These 2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels are soft, fluffy, chewy, golden, and surprisingly easy to make with just cottage cheese and self-rising flour. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, a snack, or even as a light lunch when made into a bagel sandwich.
These homemade cottage cheese bagels are soft on the inside, lightly crisp and golden on the outside, and sturdy enough to hold all your favorite sweet or savory toppings or fillings.
Resting hydrates flour and improves fluffiness. This reduces grittiness in GF batter.
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One of the best things about these homemade protein bagels is that they don’t require yeast, eggs, or any special equipment. Plus, there is no rising time and no complicated techniques involved.
All you need is one mixing bowl, 2 simple ingredients, and about 30 minutes to make a batch of warm homemade bagels that taste like the ones you get fresh from your favorite bakery.
If you have been looking for an easy high-protein bagel recipe that tastes just as satisfying as traditional bagels, then you should definitely try this one.
Whether you relish them with cream cheese, butter, avocado, peanut butter, or any of your favorite breakfast sandwich fillings, these healthy bagels make a delicious breakfast, lunch, or snack and are perfect as a meal prep option.
About 2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels
These 2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels are a quick and easy homemade version of classic bakery-style bagels made with just 2 ingredients: self-rising flour and cottage cheese. If you don’t tell people that these are high-protein bagels and use only two ingredients, they won’t believe you.
Unlike traditional bagels, which require yeast, proofing, boiling, and several hours of preparation, these no yeast bagels come together in under 30 minutes. Simply mix the dough with your hands, shape the bagels, bake until golden, and enjoy.
Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient in this recipe that gives these bagels their wonderfully soft texture while adding extra protein. The self-rising flour gives the perfect amount of lift, making the bagels tender, chewy, beautifully golden, and sturdy after baking.
Even though they are made with only two ingredients, they have a surprisingly satisfying texture that makes them great for breakfast sandwiches, toasted snacks, or even mini bun pizzas.
One of my favorite things about this protein bagel recipe is that it is super versatile. You can eat these cottage cheese bagels exactly as they are or customize them with your favorite seasonings.
I sprinkle them with Everything Bagel Seasoning for a classic deli-style bagel, which is completely optional. You can also top them with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, poppy seeds for extra texture, or use shredded cheese for an irresistible cheesy crust. I also brushed them with milk for a golden crust, but you can use water instead.
If you like sweeter breakfasts, you can also add a dash of cinnamon, some raisins or dried cranberries, and a touch of maple syrup to the dough, then serve the bagels with cream cheese, fruit preserves, or simply with butter and a drizzle of honey.
Another thing I love about these homemade bagels is that they are amazing for meal prep. Just make a batch over the weekend, refrigerate or freeze them, then simply toast a bagel whenever you need a quick breakfast or snack.
They also make an excellent base for breakfast sandwiches. Fill them with mashed avocados, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, fresh vegetables, hummus, falafel with muhammara, or your favorite sandwich fillings for a satisfying meal any time of the day.
Even though these healthy homemade bagels have become incredibly popular on social media, they truly deserve all the attention. They are simple, wholesome, delicious, high in protein, freezer-friendly, and prepared with everyday pantry ingredients.
These easy cottage cheese bagels are ideal for busy mornings, weekend brunches, lunch boxes, or anytime you’re craving fresh homemade bagels without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you love simple and easy homemade bread recipes or are always looking for healthy breakfast recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor, then these soft and chewy bagels deserve a spot on your baking list.
So, are you ready to bake these soft, chewy, homemade Cottage Cheese Bagels?
Bake them once, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this simple recipe again and again. I can tell you this with confidence because I was one of those who suspected the outcome of these 2 ingredient bagels, and now these bagels have become a bi-weekly visitor in my home.
Whenever we are in doubt about what to have for a filling, high-protein breakfast without spending much time in the kitchen, these easy bagels come to the rescue.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These 2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels
✔️ are soft, chewy & delicious
✔️ use only 2 simple ingredients
✔️ are naturally high in protein
✔️ don’t require any yeast
✔️ don’t need rising time
✔️ are ready in about 30 minutes
✔️ make a lovely meal prep breakfast
✔️ are freezer-friendly
✔️ are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks
✔️ are beginner-friendly & budget-friendly
✔️ can also be customized
✔️ toast beautifully
✔️ are great for sweet or savory toppings
Ingredients
These easy Cottage Cheese Bagels come together with just two simple ingredients, plus a few optional toppings if you would like to customize them.
Cottage Cheese
It is the star ingredient of this bagel recipe. It gives these homemade protein bagels their soft texture while adding moisture and plenty of protein.
I usually like to use full-fat cottage cheese because it gives the bagels a richer flavor and softer crumb. However, if you want to use low-fat cottage cheese, go ahead and use it. It works just as well if you prefer a lighter option. If your cottage cheese contains a lot of liquid, I recommend draining it before mixing the dough. Too much moisture can make the dough sticky and might require extra flour, which may result in denser bagels.
As an alternative, for a smoother texture, you can also blend the cottage cheese before adding it to the flour, like I did for my cottage cheese tortilla recipe. While this step is completely optional, it gives you a more uniform dough and makes the finished bagels look more like traditional bakery bagels.
Self-Rising Flour
Self-rising flour is the second ingredient in this recipe. It creates the base for this bagel recipe and does all the heavy lifting. Since it already contains baking powder and salt, it helps the bagels rise beautifully without needing any yeast. It also keeps the recipe undeniably simple because you don’t have to measure additional leavening ingredients.
If you don’t have access to self-rising flour, don’t worry. You can easily make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. I have included the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Optional Toppings
While these bagels are delicious on their own, I love adding Everything Bagel Seasoning before baking.
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Though Everything Bagel Seasoning is always my first choice because it adds wonderful flavor and crunch, you can also try other toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, dried herbs, cracked black pepper, garlic granules, or flaky sea salt. They all make excellent toppings for bagels.
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For a golden bakery-style finish, you can lightly brush the bagels with milk or water before sprinkling on your toppings. The milk also helps the seasoning stick better and gives the crust a beautiful golden color. Since the milk is optional, the recipe remains a true 2 ingredient bagel recipe if you choose to skip it.
DIY Self-Rising Flour
If you don’t have self-rising flour, simply combine:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons salt
Mix everything together until well combined, then use it just as you would store-bought self-rising flour. The homemade version works beautifully and gives you soft, fluffy, and chewy cottage cheese bagels every time, just like the store-bought version.
How to Make 2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels
Making these homemade Cottage Cheese Bagels is simple, straightforward, and couldn’t be easier. Since there is no yeast or proofing needed, you can have fresh, warm bagels on the table in about 30 minutes.
Make the Dough
To begin, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Add the self-rising flour to a large mixing bowl. Then add the drained cottage cheese and mix everything together using a spoon or spatula. Knead the dough for 2–3 minutes until it forms a smooth dough.
Once the dough starts coming together, transfer it to a lightly floured work surface.
Knead it again lightly so it is easier to handle. The dough should feel soft and slightly tacky, but it shouldn’t stick heavily to your hands.
If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can make the bagels dense instead of soft and chewy.
Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Then roll each piece into a rope about 7–8 inches long.
After that, bring both ends together and gently pinch them to seal, forming a bagel shape. Place each shaped bagel onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
If you want, lightly brush the tops with milk or water, then sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or your favorite topping. This step is entirely optional.
Bake
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the bagels are puffed and beautifully golden brown.
Every oven is a little different, so start checking them around the 22-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and carefully transfer the bagels to a wire rack to cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the inside finish setting while keeping the texture soft and chewy.
Slice and devour your homemade high-protein bagels. If you prefer a crispier crust, lightly toast them before serving.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Cottage Cheese Bagel recipe is how easy it is to customize. With a few simple additions, you can create different flavors to suit any meal.
Cheesy Bagels
If you love cheesy bread, sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan over the bagels before baking. The cheese melts into a gorgeously golden topping that makes these homemade protein bagels even more irresistible to slice and enjoy.
Garlic Herb Bagels
For this version, mix a little garlic powder, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, or dried chives into the dough, or combine these herbs and sprinkle them over the top before baking. These savory bagels pair beautifully with warm roasted tomato soup, chickpea salad, hoisin tofu, grilled vegetables, or grilled paneer.
Cinnamon Raisin Bagels
Love a sweet bagel? Then make a sweeter version by stirring a little cinnamon and raisins into the dough before shaping. Once baked, enjoy them warm with butter, cream cheese, peach jam, strawberry jam, or your favorite fruit chutney for an easy breakfast or afternoon snack.
Sesame or Poppy Seed Bagels
For classic bakery-style bagels, try seed toppings. Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds or poppy seeds before baking. They both add wonderful texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Bagels
If you don’t have an oven, or don’t want to turn it on, you can bake these healthy bagels in an air fryer. They cook beautifully.
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Then transfer the bagels to the air fryer basket and air fry for about 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These soft and chewy Cottage Cheese Bagels are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways.
You can serve them warm with butter for a simple breakfast or spread them with cream cheese and your favorite fruit preserves for something sweet.
For a savory breakfast, top them with sliced or mashed avocado, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, flaky sea salt, and red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts, or microgreens for extra freshness.
If you are looking for a satisfying high-protein breakfast, turn them into breakfast sandwiches with scrambled eggs, fried eggs, smoked salmon, grilled vegetables, cheese, or any of your favorite plant-based fillings.
These homemade bagels are also delicious with hummus, avocado cheese spread, pesto, roasted vegetables, or sliced mozzarella and tomatoes for an easy lunch.
You can even use them as mini pizza bases. Simply slice the bagels in half, spread them with pizza sauce, add cheese and your favorite toppings, then bake until bubbly.
For brunch, serve them alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, smoothie bowls, roasted potatoes, or a colorful blueberry avocado salad. They also pair wonderfully with noodle soup, broccoli soup, vegetable soup, or creamy spinach soup.
Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven, lightly toasted the next day, or packed into lunch boxes, these easy Cottage Cheese Bagels always make a satisfying meal. You can also drizzle them with hot honey or sprinkle them with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is with whipped cream cheese, sliced avocado, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, flaky sea salt, and red pepper flakes. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect any time of the day.
Storage Suggestions
These homemade Cottage Cheese Bagels are best enjoyed warm on the day they are baked. However, they also store beautifully, which makes them perfect for meal prep.
Once the bagels have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container or Ziplock bag. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To enjoy them again, simply toast the bagels until they are warm and lightly crisp on the outside. Toasting brings back their soft, chewy texture and fresh-baked flavor.
Freezing Instructions
These homemade protein bagels also freeze exceptionally well.
Let the bagels cool completely, then wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
Freeze for up to 2 months. When you are ready to enjoy one, thaw it at room temperature and toast it, or toast it directly from frozen until warmed through.
If you are making a large batch for busy mornings, I recommend slicing the bagels before freezing them and wrapping each half separately. This makes them much easier to pop straight into the toaster whenever you need a quick breakfast.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Drain: Drain the cottage cheese before mixing the dough if it contains a lot of liquid. Removing the excess liquid helps create a soft dough that’s easier to handle and results in soft, fluffy bagels.
- Blending: If you prefer bakery-style bagels with a smoother crumb, you can blend the cottage cheese before mixing it with the flour. While this step is optional, it creates a more uniform dough, so feel free to blend the cottage cheese if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead for only 2-3 minutes, or until the dough becomes smooth. Over-kneading can make the bagels slightly tougher instead of soft and chewy.
- Add Flour Gradually: Every brand of cottage cheese is slightly different, so if your dough feels sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s easy to handle. Be careful not to add too much flour, as excess flour can make the bagels dry.
- Self-Rising Flour: Since self-rising flour is the key ingredient, this recipe depends on it. Because the baking powder is already mixed into the flour, make sure to use self-rising flour. Older flour may not give the bagels the same rise.
- Leave Space: When arranging the bagels, leave a little space between them on the baking tray so they rise well, bake evenly, and develop a beautiful golden crust.
