Cottage Cheese Bagels are a fun twist on the classic bagel. They’re fluffy and creamy, thanks to the cottage cheese, making each bite tasty and satisfying!
These bagels are perfect for breakfast or a snack. I love to top mine with some cream cheese and a sprinkle of chives. Yum! You can also add your favorite toppings for a tasty treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Use small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture. If you prefer a creamier version, try Ricotta cheese instead. Greek yogurt can also work in a pinch!
Shredded Cheese: While mozzarella or cheddar works great, you can switch it up by using other cheeses like Monterey Jack, feta, or even a dairy-free cheese if you want to keep it plant-based.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: If you don’t have this seasoning on hand, a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and garlic powder can be a good alternative. You can even make your own by using just what you like best!
How Do You Knead Dough Properly?
Kneading the dough is essential to achieve the right bagel texture. Here’s how you can do it:
- Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
- Place the dough on the floured surface and press it with your palms to flatten it slightly.
- Fold the dough in half toward you, then push it away with your palms.
- Rotate the dough a quarter turn and repeat the folding and pushing process for about 5 times.
Don’t over-knead it; just enough to make the dough smooth and less sticky!
Happy baking! These bagels are not only delicious but also easy to customize with your favorite flavors. Enjoy!
Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably small curd)
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup shredded cheese (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar) for mixing and topping
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning (a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt)
- Olive oil or melted butter for brushing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to bake. You’ll need around 35 minutes in total to make these delicious cottage cheese bagels, so they are a quick and tasty option for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your bagels won’t stick. Getting the oven ready sets you up for success!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and the egg. Use a spoon or spatula to mix them together until everything is well blended and smooth. This will be the creamy base for your bagels.
3. Add Dry Ingredients:
Next, sprinkle in the baking powder and salt. Give it a good stir to combine all the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
4. Form the Dough:
Now it’s time to gradually add in the flour. Mix it in with your spoon until a dough starts to form. It might be a little sticky, but that’s okay! Just make sure it holds together nicely.
5. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface (your kitchen counter should work) and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently about 5 times just until it becomes more pliable and isn’t overly sticky. You want it to be soft and elastic but not too mushy!
6. Shape the Bagels:
Divide your dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten them slightly. Create a hole in the middle of each piece, shaping them into bagels. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; each one will be uniquely delicious!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter to help them brown nicely.
8. Add the Fun Toppings:
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each bagel, then generously add the everything bagel seasoning. This will give them extra flavor and a gorgeous look!
9. Bake:
Pop your bagels into the preheated oven and bake them for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a rack. This will make them a bit easier to handle. Enjoy them warm, either plain or with your favorite spreads!
Enjoy these delightful cottage cheese bagels on their own or with your favorite spreads!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese will work just fine, although the bagels may be slightly less creamy. They’ll still turn out delicious!
Can I Freeze These Bagels?
Yes, you can! Once completely cooled, wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating!
How to Adjust for Gluten-Free Bagels?
If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the other ingredients are also gluten-free!
What Can I Use Instead of Everything Bagel Seasoning?
If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning on hand, feel free to sprinkle some sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even just garlic powder for flavor. It’s all about your personal taste!
