On busy mornings, I want something warm, filling, and actually satisfying. That is exactly why I make High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels again and again. They come together fast, and meanwhile they smell like fresh bakery bread. When I slice one open, I feel like I did something good for myself before the day even starts.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
High in Protein and Lower in Calories
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels give you about 11 grams of protein in each serving. Because cottage cheese contains natural dairy protein, these bagels help you stay full longer. As a result, you avoid constant snacking before lunch.
Each bagel has around 180 calories, about 25 grams of carbohydrates, and roughly 4 grams of fat. So you can fit High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels into balanced eating without stress. Meanwhile, you still enjoy that chewy, bread like texture.
No Yeast, No Rise, No Fuss
Traditional bagels require yeast and time. However, High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels skip both. So you mix the dough and shape it right away.
Because there is no rise time, you save at least an hour. Then you bake and enjoy them the same morning. In fact, this recipe feels like a small kitchen win on busy days.
Perfect for Breakfast, Snacks, or Sandwiches
You can toast High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels and top them with eggs, avocado, or nut butter. Meanwhile, you can turn them into quick sandwiches with turkey and cheese.
They also work for meal prep. As a result, you can bake a batch and enjoy them all week for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Core Ingredients
You need 1 cup self rising flour or all purpose flour mixed with baking powder and salt. Then you need 1 cup full fat cottage cheese and 1 large egg for the egg wash.
Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth. This step matters because smooth cottage cheese creates a soft, even dough. As a result, your High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels bake up tender inside.
Optional Toppings and Flavor Add Ins
You can sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning on top. Meanwhile, shredded asiago cheese adds a rich, savory bite.
You can also add dried herbs or garlic powder. So every batch of High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels can match your mood or meal plan.
How to Make High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels Step by Step
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and place the rack near the top. Then line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
This setup helps the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels brown nicely and release easily after baking.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Add the cottage cheese to a food processor or blender. Then blend until completely smooth.
This step creates a better dough texture. As a result, your High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels turn out soft and cohesive.
Step 3: Mix and Knead the Dough
Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a mixing bowl. Then add the flour and stir until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
Next, turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. If the dough feels sticky, add small amounts of flour gradually.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Then roll each piece into a rope about 6 to 7 inches long and about 1 inch thick.
Join the ends to form a circle and press gently to seal. Meanwhile, keep the thickness even so the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels bake evenly.
Step 5: Add Egg Wash and Toppings
Brush the tops with beaten egg. This gives the bagels shine and color.
Then sprinkle your desired toppings evenly. Press them lightly so they stick during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels for 25 to 30 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
After baking, let them cool for about 15 minutes before slicing. This rest improves structure and texture.
Air Fryer Method
How to Air Fry Cottage Cheese Bagels
First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Then lightly grease the basket.
Place the shaped High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels inside without crowding. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes until golden and cooked through. However, check early since air fryer models vary.
Flour Substitutions and Dietary Adjustments
Using All Purpose Flour Instead of Self Rising
If you only have all purpose flour, add baking powder and salt to mimic self rising flour. Typically, use about 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon salt per cup of flour.
Then mix well before adding the cottage cheese. As a result, your High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels still rise properly.
Gluten Free Option
Choose a gluten free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. If needed, also add baking powder and salt.
Because gluten free dough behaves differently, adjust the flour slightly if the dough feels too wet. Meanwhile, keep it soft but workable.
Greek Yogurt Swap
You can replace cottage cheese with plain Greek yogurt. Stir it until smooth before combining with flour.
The flavor changes slightly, yet the High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels still turn out soft and satisfying.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
How to Store at Room Temperature
Store High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
Then toast before serving for the best texture.
How to Freeze for Up to 4 Months
Slice each bagel almost all the way through before freezing. Then place them in airtight packaging and freeze for up to 4 months.
As a result, you can toast them directly from frozen without thawing.
Best Ways to Reheat
Toast from frozen for crisp edges and a warm center. Alternatively, warm them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes.
Either way, High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels taste fresh and comforting.
Expert Tips for Perfect Texture
Adjusting for Cottage Cheese Moisture
Different brands of cottage cheese contain different moisture levels. So if the dough feels too wet, add flour a little at a time.
However, avoid adding too much flour. This way, your High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels stay tender instead of dense.
Cooling Before Slicing
Let the bagels cool for at least 15 minutes after baking. During this time, the inside sets properly.
If you slice too soon, the texture can feel slightly gummy. So give them that short rest.
If you enjoy protein packed mornings, you might also love Healthy Strawberry Protein Overnight Oats or this creamy Chia Seed Pudding Breakfast Recipe. Meanwhile, for a fun weekend treat, try Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes.
For brunch spreads, pair your bagels with The Best Spinach Artichoke Dip for Breakfast or Brunch. Then finish with something sweet like Flaky Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries. You can also browse the full Everyday Breakfast Recipes Collection or explore more ideas in General Everyday Recipes.
You can also follow along on Pinterest for daily inspiration. Meanwhile, join our kitchen community on Facebook where I share new recipes and simple tips.
More Such Recipes
- Healthy Strawberry Protein Overnight Oats
- Chia Seed Pudding Breakfast Recipe
- Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes
- Flaky Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries
- The Best Spinach Artichoke Dip for Breakfast or Brunch
- Everyday Breakfast Recipes Collection
- General Everyday Recipes

Conclusion
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels bring together convenience, nutrition, and comfort in one simple recipe. Because they require no yeast and no rise time, you can make them anytime. Meanwhile, each bagel delivers solid protein and balanced nutrition.
So whether you toast them for breakfast, pack them for lunch, or enjoy them as a snack, High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels make everyday eating easier and more satisfying.
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels Easy Proven Breakfast
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are soft, golden, and packed with 11 grams of protein per bagel. Made with just flour and cottage cheese, they require no yeast and no rise time. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
1 large egg, beaten, for egg wash
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, poppy seeds
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and position rack near the top. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until completely smooth.
3. Transfer blended cottage cheese to a bowl and stir in flour until dough forms and pulls away from sides.
4. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead briefly until smooth. Add small amounts of flour if sticky.
5. Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each into a 6 to 7 inch rope about 1 inch thick and join ends to form bagels.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with desired toppings.
7. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Cool 15 minutes before slicing.
8. For air fryer method, preheat to 350°F, lightly grease basket, and cook 12 to 14 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Notes
Makes 4 bagels.
No yeast and no rise time required.
Store in airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze up to 4 months. Slice almost all the way through before freezing for easy toasting.
If using all-purpose flour, add 1½ teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt per cup.
For gluten-free option, use a blend with xanthan gum and add leavening if needed.
Plain Greek yogurt may replace cottage cheese.
Different cottage cheese brands vary in moisture. Adjust flour slightly if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
