Fluffy Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese Recipe: Homemade Joy

Crafting homemade protein bagels with cottage cheese delivers a delightful twist on traditional breakfast fare.

Bakers seeking a nutritious morning boost will adore this simple recipe.

These bagels pack a powerful protein punch that energizes your day from the first bite.

Dense and chewy, they offer a satisfying texture that rivals store-bought versions.

Each bagel combines wholesome ingredients for a healthier alternative to standard breakfast breads.

The cottage cheese adds a subtle creaminess and extra protein that makes these bagels stand out.

Elevate your morning routine with this easy, protein-rich breakfast option that will keep you full and satisfied.

Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese Health Highlights

• Pack a powerful protein punch with these cottage cheese bagels, perfect for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals looking to enhance their daily nutrition.
• Create delicious homemade bagels with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, even those with limited kitchen experience.
• Customize your bagels with endless seasoning combinations, from everything bagel blend to sesame seeds, allowing you to personalize each batch to suit your taste preferences.
• Enjoy the convenience of preparing these bagels in an air fryer or traditional oven, giving you flexibility based on your kitchen equipment and cooking style.

Ingredients for Protein Bagels at Home

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the protein bagels.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bagels rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bagels.

• Cottage Cheese: Adds protein and moisture to the bagel dough, creating a unique texture and nutritional boost.

• Egg Wash, Seasoning: Provides a golden brown color and extra flavor to the bagel surface.

Equipment for Making Protein Bagels

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining dry ingredients and kneading dough.
• Fork or Spatula: Perfect for mixing cottage cheese into flour mixture.
• Air Fryer or Baking Sheet: Choose your preferred cooking method for bagels.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents bagels from sticking during baking.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients evenly.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for applying egg wash to bagels.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Bake Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

Whisk everything together until well blended.

The dry ingredients should look evenly distributed and light.

Step 2: Incorporate Cottage Cheese

Add the strained cottage cheese to your dry mixture.

Use a fork or spatula to blend thoroughly.

The mixture will start looking like small, crumbly pieces.

Keep mixing until everything starts to come together.

Step 3: Create Smooth Dough

Use your hands to knead the dough directly in the bowl.

Work the mixture until it becomes smooth and slightly tacky.

You’ll want to spend about two minutes transforming the crumbly texture into a cohesive dough.

The final dough should not stick to your hands when you pull away.

Step 4: Form Bagel Shapes

Divide the dough into four equal portions.

Roll each portion into a rope about 3/4 inch thick.

Connect the ends to create circular bagel shapes.

Another option is to make a ball, create a center hole, and gently stretch the dough.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Brush the bagels with egg wash.

Sprinkle your favorite seasonings over both sides of each bagel.

Get creative with your chosen flavors!

Step 6: Cook in Air Fryer

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.

Place bagels in the basket without overcrowding.

Cook at 280F for 15-16 minutes until they turn golden brown.

No need to flip during cooking.

After removing, let bagels cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Step 7: Alternative Oven Method

Preheat oven to 375F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.

Spray the surface with oil to prevent sticking.

Position the baking sheet on the top rack.

Bake for 25 minutes until bagels look beautifully golden.

Allow bagels to cool completely for 15 minutes before cutting.

Tips for Chewy, High-Protein Bagels

• Add protein powder to the dough for an extra nutritional punch and enhanced muscle-building benefits.
• Ensure cottage cheese is well-strained to prevent excess moisture, which could make bagels dense or soggy.
• Experiment with everything bagel seasoning, za'atar, or nutritional yeast for unique flavor profiles and added nutrition.
• Replace regular flour with almond or coconut flour for a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the bagel's delicious structure.
• Cool bagels completely before storing in an airtight container, and they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Protein Bagel Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and coconut flour, ensuring a similar texture and protein boost while accommodating gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cottage Cheese Alternative: Swap cottage cheese with silken tofu or mashed white beans, maintaining the protein content and creating a plant-based friendly option.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use coconut flour or almond flour instead of regular flour, reducing carbohydrate content and creating a keto-friendly bagel option with high protein profile.
• Herb-Infused Bagels: Mix dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary directly into the dough for an aromatic and flavor-enhanced version of the original protein bagel recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Protein Bagels Anytime

