Start your day with these hearty Protein Bagels Cottage Cheese, a delightful blend of wholesome whole wheat flour and creamy cottage cheese. These bagels offer a satisfying chew with a subtle tang and a perfect golden crust, delivering not only taste but a nutritional boost to power your morning.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a protein-packed snack, these bagels bring a simple yet delicious twist to traditional bagels. The lightly sweetened dough combined with your choice of crunchy sesame seeds or flavorful everything bagel seasoning makes every bite irresistibly good.
- High protein content from cottage cheese and eggs supports muscle repair and energy.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Customizable toppings give you endless flavor possibilities.
Ingredients
- Whole Wheat Flour: Nutty and fiber-rich flour creating a dense, wholesome, and chewy texture for these bagels.
- Cottage Cheese: Creamy and rich protein source that adds moisture and a mild tanginess to the dough.
- Large Eggs: Provide structure and bind the dough while adding extra protein.
- Baking Powder: A natural leavening agent that helps the bagels rise and become fluffy.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and enhances browning during baking.
- Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste of the bagels.
- Sesame Seeds or Everything Bagel Seasoning: Adds a crunchy, savory topping to complement the bagels’ flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking. A properly heated oven ensures even cooking and perfect crust formation for your bagels.
- Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, and honey until smooth. This combination provides the moisture and sweetness necessary for a tender bagel base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, thoroughly mix whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning throughout the dough.
- Form the Dough
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a firm dough forms. This gradual mixing helps avoid lumps and promotes even consistency.
- Shape the Bagels
Lightly flour a clean surface and divide dough into four equal parts. Roll each into a 10-inch rope, then join ends to form a sealed round bagel shape. Proper shaping ensures traditional bagel texture and even baking.
- Optional Boiling Step
Boil bagels in salted water for 1-2 minutes per side to develop a chewier crust and classic bagel texture. This step is optional but recommended for authentic results.
- Add Toppings and Bake
Place bagels on parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with egg wash for golden shine, and sprinkle seed toppings. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Boiling bagels before baking enhances texture but can be skipped for a quicker method.
- Use fresh baking powder for best rise and texture.
- Customize toppings to suit your taste preferences, such as poppy seeds or dried onions.
Storage Tips
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the bagels tightly wrapped for up to 3 months and thaw or toast before eating.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these protein-rich bagels toasted with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite nut butter for a satisfying meal. They also pair well with fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- For extra shine and color, brush bagels with egg wash before applying toppings and baking.
- Adding a little vital wheat gluten can improve chewiness if desired.
- Make sure to pinch the ends well when shaping to avoid bagels opening during baking.
FAQs
- Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works, but it may result in slightly less moist bagels.
- What if I don’t want to boil the bagels?
You can skip boiling, though bagels will have a softer crust instead of the traditional chewy texture.
- Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
All-purpose flour can be used but will yield a lighter texture less dense than whole wheat.
- How long do these bagels keep fresh?
They stay fresh for 1-2 days at room temperature and freeze well for extended storage.
- Can I add seeds inside the dough?
Yes, mixing seeds like flax or chia into the dough adds extra nutrition and texture.
- Is honey necessary?
Honey or maple syrup adds mild sweetness and helps browning but can be omitted if preferred.
- How should I reheat the bagels?
Toast or warm them in a preheated oven for best texture and flavor.
Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 large bowl
- 1 baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- 1 pot for boiling (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, and honey until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
- Lightly flour a countertop and divide the dough into four equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a 10-inch rope and shape into a circle, pinching ends to seal.
- Optionally, boil each bagel in salted water for 1-2 minutes per side.
- Place bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush tops with egg wash, and sprinkle with sesame seeds or seasoning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds as topping.
- Boiling the bagels creates a chewier texture but can be skipped for a quicker bake.
- Store leftover bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer freshness.
