Introduction

These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are a quick, high-protein snack that’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or anytime you need a savory bite. Made with simple ingredients and no rising time, they’re easy to prepare in the oven or air fryer.

3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
1 large egg (for egg wash)
Optional: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or poppy seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack at the top level. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until completely smooth.
Step 3: In a bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese with the self-rising flour. Stir until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it 8–10 times until smooth.
Step 5: Divide the dough into four equal balls. Roll each ball into a 6–7 inch rope about 1 inch thick, then join the ends to form a bagel shape. Pinch the seam to seal.
Step 6: Brush the tops of the bagels with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with your choice of seasoning, such as everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds.
Step 7: Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, until the bagels are golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

If you don’t have self-rising flour, substitute all-purpose or whole wheat flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt added.
For a gluten-free option, use 1 cup gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum plus 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
You can also cook the bagels in an air fryer at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for a quicker option.
Try topping bagels with shredded cheese before baking for extra flavor.

Storage

Store the bagels in an airtight bag at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. To keep them longer, freeze the bagels for up to 4 months. It’s best to slice them before freezing so you can toast them straight from the freezer for a quick meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, but full-fat cottage cheese helps keep the dough moist and tender. Using low-fat may result in a slightly drier texture.

Do these bagels need to rise before baking?

No, these bagels do not require any rising time because the self-rising flour provides the leavening needed to make them light and fluffy.

3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

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4.9 from 124 reviews

These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels offer a quick, high-protein snack or breakfast option that’s easy to make with simple ingredients. Blended cottage cheese and self-rising flour create a soft, chewy dough that can be baked or air fried for a golden, savory treat. Perfect for sandwiches or topped with your favorite seasonings, these bagels are also freezer-friendly for convenient make-ahead meals.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (oven) or 10-12 minutes (air fryer)
Total Time: 35-40 minutes (oven) or 20-25 minutes (air fryer)
Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Basic Ingredients

1 cup self-rising flour (or alternative flour blend as noted)
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
1 large egg (for egg wash)

Optional Toppings

Everything bagel seasoning
Sesame seeds
Shredded cheese
Poppy seeds

Flour Alternatives

For all-purpose or whole wheat flour: 1 cup flour + 2 tsp baking powder + pinch of salt
For gluten-free: 1 cup gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum + 2 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the oven rack on the top level. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Blend Cottage Cheese: Place the full-fat cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth to create a creamy base for the dough.
Mix & Knead Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese with the self-rising flour (or your chosen flour alternative). Stir together until a dough forms that pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Then, transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it gently 8-10 times until it becomes smooth and workable.
Shape the Bagels: Divide the kneaded dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope approximately 6 to 7 inches long and about 1 inch thick. Bring the ends of each rope together and pinch them to form a traditional bagel shape.
Egg Wash & Season: Beat the large egg and brush this over the tops of each bagel to promote browning. Sprinkle with your choice of seasonings such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or poppy seeds for added flavor and texture.
Bake: Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the bagels turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Air Fryer Instructions (Optional): Preheat your air fryer to 350°F and lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray. Place the shaped bagels (with egg wash and seasoning) in the basket and air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping halfway if needed.

Notes

For flour alternatives, if using all-purpose or whole wheat flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to substitute for self-rising flour.
For gluten-free option, use 1 cup of gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Store bagels in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze bagels for up to 4 months. Slice them before freezing for easy toasting directly from frozen.
These bagels are high in protein, making them excellent for breakfast or a savory snack.
Try different toppings and flavor variations such as herbs, spices, or cheese to customize your bagels.

Keywords: cottage cheese bagels, 3-ingredient bagels, high protein snack, healthy bagel recipe, easy breakfast bagels, homemade bagels