Protein Bagels With Cottage Cheese Recipe

Fluffy Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese Recipe – Morning Boost!

Whipping up protein-packed bagels with cottage cheese can revolutionize your breakfast routine.

Creamy dairy blends seamlessly with hearty flour to create a nutritious morning treat.

These bagels deliver a powerful punch of protein without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Homemade baking allows you to control ingredients and customize your culinary experience.

Mixing simple pantry staples transforms an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.

Nutritionists recommend incorporating protein-rich ingredients for sustained energy throughout the day.

Let this recipe inspire you to reimagine your breakfast possibilities.

Top It With These Tasty Additions

  • Perfect Pairings
  • Slice some tangy goat cheese or creamy brie to complement the protein bagel's hearty texture and add rich, smooth flavor.
  • Whip up a quick smoked salmon spread using cream cheese, diced capers, and fresh dill to enhance the bagel's nutritious profile.
  • Pair with a robust cold brew coffee or a smooth cappuccino to balance the bagel's dense consistency and provide a delightful morning energy kick.
  • Sprinkle fresh chives, dill, or microgreens on top for a bright, zesty note that cuts through the bagel's richness and adds a fresh dimension.

Switch-Up Ideas for New Bagel Versions

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace self-rising flour with gluten-free self-rising flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
  • Low-Carb Variation: Substitute flour with almond flour or coconut flour, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining protein levels.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free Greek yogurt or mashed silken tofu instead of cottage cheese, and replace egg wash with plant-based milk.
  • Savory Herb Option: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano directly into the dough for an enhanced flavor profile and aromatic experience.

Protein Bagel FAQs

  • Are these bagels gluten-free?

No, these bagels use self-rising flour which contains gluten. If you need a gluten-free version, you’ll need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.

  • Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt works best because it’s thicker and provides more protein. Regular yogurt might make the dough too wet and sticky, potentially affecting the texture of the bagels.

  • How much protein do these bagels contain?

These protein bagels get their protein boost from Greek yogurt and cottage cheese, typically providing around 10-12 grams of protein per bagel, making them a great post-workout or high-protein breakfast option.

  • Is kneading the dough important?

Yes, kneading develops gluten and creates a smoother, more elastic dough which helps the bagels maintain their shape and have a better texture when baked.

Why These Protein Bagels Are a Solid Start

  • Combine just two main ingredients (Greek yogurt and self-rising flour) for a simple, foolproof recipe that requires zero bread-making skills.
  • Delivers a nutritious morning meal with high protein content from Greek yogurt, perfect for fitness enthusiasts and busy professionals seeking a healthy breakfast option.
  • Customize bagels with your favorite seeds or seasonings, making them adaptable for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need to Bake High-Protein Bagels

Main Protein Ingredients:
  • Greek Yogurt, Cottage Cheese: Provides protein and moisture, creating a soft and tangy base for the bagels.
  • Self-Rising Flour: Gives structure and helps the bagels rise with a light, fluffy texture.
Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Egg: Creates a golden, shiny surface and helps toppings stick to the bagels.
  • Sesame Seeds, Poppy Seeds: Optional toppings that add crunch and extra flavor.
Optional Seasonings:
  • Favorite Seasoning: Can add extra taste and personal touch to the bagels, such as everything bagel seasoning or herbs.
Baking Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
  • Flour (for surface): Helps prevent dough from sticking while kneading and shaping.

How to Mix, Shape, and Bake with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Dough Base

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Self-rising flour

Stir ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Develop Texture

Transfer dough to a lightly floured countertop. Use hands to knead the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Form Bagel Shapes

Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each section into a rope-like shape. Connect the ends to create classic bagel rings.

Step 5: Add Decorative Touches

Gently brush each bagel with beaten egg. Optionally sprinkle with:
  • Sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds
  • Everything bagel seasoning

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place bagels in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until they turn a rich golden brown and feel firm when touched.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove bagels from oven. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before enjoying their warm, freshly baked goodness.

Tips for Chewy Texture and Balanced Flavor

  • Boost Protein Power: Add an extra scoop of protein powder to the dough for an even more protein-packed breakfast option.
  • Perfect Dough Consistency: Knead the dough gently to avoid overworking, which can make the bagels tough and dense.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with everything bagel seasoning, dried herbs, or grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor complexity.
  • Storage Savvy: Keep bagels fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Egg-Free Alternative: Replace beaten egg with milk or plant-based milk for a different glazing option that still creates a golden crust.

How to Store and Toast Later

  • Store leftover bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual bagels tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to preserve quality for up to 1 month.
  • Warm refrigerated or frozen bagels at 350F for 57 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside.
  • Slice bagels in half and toast directly from frozen or refrigerated state for a quick, crisp texture with minimal effort.
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Protein Bagels With Cottage Cheese Recipe

Protein Bagels With Cottage Cheese Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Protein-packed bagels shine with creamy cottage cheese, delivering a nutritious breakfast powerhouse. Crisp edges and pillowy centers make these homemade bagels a delightful morning companion you’ll crave with every satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (250 g / 8.8 ounces) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup (125 g / 4.4 ounces) self-rising flour
  • 1 cup (240 g / 8.5 ounces) cottage cheese

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup fresh herbs (chives, parsley, or dill), chopped
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Optional Toppings and Additions:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds
  • Everything bagel seasoning
  • ½ avocado, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking workspace by lining a sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 375F (190C).
  2. Create a malleable dough by thoroughly blending Greek yogurt with self-rising flour until a cohesive mixture develops.
  3. Transfer the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead, working the texture until smooth and pliable.
  4. Portion the dough into four uniform sections, rolling each piece into elongated rope-like shapes.
  5. Form each rope into circular bagel configurations by connecting the ends, ensuring a uniform ring shape.
  6. Position the shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining equal spacing between each piece.
  7. Delicately coat each bagel surface with a whisked egg wash, creating a glossy protective layer.
  8. Optional: Enhance the exterior by sprinkling sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or preferred seasoning blend across the egg-brushed surface.
  9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake approximately 20-25 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown color and firm texture.
  10. Remove from oven and allow bagels to cool momentarily before serving, ensuring optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

  • Swap Greek Yogurt: Replace with cottage cheese for a protein boost and different tangy flavor profile that still maintains the recipe’s texture.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free self-rising flour blend to make these bagels accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Seasoning Experiment: Try everything bagel seasoning, dried herbs, or nutritional yeast for extra flavor layers without compromising the base recipe.
  • Storage Hack: Slice and freeze bagels individually for quick toasting later, preserving freshness and making meal prep easier.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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