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Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels

Featured in Morning Food.

These cottage cheese protein bagels are a quick and healthy option made with only three ingredients. Blending cottage cheese makes the dough smooth and gives the bagels a rich texture. You’ll only need cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and an egg for the wash, plus your favorite toppings. They can be baked or air-fried, and come out golden, tender, and perfect for a breakfast sandwich or midday snack. With no yeast or waiting for dough to rise, these bagels come together fast and taste amazing fresh or toasted. Customize them with everything seasoning, sesame, or asiago and enjoy a protein-packed bite any time of day.
Soo Ben
Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 01:59:19 GMT
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Say hello to your new favorite high-protein breakfast staple: soft, chewy, golden cottage cheese bagels made with just three ingredients! These protein-packed bagels are super easy to make and don't require any yeast, rising time, or complicated steps. Whether you’re baking them in the oven or cooking them quickly in the air fryer, these healthy bagels are perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, savory breakfasts, or protein-rich snacks throughout the day.

I’ve tried the popular Greek yogurt bagel trend before, but once I tested it with cottage cheese, I was hooked. The texture is nearly identical, but you get more protein and a richer flavor. Bonus? The recipe also works well with gluten-free flour and cooks beautifully in the air fryer, making it adaptable for almost every lifestyle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 cup cottage cheese: Full-fat or low-fat; blended smooth for best results.
  • 1 ½ cups self-rising flour: Or use DIY version below.
  • 1 large egg: Optional, for golden egg wash finish.

Optional Toppings:

  • Everything bagel seasoning
  • Sesame or poppy seeds
  • Shredded cheese (Parmesan, cheddar, asiago)
  • Sea salt flakes

How to Make High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

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Fluffy Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagel Recipe | mamamiakitchen.com
Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth for a soft dough texture.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Transfer blended cottage cheese to a bowl. Add self-rising flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 2–3 minutes until soft and tacky. Adjust with flour or water as needed.
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Divide into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into an 8-inch rope and shape into a ring. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Add Egg Wash and Toppings
Brush each bagel with beaten egg and sprinkle with desired toppings like everything seasoning or cheese.
Step 5: Bake or Air Fry
Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes. Cool 10–15 minutes.
Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cook 10–12 minutes until golden.

Choosing the Right Flour

This recipe works best with self-rising flour. If you don’t have it, make your own:

  • DIY Self-Rising Flour: For each cup of all-purpose flour, add 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt.

Whole wheat flour gives a denser texture. Gluten-free flour blends also work if they contain xanthan gum. Avoid almond or coconut flour—they absorb too much moisture and create a dry dough.

Recipe Variations to Try

  • Cheddar Jalapeño: Mix shredded cheddar and sliced jalapeños into the dough.
  • Cinnamon Raisin: Add 2 tablespoons raisins and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; top with cinnamon sugar.
  • Garlic Herb: Add garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme to the dough and top with Parmesan.
  • Mini Bagels: Divide dough into 6–8 smaller portions for snacks.

Serving Suggestions

  • Breakfast: Toast and top with cream cheese, butter, or avocado.
  • Lunch: Use as a sandwich base — try turkey, tomato, and herbed cheese.
  • Snack: Pair with hummus or more cottage cheese.
  • Kids’ Favorite: Spread with peanut butter and sliced banana.
Easy Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagel Recipe Pin it
Easy Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagel Recipe | mamamiakitchen.com

How to Store and Freeze

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Toast before eating.

Freezer: Slice before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe bag for 3–4 months. Toast or oven-bake directly from frozen—no thawing needed.

Reheat Tip: Toast or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes for best texture.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re following a high-protein diet or just love a good homemade bagel, these high-protein cottage cheese bagels check all the boxes: easy, wholesome, filling, and versatile. They’re the kind of recipe that once you try, you'll be making on repeat — and probably doubling every time. Ideal for breakfast meal prep or a mid-afternoon snack, they’re a great way to boost your protein intake while still enjoying real comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese? Yes, but cottage cheese has more protein and a richer texture. If substituting, use the same amount of thick Greek yogurt.

Do I need self-rising flour? Self-rising flour is best, but you can make your own by adding baking powder and salt to all-purpose flour (see above).

Can I make these gluten-free? Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

Can I skip the egg wash? Yes. The egg wash gives a shinier finish, but the bagels will still bake well without it.

How do I reheat frozen bagels? Toast them directly from frozen or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.

Cottage Cheese Bagels

Easy 3-ingredient bagels packed with protein.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Sou

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bagels)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 cup self-rising flour (or see note for alternative)
02 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
03 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

→ Optional Toppings

04 Sesame seeds
05 Everything bagel seasoning
06 Shredded asiago cheese
07 Poppy seeds

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F and move rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Place cottage cheese in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth, scraping the sides as needed.

Step 03

Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a bowl. Add flour and mix until combined. Knead dough on a floured surface 8-10 times until smooth. Add more flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 04

Divide dough into 4 equal parts (about 80g each). Roll each into a 6-7 inch rope and shape into a circle, pinching the seam to seal. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with toppings.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 06

Preheat air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Spray basket with nonstick spray. Air fry for 12-14 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Notes

  1. If using gluten-free flour, mix 1 cup GF blend with 1 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
  2. Cottage cheese consistency varies by brand; full-fat gives the best results.
  3. Dough may be sticky. Add flour gradually and knead well until manageable.
  4. These can be made with Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese if preferred.
  5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Food processor or blender
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven or air fryer

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Gluten

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 11 g