Easy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
Introduction
These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are a quick and easy treat that your whole family will love. Soft, fluffy, and packed with protein, they make a perfect breakfast, lunch, or snack.

Ingredients
- 1 cup full fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup + 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Toppings:
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Mix of sesame and poppy seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt if using. Add the cottage cheese and mix with a spatula. Use your hands to form the mixture into a dough.
- Step 2: Knead the dough at least 10 times until it is not too sticky or dry. Shape it into a ball, cover with a tea towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into a log shape.
- Step 4: Cut the log into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch rope and join the ends to form a bagel, pinching firmly so they stick.
- Step 5: Beat the egg and brush it over the tops of each bagel. Sprinkle with a mix of sesame and poppy seeds.
- Step 6: Place the bagels on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper and bake for 25 minutes, or until puffed and golden.
- Step 7: Allow the bagels to cool completely for 15 minutes before serving—this step ensures the perfect texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free option, try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
- Add herbs like dried rosemary or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
- Swap sesame and poppy seeds with everything bagel seasoning or just coarse salt for variety.
Storage
Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or oven to refresh before eating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of full fat?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but the bagels might be slightly less soft and rich. Full fat gives the best texture and flavor.
Why do I need to let the bagels cool completely before eating?
Cooling allows the bagels to set properly and finish cooking through. Eating them too hot can result in a doughy texture.
PrintEasy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels offer a simple, quick, and nutritious twist on traditional bagels. Made with full-fat cottage cheese, plain flour, and baking powder, these bagels are soft, fluffy, and packed with protein. Topped with a mix of sesame and poppy seeds and brushed with egg wash for a golden finish, they make a perfect breakfast, lunch, or snack option that’s both delicious and healthy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup full fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup + 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Toppings
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Mix of sesame seeds and poppy seeds (as needed)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt (optional), ensuring even distribution.
- Add Cottage Cheese: Incorporate the full-fat cottage cheese into the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly using a spatula, then knead gently with your hands until forming a workable dough.
- Knead Dough: Knead the dough at least 10 times until it is neither too sticky nor too dry, then shape it into a ball. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and allow it to rest for 10 minutes to relax the dough.
- Preheat Oven: After resting, preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare Dough for Shaping: Lightly flour your working surface. Roll the dough into a log shape.
- Divide Dough: Cut the dough log into 4 equal pieces for individual bagels.
- Shape Bagels: Roll each piece into a rope approximately 6-7 inches long, then join the ends firmly together by pinching to form a circular bagel shape.
- Egg Wash and Toppings: Beat the egg and brush it evenly over each bagel’s surface. Immediately sprinkle with a mixture of sesame and poppy seeds to add texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the bagels on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the bagels are puffed and golden brown.
- Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the bagels cool completely on a wire rack for about 15 minutes before serving. This step ensures the best texture.
Notes
- Resting the dough allows it to hydrate and improves texture.
- Ensure ends of bagels are pinched tightly to avoid them opening during baking.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for best flavor and moisture; low-fat versions may affect texture.
- Letting bagels cool completely before eating improves chewiness and prevents them from being gummy.
- Optional salt can be adjusted to taste or omitted for lower sodium.
Keywords: bagels, cottage cheese, cottage cheese bagels, healthy, high protein

