Cottage Cheese Bagels: Soft, High-Protein & Easy to Bake

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve tested hundreds of recipes in my Brooklyn apartment kitchen, but cottage cheese bagels? Total game changer. The first time I made them, I was skeptical. Cottage cheese in a bagel? But after one bite—warm, chewy, golden—I knew these would become a staple. They remind me of weekend breakfasts in my mom’s kitchen, only now they fit into my busy weekday mornings too.

What I love most is how approachable the recipe is. You don’t need a mixer, yeast, or any fancy tools. Just stir, shape, and bake. These cottage cheese bagels are soft inside, slightly crisp outside, and packed with protein, which means they actually keep you full. Perfect if you’re trying to eat well without sacrificing flavor.

Plus, they’re endlessly versatile. I’ve served them with avocado and eggs, used them for turkey sandwiches, and even gone sweet with peanut butter and banana. My readers tell me they love them for meal prep, especially when paired with cozy dishes like my honey garlic chicken or air fryer veggie chips.

And of course, Charlie—my rescue pup—is always by my feet hoping for a crumb or two while they bake. These bagels are comfort, convenience, and flavor in one.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These cottage cheese bagels come together in under 30 minutes—no rising, no boiling, no complicated steps. Just mix, shape, bake, and enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1. 1 cup cottage cheese (4% fat)
2. 1 cup self-rising flour
3. 1 large egg
4. Optional: 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
5. Optional: 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
6. 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and egg. If using, add Greek yogurt and protein powder.
3. Stir until a soft dough forms. Transfer to a floured surface and gently knead just until smooth.
4. Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each into a rope, then form into a bagel shape.
5. Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
6. Bake for 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Let the cottage cheese bagels cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing or storing.

These bagels are beginner-friendly and forgiving, which makes them perfect for experimenting. Want to kick things up? Sprinkle everything seasoning or shredded cheddar over the tops before baking. I love serving them alongside my express teriyaki chicken or canning jalapeños for a bold flavor twist.

How to Serve It

One of the best things about cottage cheese bagels is their versatility. You can enjoy them plain, toasted, or dressed up with your favorite toppings. I often slice one open, toast it lightly, and spread on smashed avocado with red pepper flakes. Add a poached egg on top, and you’ve got a high-protein breakfast that keeps you full for hours.

For lunch, these bagels make excellent sandwich bases. Fill one with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, and mustard for a satisfying midday meal. They also pair well with soups like my creamy mushroom and spinach pasta or a side of air fryer sweet potato.

Hosting brunch? Slice them in half and offer a toppings bar with cream cheese, hummus, nut butters, or even smoked salmon and capers. I’ve served cottage cheese bagels on a weekend spread alongside fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and cold brew, and they were a hit with my guests.

For something sweet, top a toasted bagel with almond butter, banana slices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a snack that feels indulgent but is full of nutrients.

No matter how you serve them, these cottage cheese bagels adapt beautifully to your routine and your cravings.

Variations

Cottage cheese bagels are incredibly customizable, which is one reason I make them every week. You can stick to the classic version or try one of these fun twists to suit your cravings or dietary needs.

Savory Ideas:

Stir fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley into the dough for a light garden flavor. Add garlic powder or onion flakes for more punch. Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking—my personal favorite.

Cheesy Upgrades:

Fold shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even pepper jack into the dough for gooey, flavorful results. Inspired by my parmesan crusted chicken, I sometimes top bagels with grated parmesan before they go in the oven.

Sweet Additions:

Mix in cinnamon and raisins or chopped dates for a sweeter version. A pinch of nutmeg and a swirl of maple syrup makes them taste like fall in every bite. Perfect with a cup of coffee or chai.

Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free?

Use a gluten-free self-rising flour blend, or swap in dairy-free cottage cheese. The texture stays soft and satisfying. Just make sure your alternative cottage cheese is thick and not too watery.

No matter your preference, cottage cheese bagels make a perfect canvas for flavor. Try something new every time you bake!

How to Store It

Cottage cheese bagels are ideal for meal prep, and storing them right keeps them fresh and ready whenever you need them. After baking, let the bagels cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They stay soft and chewy, perfect for quick toasting during the week.

For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each bagel individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Stored this way, cottage cheese bagels last up to two months. To reheat, pop a frozen one straight into the toaster or air fryer—no need to thaw. You’ll get a warm, crispy texture with zero effort.

If you’re packing lunches, slice the bagels before freezing for easy sandwich prep. I love pairing a reheated bagel with something cozy like cowboy casserole or a warm bowl of neiman marcus chicken casserole. It’s easy comfort food with high protein and zero stress.

Proper storage turns a simple bake into a week’s worth of satisfying meals—and makes cottage cheese bagels a smart choice for busy kitchens.

Conclusion

Cottage cheese bagels are more than a trend—they’re a staple you’ll turn to again and again. They’re easy to make, packed with protein, and totally customizable to suit your cravings. Whether you love sweet, savory, or something in between, there’s a version that’ll fit your routine. I’ve baked these for quiet mornings, big brunches, and everything in between. They freeze beautifully and reheat like a dream.

If you haven’t tried cottage cheese bagels yet, now’s the time. Your tastebuds—and your busy schedule—will thank you.