These Cottage Cheese Bagels are super easy to make with just three ingredients! You’ll love how fluffy and tasty they are, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
I enjoy making these bagels on busy mornings. Just mix, shape, and bake—so simple! Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some protein. Who knew bagels could be this healthy? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives these bagels a rich flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat cottage cheese. Greek yogurt can also be a great substitute if you’re out of cottage cheese.
Self-Rising Flour: This flour already has baking powder and salt added, making it perfect for quick recipes. If you don’t have it on hand, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with 1.5 tsp of baking powder and a pinch of salt for every cup of flour.
Egg: You need one whole egg for the dough and an egg yolk to brush on top. If you’re avoiding eggs, you can use a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water, let sit until thick) as a binding agent.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping the bagels might seem tricky, but it’s all about handling the dough gently. Make sure your hands are lightly floured to prevent sticking. Here’s how to do it:
- Divide the dough into equal portions; keep them small for mini bagels or larger for traditional sizes.
- Roll each piece into a ball, then poke your finger through the center to create a hole.
- Gently stretch the dough to form a ring, but be careful not to tear it!
Practice makes perfect, so don’t stress if your first few aren’t perfect—just enjoy the process and the delicious results!
How to Make 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup (about 225g) cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 1 ½ cups (180g) self-rising flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 large egg, plus 1 egg yolk for brushing
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll need approximately 35-40 minutes to enjoy these fresh bagels right from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important for cooking the bagels evenly. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the bagels from sticking and make for easier cleanup!
2. Making the Dough:
In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and 1 whole egg. Process the mixture until a dough forms; it should be slightly sticky but manageable. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix the ingredients by hand in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Kneading the Dough:
Sprinkle a little flour onto a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough for a few minutes until it’s smooth. Be careful not to over-knead; you want the dough to stay soft!
4. Shaping the Bagels:
Now it’s time to shape the bagels! Divide the dough into 4 to 6 equal pieces, depending on how large you want each bagel. Roll each piece into a ball. Next, poke a hole in the center of the ball with your finger, and gently stretch it to create a ring shape. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; each bagel is unique!
5. Preparing for Baking:
Carefully place the shaped bagels onto the lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg yolk with a splash of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the tops of each bagel. This will give them a beautiful golden shine when baked!
6. Adding the Finishing Touch:
Sprinkle sesame seeds generously over the top of each bagel for an extra crunch and flavor.
7. Baking the Bagels:
Now, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and fully cooked through. Your kitchen will smell wonderful as they bake!
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This will help them firm up a bit. Then, enjoy your delicious homemade cottage cheese bagels warm, plain, or with your favorite toppings!
Enjoy these soft, wholesome bagels that are easy to make with just three main ingredients!
Can I Use Regular Flour Instead of Self-Rising Flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour! If you do, make sure to add about 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for every cup of flour to help the bagels rise properly.
What If I Don’t Have a Food Processor?
No problem! You can mix the ingredients by hand in a bowl. Just use a fork or a whisk to combine the cottage cheese, flour, and egg until a dough starts to form. Then, knead it lightly as instructed.
Can I Freeze the Bagels?
Absolutely! Once they have cooled, you can freeze the bagels in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and then warm them in the oven or toaster for a few minutes before serving.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
Feel free to get creative! Along with sesame seeds, you could sprinkle on poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even cheese before baking for a delicious twist.