Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese

These protein-packed bagels made with cottage cheese are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional bagels. They’re soft, chewy, and full of flavor, while also being high in protein, thanks to the cottage cheese and other simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a wholesome breakfast, these bagels are a great option.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: These bagels are packed with protein from cottage cheese, making them a great option for muscle recovery or staying fuller for longer.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples and cottage cheese, these bagels are easy to whip up in no time.
• Versatile: You can enjoy these bagels plain, toasted, or topped with your favorite spreads, making them perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
• Healthy Alternative: They offer a lighter, healthier option compared to regular bagels, especially for those who want to cut down on carbs and increase protein.
• Freezer-Friendly: These bagels can be made in batches and frozen, so you always have a protein-packed option on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cottage cheese
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Eggs
• Salt
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, and one egg. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each portion into a bagel (you can roll the dough into a log and pinch the ends together).
4. Add Toppings: If desired, brush the tops of the bagels with a beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
5. Bake the Bagels: Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes 4-6 bagels, depending on the size you shape them.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bagels suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Herb-Flavored Bagels: Mix in some dried herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to the dough for extra flavor.
• Sweet Bagels: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dough, and top with cinnamon for a sweet twist.
• Vegan: Substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs in place of regular eggs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These bagels can be frozen. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave for a quick warm-up. If reheating from frozen, thaw them first for best results.

FAQs

1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute, though the texture may be slightly different.

2. How can I make these bagels dairy-free?

You can use a dairy-free alternative to cottage cheese, such as almond-based or soy-based options, for a dairy-free version.

3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. Do I need a stand mixer to make the dough?

No, you can easily mix the dough by hand with a spoon or spatula.

5. What toppings go best with these bagels?

Cream cheese, avocado, smoked salmon, or peanut butter are delicious options.

6. Are these bagels low in carbs?

While they contain fewer carbs than traditional bagels, they’re not strictly low-carb. You can use almond flour to lower the carb content.

7. Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and baking powder?

Yes, self-rising flour can be used as a substitute for the flour and baking powder combination.

8. How do I keep the bagels from being too dense?

Make sure not to overwork the dough. Mixing just until the ingredients are combined will help keep the bagels light and fluffy.

9. Can I add protein powder to the dough?

Yes, adding a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder can further boost the protein content.

10. Can I make mini bagels instead of full-sized ones?

Absolutely! Just divide the dough into smaller portions and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Conclusion

Protein bagels with cottage cheese are a tasty and nutritious way to enjoy your favorite breakfast treat while adding a protein boost. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional bagels or simply want a filling, homemade snack, these protein-packed bagels are sure to satisfy. Plus, with the option to customize flavors and toppings, you can make them your own every time.

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