• Breakfast Bliss: Top with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and a sprinkle of chives for a protein-packed morning meal.
• Lunch Delight: Create a savory sandwich with turkey, avocado, and fresh spinach leaves for a midday energy boost.
• Snack Attack: Slice and toast, then spread with Greek yogurt, honey, and crushed nuts for a quick, nutritious treat.
• Dinner Companion: Serve alongside a hearty vegetable soup or use as a base for mini pizza-style bagel bites with marinara and cheese.

Protein Bagel Storage for Lasting Freshness

• Store in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag for up to 5 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and keep bagels fresh.
• Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Remove frozen bagel from freezer, let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then toast directly from frozen state. Use medium setting for even warming without burning.
• Warm bagel for 15-20 seconds on 50% power. Add a slightly damp paper towel to prevent drying out and maintain softness.

FAQs

• Why use cottage cheese in this bagel recipe?

Cottage cheese adds protein, moisture, and a subtle tangy flavor to the bagels while helping create a soft, tender texture without using traditional yeast.

• Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better binding and texture.

• What are the best seasonings to use on these protein bagels?

Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and dried herbs like oregano or za’atar work great. You can also experiment with different salt and spice combinations.

Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade protein bagels with cottage cheese offer a nutritious breakfast solution packed with muscle-building goodness. Home bakers can create these simple, wholesome bagels with basic ingredients and minimal kitchen skills.

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Ingredients

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Protein Ingredients:

• 1 cup (8 fluid ounces / 240 milliliters) 2% cottage cheese

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup (5 ounces / 142 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Egg Ingredient:

• 1 egg white (or 1 large egg)

Optional Toppings:

• Everything bagel seasoning
• Sesame seeds
• Poppy seeds
• Dried garlic flakes
• Dried onion flakes

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Instructions

1. Craft a versatile dry mixture by whisking flour, baking powder, and salt in a spacious mixing vessel. Incorporate strained cottage cheese, blending thoroughly until the texture resembles delicate crumbles.
2. Transform the initial mixture into a cohesive dough by hand-kneading directly in the bowl. Manipulate the ingredients for approximately two minutes until achieving a smooth, tacky consistency that effortlessly separates from your palms.
3. Portion the dough into four uniform segments. Create bagel shapes by either rolling each portion into three-quarter-inch thick cylindrical ropes and connecting the ends, or forming balls with centered perforations and gently expanding the openings.
4. Enhance the bagels’ exterior by delicately brushing with egg wash, then generously coating both surfaces with preferred seasoning blend for added flavor complexity.
5. For air fryer preparation, lightly coat the basket with cooking spray. Arrange bagels in non-overlapping batches. Utilize air fryer at 280F for 15-16 minutes until achieving a golden-brown appearance. Allow a minimum 15-minute cooling period before slicing.
6. Alternatively, oven-bake method requires preheating to 375F. Prepare a baking sheet with lightly oiled parchment or silicone liner. Position bagels on the top rack, baking for 25 minutes. Permit thorough cooling for at least 15 minutes prior to cutting.

Notes

• Optimal Dough Consistency Check cottage cheese thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfectly cohesive dough that won’t become too wet or crumbly.
• Versatile Seasoning Options Experiment with various toppings like everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or dried herbs to customize flavor profiles and match different meal preferences.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum for celiac-friendly protein bagels that maintain similar texture and structure.
• Protein Boost Incorporate additional protein powder or protein-rich seeds like chia or hemp for enhanced nutritional value without compromising the bagel’s delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes (air fryer) or 25 minutes (oven)
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 2.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg