Cottage cheese bagels might sound like something dreamt up in a nutritionist’s lab, but in my house, they’re a weekday miracle born right in my cluttered Wyoming kitchen. I’m Emily Hartwell, and like most of the recipes I share, this one came about on a gray winter morning with lunchboxes to pack, snow boots to find, and two hungry little whirlwinds circling the kitchen island. That morning, with a half-empty tub of cottage cheese and a short supply of bread, necessity sparked something cozy and new.
These bagels have that old-fashioned, satisfying chew I remember from my childhood in the UK, but they come together with a modern twist—no yeast, no fuss, just real ingredients and a little kitchen rhythm. They’re soft and protein-packed, just crusty enough on the outside, and best of all, they’re made with that ever-present ingredient in my fridge: cottage cheese.
This article will walk you through how to make cottage cheese bagels from scratch, why they’ve gone viral, and how they stack up as a healthy breakfast option. Also, I’ll share my top tips, favorite toppings, and clever ways to customize them. Whether you’re a curious first-timer or a cottage cheese veteran like me, I promise these golden, oven-baked circles will become your next comforting staple. Let’s dig in.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Warming Up to Cottage Cheese Bagels
Growing up just outside Bristol, I learned early on that the simplest foods could become the most comforting memories. Fast forward to my chilly Wyoming mornings—those long, quiet breakfasts with Sophie and Ben stumbling around the kitchen—and that same spirit lives on in my cottage cheese bagels. I first experimented with them on an overcast school day, inspired by a craving for something warm, chewy, and wholesome. They quickly became our go-to when the fridge offered nothing but a half‑empty tub of cottage cheese and a dash of creativity.
Why I fell in love with cottage cheese bagels
As soon as I shaped that dough and slid it into the oven, I understood the appeal. These bagels are soft with a light crust, full of tang from the cheese, and loaded with protein—perfect for fueling busy school mornings. Even Mark, who usually gravitates toward traditional toast, can’t resist tearing into one warm from the oven. The texture reminds me of a freshly baked British scone, but in a way that American kids love too. And because they skip yeast, they’re far simpler than a loaf of traditional bagels.
What makes cottage cheese bagels so special
These bagels embody everything I aim for in family cooking: minimal ingredients, minimal fuss, and maximum comfort. The blend of self-rising flour and full-fat cottage cheese creates a dough that’s forgiving—no need for proofing or fancy equipment. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable: everything seasoning, sesame, asiago cheese, even berry compote on top. If you enjoyed my recipe for Keto Cottage Cheese Egg Pizza Crust, you’ll love how these bagels adapt that same creamy, tender crumb.
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Cottage Cheese Bagels: Quick, High-Protein Breakfast You’ll Crave Daily
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Description
These soft, golden cottage cheese bagels come together in minutes with just flour, cottage cheese, and your favorite toppings—perfect for high-protein breakfasts.
Ingredients
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
1 large egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, asiago cheese, poppy seeds
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Blend cottage cheese in a food processor until smooth.
3. Mix blended cheese with flour until a sticky dough forms.
4. Transfer to floured surface, knead 8-10 times until smooth.
5. Divide dough into 4 pieces, roll each into a 6-7 inch rope and form bagels.
6. Brush tops with egg wash and add your favorite toppings.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing.
8. Optional: Air fry at 350°F for 12–14 minutes for a crispier crust.
Notes
For gluten-free bagels, use GF flour with 1 tsp baking powder + 1/2 tsp salt.
Dough texture may vary by cottage cheese brand—adjust flour as needed.
Great with savory or sweet toppings; store airtight up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 182mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Mastering the Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
If you’ve never tried a cottage cheese bagels recipe, you’re in for a delicious surprise. These bagels come together with just a few ingredients, yet the result is pure homemade comfort. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count—sometimes before the sun’s even up—and it never lets me down. Whether I’m prepping breakfast for Mark and the kids or freezing extras for a busy week, this cottage cheese bagel recipe always delivers.
Blending smooth cottage cheese for perfect dough
Start with full-fat cottage cheese and blend it until smooth—this step is essential for a fluffy, well-textured dough. Once combined with self-rising flour, the dough forms quickly and requires only a short knead to bring it together. If you’re using this cottage cheese bagel recipe with gluten-free flour, add baking powder and a touch of salt to get the right rise. The dough should be soft, not sticky—just like in my [cottage cheese pizza dough] where texture makes all the difference.
Roll, shape, and season to taste
Divide the dough into four parts and roll each into a rope. Form your bagel, pinch the ends, and top however you like. This cottage cheese bagels recipe is incredibly flexible—try sesame seeds, asiago, or classic everything seasoning. Sophie loves brushing hers with egg wash and cinnamon sugar, while Ben adds shredded cheese before baking. If you love creative variations, you’ll enjoy my take on [cottage cheese flatbreads], too.
