Cottage Cheese Bagels are a delicious twist on traditional bagels. These bagels are chewy, hearty, and packed with protein thanks to the cottage cheese. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light meal. Whether you enjoy them plain or with favorite toppings, these bagels will satisfy your cravings. In this article, you will learn how to make this simple and tasty recipe.
Why make this recipe
Making Cottage Cheese Bagels at home is easy and rewarding. You control the ingredients, ensuring that your bagels are fresh and healthy. They are a great alternative for anyone on a gluten-free diet or looking to add more protein to their meals. Also, this recipe is quick to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Impress your family and friends with these homemade bagels that are much healthier than store-bought options. Plus, the taste and texture are unbeatable.
How to make Cottage Cheese Bagels
Making Cottage Cheese Bagels is simple and straightforward. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can whip up these delightful bagels in no time. Let’s dive into the details of the recipe.
Ingredients:
1 cup cottage cheese (full fat for best texture) (240 grams),
2 large eggs,
1 1/2 cups oat flour or almond flour (gluten-free option) (150 grams),
1 teaspoon baking powder (5 grams),
1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 grams),
Optional toppings: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, shredded cheese.
Directions:
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Preheat oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the bagels from sticking and make cleanup easier.
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Blend cottage cheese and eggs: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese and large eggs. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step ensures a nice texture for your bagels.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the oat flour or almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until well mixed.
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Combine ingredients: Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can change the texture of your bagels.
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Form bagels: Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and poke a hole in the center to create the bagel shape. Make sure the hole is big enough so it does not close while baking.
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Add toppings (optional): If you like, brush the tops of the bagels with an egg wash. This is optional but will give your bagels a shiny finish. Sprinkle your favorite toppings, such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese.
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Bake bagels: Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes. They should be golden brown when done.
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Cool before slicing: Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes. This cooling step will help them set and makes slicing easier.
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Air Fryer option: If you prefer to use an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bagels in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
How to serve Cottage Cheese Bagels
Cottage Cheese Bagels are versatile and can be served in many different ways. You can enjoy them plain or with a spread. Cream cheese, hummus, or avocado make excellent toppings. For a sweet option, try spreading some almond butter or jam. These bagels are also perfect for making breakfast sandwiches. Add a slice of turkey, lettuce, and tomato for a protein-packed meal. The options are endless, and you can customize them to your taste.
How to store Cottage Cheese Bagels
Storing your Cottage Cheese Bagels properly ensures they stay fresh. Allow the bagels to cool completely before storing. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for a longer time, freeze them. Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Frozen bagels can last up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a toaster or a preheated oven.
Tips to make Cottage Cheese Bagels
- For the best texture, use full-fat cottage cheese. It makes the bagels richer and creamier.
- Experiment with different flours. Oat flour gives the bagels a nutty flavor, while almond flour keeps them gluten-free.
- Make sure to poke a large hole in the center of each bagel. This helps them maintain their shape while baking.
- Don’t skip the toppings. They add flavor and texture to the bagels.
- If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
Variation (if any)
You can modify this recipe to suit your taste. Consider adding herbs and spices to the dough for more flavor. Chopped chives, garlic powder, or onion powder can elevate the taste. You can also mix in shredded cheese for a delicious cheesy bagel. If you enjoy sweet flavors, try incorporating cinnamon and a bit of honey for a delicious twist. There are countless ways to customize these bagels to make them your own.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but it may affect the texture of the bagels. Full-fat cottage cheese yields the best results.
Can I make these bagels vegan?
To make these bagels vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or use a suitable egg substitute.
How do I know when the bagels are done baking?
They should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Can I add fruit to the bagel recipe?
Adding fruit is not recommended, as it may change the texture. However, you can enjoy fruit as a topping.
What can I serve with Cottage Cheese Bagels?
They pair well with various toppings, including cream cheese, smoked salmon, fresh vegetables, or even a simple drizzle of olive oil.
Are Cottage Cheese Bagels gluten-free?
Yes, if you use almond flour or certified gluten-free oat flour, these bagels will be gluten-free.
How long does it take to prepare these bagels?
The total preparation time is about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 18-22 minutes. Overall, it takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 bagel
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 8g
Enjoy making these Cottage Cheese Bagels! They are simple, nutritious, and a delightful addition to your meals. Happy baking!