Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Cottage cheese bagels can absolutely be made gluten-free. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum, or combine almond and oat flours with a binder like Greek yogurt. The moisture from cottage cheese actually makes it easier to work with gluten-free dough.

Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?

It’s optional but recommended for smoother dough. Blending the cottage cheese gives you a more uniform texture, especially if you’re looking for classic bagel appearance. If you don’t mind a rustic look with tiny curds visible, feel free to skip blending.

Why is my dough sticky?

Sticky dough usually means your cottage cheese had extra moisture or you under-measured the flour. Lightly flour your hands and the surface—avoid overmixing or dumping in more flour. Resting the dough for 5–10 minutes before kneading also helps absorb excess liquid.

Are cottage cheese bagels healthy?

Definitely. These bagels are high in protein, low in sugar, and free from preservatives. They offer a great balance of macros, especially when made with low-fat cottage cheese and whole grain or gluten-free flour. They’re a smart swap for traditional bagels.

Cottage Cheese Bagels – The Best High-Protein Bagels You Can Make (2025) -

Name: Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese (blended or unblended); 1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup all-purpose + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt); 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional); 1 egg (for egg wash, optional); Everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or cinnamon (for topping, optional)

Description

High-protein, low-carb cottage cheese bagels that are soft, chewy, and easy to make—perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cottage cheese (blended or unblended)

1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup all-purpose + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt)

1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional)

1 egg (for egg wash, optional)

Everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or cinnamon (for topping, optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mix cottage cheese and Greek yogurt (if using) until combined.

3. Add the flour mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms.

4. Lightly flour your hands and knead the dough on a floured surface for 1–2 minutes until smooth.

5. Divide the dough into 4–6 equal parts and shape into bagels by poking a hole in the center.

6. Optional: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add 1 tbsp baking soda, and boil each bagel 30–60 seconds per side. Drain well.

7. Place shaped bagels on the baking sheet. Brush with egg wash or milk.

8. Sprinkle desired toppings on each bagel.

9. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and firm.

10. Cool slightly and enjoy fresh, or store for later use.

Notes

For gluten-free bagels, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.

Blending cottage cheese helps with a smoother dough but is not required.

Sweet variations include adding cinnamon, raisins, or blueberries.

Savory options include garlic herb, everything seasoning, or jalapeño cheddar.

To store, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bagel
Calories: 190
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 30mg