Description
These Baked Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese are a fluffy, high-protein twist on classic bagels. Made with simple ingredients like unbleached flour and 2% cottage cheese, they offer about 12 grams of protein per serving. Lightly seasoned with optional toppings like everything bagel seasoning or asiago cheese, they bake golden and delicious, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) unbleached all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1.25 cups 2% cottage cheese (I love Good Culture brand)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Toppings
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Dried garlic flakes
- Dried onion flakes
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded asiago cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients and cottage cheese: In a large bowl, whisk together the unbleached all-purpose flour and baking powder. Add the cottage cheese and mix with a fork or spatula until the mixture resembles small crumbles.
- Form the dough ball: Using your hands or a rubber spatula in the bowl, continue mixing until the dough comes together into a smooth, slightly sticky ball that pulls away from the sides. The texture should be similar to fresh pizza dough.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead a few times until no longer sticky, adding a bit more flour if necessary to make it workable.
- Divide and shape bagels: Use a bench scraper or sharp knife to divide the dough evenly into four portions. Shape each piece into a ball, then gently press your thumb through the center to form a classic bagel shape. Place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Apply egg wash and toppings: Pour your chosen seasoning into a shallow wide bowl. Brush the top and bottom of each bagel with the beaten egg, then dip both sides into the seasoning mixture. Return the bagels to the baking sheet.
- Bake the bagels: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the bagels are fluffy, puffed up, and golden brown on top.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bagels to cool on the baking sheet for about 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use 2% cottage cheese for the best balance of creaminess and moisture; whole milk works too but may make dough wetter.
- If dough is too sticky, add flour sparingly during kneading to prevent dryness.
- Feel free to customize toppings to your preference for variety in flavor and texture.
- Allow bagels to cool fully to avoid squished texture when slicing.
- These bagels freeze well; store in an airtight container after fully cooled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American