Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

These cottage cheese bagels are a game-changer for breakfast or lunch. They're incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, and they're packed with protein, making them a much healthier alternative to traditional bagels. Plus, they taste absolutely delicious!

Gathering Your Ingredients

• Cottage Cheese: Use full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor. It's the star of the show and provides the protein and creaminess.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the base of the bagel. You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be slightly different.
• Baking Powder: This is what gives the bagels their rise and airy texture. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for best results.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the bagels. It's optional, but I highly recommend it.
• Egg: Used for brushing the bagels before baking, it gives them a beautiful golden color and helps the toppings adhere.
• Toppings: Sesame seeds and poppy seeds are classic bagel toppings, but feel free to get creative. Everything bagel seasoning, dried herbs, or even a sprinkle of sea salt would be delicious.

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Cooking Instructions

Mixing the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Add the cottage cheese and mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Then, use your hands to bring the dough together. Knead the dough for 10-20 times until it becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should not be too sticky or dry. It should be easy to handle.

Resting the Dough:

Form the dough into a ball and cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the bagels less dense. While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).

Shaping the Bagels:

Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the dough into a log. Cut the log into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch rope. Bring the two ends of the rope together to form a circle, overlapping the ends slightly. Pinch the ends together firmly to seal the bagel. This is important to prevent the bagels from opening up during baking.

Preparing for Baking:

Place the shaped bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents the bagels from sticking. In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Brush the tops of the bagels with the beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle the bagels with your chosen toppings.

Baking the Bagels:

Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. The bagels will continue to cook slightly as they cool.

Cooling and Enjoying:

Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes. This is crucial! The bagels will be too soft and doughy if you try to eat them while they're still warm. Cooling allows them to firm up and develop the perfect chewy texture.

These bagels have become a staple in my kitchen. I love how easy they are to make, and I feel good about eating them because they're so much healthier than store-bought bagels. My kids even enjoy them, which is always a win!

Serving Suggestions

These bagels are delicious with just about anything. Try them with cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, or your favorite sandwich fillings. They're also great toasted and topped with butter or jam.

Creative Variations

Get creative with your bagel toppings! Everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes, and garlic flakes are all great options. You can also add herbs or spices to the dough itself for a unique flavor.

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Storage and Reheating

Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then pop them in the toaster to warm them up.

These cottage cheese bagels are a fantastic alternative to traditional bagels. They're easy, delicious, and packed with protein. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but full-fat cottage cheese gives the bagels a richer texture and flavour.

→ Can I freeze these bagels?

Absolutely! Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be reheated in the oven or toaster.

→ What can I use instead of sesame and poppy seeds?

You can use any seeds or toppings you like, such as sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder for a savoury twist.

→ Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.

→ How long do these bagels stay fresh?

These bagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving for the best texture.