Grandma Mary always said: “A wink of salt makes the world better.” A tiny sprinkle of sea salt on top awakens flavors and adds that perfect bagel bite.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cottage Cheese Bagels

Is cottage cheese good for bagels?

Yes! It adds moisture, tenderness, and a boost of protein.

What does cottage cheese pair well with?

Great with savory spreads like avocado or cucumber, or sweet toppings like jam or honey.

How do you make Bethenny Frankel’s viral cottage cheese bagel?

It’s basically cottage cheese, egg, and an oat‑based flour. You can swap oats for almond flour in this version.

Why do bodybuilders eat cottage cheese before bed?

It’s high in casein protein, which digests slowly and helps with overnight muscle repair.

Conclusion

These Cottage Cheese Bagels are definitely worth the hype—deliciously fluffy, easy, and protein‑packed. Bake them in the oven or crisp them up in your air fryer for that ideal crust. Try toppings like avocado or smoked salmon, and let Grandma Mary’s warmth fill your kitchen.

Before you go, you might enjoy these related cottage‑cheese delights:

Sliced everything bagel filled with creamy whipped Cottage Cheese Bagels spread, served on a black plate. A perfect example of Cottage Cheese Bagels.

Classic Cottage Cheese Bagels

These high-protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are fluffy in the middle, crispy on the outside, and super easy to make with just three ingredients!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4 bagels
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Air Fryer or Oven
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

Base Dough

  • 1 cup cottage cheese full-fat or low-fat
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour or all-purpose flour

Toppings

  • Everything bagel seasoning or coarse salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or air fryer to 350°F (180°C).
  • In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, eggs, and almond flour until a sticky dough forms.
  • Let the dough rest for 5 minutes for easier handling.
  • Divide into 4 portions, roll each into a rope, and form bagel shapes.
  • Brush with water and sprinkle with bagel seasoning.
  • Bake for 15–18 minutes in oven or 12–14 minutes in air fryer until golden brown.

Notes

Customize with cinnamon, raisins, olives, or extra seeds for variety. Freeze for later and reheat in a toaster or air fryer!
Keyword Air fryer, Cottage cheese bagels, Gluten-Free, High Protein

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