Whether you bake or air fry, this cottage cheese bagel recipe gives you golden, tender bagels every time. It’s a high-protein, no-yeast solution that fits right into real life—and real kitchens like mine.
Baking & Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese Bagels
Turning dough into golden bagels is always a highlight—especially when those cottage cheese bagels also pack a healthful punch. My kitchen fills with that welcoming aroma as they bake, and knowing I’m serving a protein-rich alternative to store-bought bagels makes it all the more satisfying. These bagels aren’t just delicious; they fuel active mornings and cozy family breakfasts.
Oven vs. air fryer: pick the best method
For classic cottage cheese bagels, I bake them at 375 °F for 25–30 minutes until they puff and brown. The result? Without yeast, the crust and crumb are chewy and tender. But if you’re short on time, these bagels crisp beautifully in an air fryer—12–14 minutes at 350 °F gives you the same golden exterior with a slightly quicker finish. My air-fry method is a lifesaver on school-day mornings.
Protein-packed and family-friendly
Each bagel delivers roughly 11 grams of protein—without any extra whey or protein powders. This makes cottage cheese bagels a smart choice for balanced breakfasts or post-school snacks. Full-fat cottage cheese brings creamy richness and calcium, while keeping sugar and sodium low compared to commercial bagels. You can contrast this with my [cottage cheese pancakes] if you’re doubling down on protein-rich breakfasts. For health-conscious readers, check out my [gluten-free cottage cheese muffins], another simple, nourishing option.
| Nutrition Per Bagel | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
This table gives you a clear snapshot of what cottage cheese bagels bring to the table. Balanced energy, manageable macros, and that satisfying chew mean you can share them with everyone—from breakfast lovers to fitness fans.
Customize and Serve Cottage Cheese Bagels Your Way
The beauty of cottage cheese bagels lies in how easily they adapt to your kitchen and cravings. Whether you’re after something savory, cheesy, or even slightly sweet, this recipe transforms effortlessly. Around here, it’s a weekly ritual to experiment—sometimes it’s asiago and herbs, other times it’s cinnamon and honey.
Savor the savory: bagel upgrades we love
In times of creativity, I fold chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic right into the dough. For classic toppings, you can’t go wrong brushing them with egg wash and adding everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or coarse sea salt. These upgrades don’t just add crunch—they build a flavor profile that rivals any bakery. If you’re looking for more savory inspiration, my High Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl are a must-try, especially when you want something grab-and-go.
Simple serving ideas with serious flavor
These cottage cheese bagels are the kind of breakfast (or lunch!) base that does it all. Slice them and slather with whipped cottage cheese, top with avocado and chili flakes, or stack them into a sandwich layered with turkey, greens, and a smear of Dijon. For kid-friendly mornings, we toast them and drizzle with maple syrup or serve alongside fruit and yogurt. One of my favorite tricks? Using leftovers as mini pizza crusts topped with sauce, cheese, and a handful of chopped veggies.
No matter how you top or slice them, cottage cheese bagels offer an easy, protein-packed upgrade to your usual bread routine. Keep a few on hand and mealtime always feels a little more homemade, a little more special.
Conclusion
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking your own bagels—and when they’re made with wholesome cottage cheese, that comfort turns into something nourishing, too. From their soft, golden crust to their protein-rich, tender center, these cottage cheese bagels deliver on flavor, ease, and flexibility. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping ahead for busy mornings, they’re the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. If I can make them with a busy kitchen full of backpacks, snow boots, and little hands reaching for a taste—you can too. Let these bagels become part of your rhythm, your warmth, your table.
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Cottage Cheese Bagels FAQs
Is cottage cheese good for bagels?
Yes, it’s an excellent ingredient. Cottage cheese gives the dough a creamy base and boosts the protein content naturally. It also helps make the bagels moist and soft, without needing additional fat or complex steps.
How do you make Bethenny Frankel’s viral cottage cheese bagel?
Her version starts with cottage cheese blended until smooth, mixed with self-rising flour to form a simple dough. The bagels are shaped, brushed with an egg wash, and baked until golden brown. It’s a no-yeast, no-proofing recipe that’s gone viral for a reason.
Is it healthy to eat cottage cheese for breakfast?
Definitely. Cottage cheese is full of protein, low in sugar, and provides essential nutrients like calcium. Eating it in the morning, especially in recipes like cottage cheese bagels, can help you feel full longer and support balanced energy throughout the day.
What does cottage cheese pair well with?
Cottage cheese is super versatile—it works well with savory toppings like herbs, smoked salmon, or everything bagel seasoning, and also with sweet pairings like fresh berries, jam, or honey. Its mild flavor makes it perfect for mixing into doughs, dips, and more.