- Customize: I used Everything Bagel Seasoning because it’s my favorite. However, you can easily customize the bagels with other toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, shredded cheese, dried herbs, or flaky sea salt.
- Cool Before Slicing: It’s tempting to cut into them straight from the oven, but letting the bagels cool for about 10-15 minutes helps the inside set properly and gives them the best texture.
- Toasting: These bagels taste wonderful fresh, but they’re even better when lightly toasted the next day.
- Double the Recipe: For meal prep, you can double this recipe because it’s freezer-friendly. These easy bagels disappear quickly, so I often make a double batch and freeze half for busy mornings.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can simply make your own blend by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. I have included the measurements earlier in the recipe. The homemade version works just as well as the store-bought version.
Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?
Not at all. This recipe works perfectly without blending the cottage cheese, just like I made it. However, if you prefer a smoother dough and a more traditional bagel look, blending the cottage cheese is a great option.
Why is my dough sticky?
The moisture content of cottage cheese varies by brand. So, if your dough feels sticky, you can add a little extra flour while kneading until it becomes soft and easy to handle. Also, to help prevent sticky dough, make sure to drain the cottage cheese beforehand.
Are Cottage Cheese Bagels healthy?
Yes. Since they are made with cottage cheese, these bagels naturally contain more protein than many traditional homemade bagels. They are also made with just two basic ingredients, which makes them a simple and wholesome breakfast option. For a healthier version, you can swap the self-rising flour for whole wheat flour mixed with baking powder and salt.
Can I freeze Cottage Cheese Bagels?
Absolutely! These bagels are freezer-friendly and freeze well for up to 2 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature and toast before serving for the best texture.
Can I make these bagels in the air fryer?
Yes. You can air fry these bagels at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Since air fryers vary slightly, keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
For the best results, I recommend baking the dough soon after mixing it. Since the self-rising flour begins working immediately once combined with the cottage cheese, freshly prepared dough gives the lightest texture. If you want to save time, you can bake the bagels in advance and refrigerate or freeze them instead.
What can I serve with Cottage Cheese Bagels?
These homemade bagels are delicious however you enjoy them. You can have them with cream cheese, butter, avocado, peanut butter, jam, hummus, smoked salmon, eggs, roasted vegetables, or your favorite sandwich fillings. The options are endless. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, so you can make fruit bagel toasts, such as apple bagels, or enjoy them with smoothies, soups, and salads for a complete breakfast or a filling lunch.
2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagel (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How To Make 2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagel
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Add the self-rising flour to a mixing bowl. Add the drained cottage cheese and mix well. Knead the mixture for about 2–3 minutes, or until it forms a smooth dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured wooden board and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope and join the ends to form bagels.
- Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, brush with milk or water and sprinkle with bagel seasoning. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the bagels from the baking tray and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the bagels and spread with butter, cream cheese, strawberry jam, or cream cheese topped with avocado slices, lime juice, salt, and red pepper flakes to make a bagel sandwich. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and toast before serving.
Recipe Card
2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagel [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 6 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Servings ☺ |
| Breakfast | American | 8 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 166 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For 2-ingredient-cottage-cheese-bagel
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- Milk for brushing, optional
- Everything bagel seasoning for topping, optional
INSTRUCTIONS:
How To Make 2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagel
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Add the self-rising flour to a mixing bowl. Add the drained cottage cheese and mix well. Knead the mixture for about 2–3 minutes, or until it forms a smooth dough.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured wooden board and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a rope and join the ends to form bagels.
- Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, brush with milk or water and sprinkle with bagel seasoning. Bake for 22–28 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the bagels from the baking tray and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let them cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the bagels and spread with butter, cream cheese, strawberry jam, or cream cheese topped with avocado slices, lime juice, salt, and red pepper flakes to make a bagel sandwich. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and toast before serving.
Watch Full Recipe Video:
NOTES:
- DIY Self-Rising Flour: If you don't have self-rising flour, combine: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- If the dough feels sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons of flour while kneading.
- Blending the cottage cheese creates a smoother bagel texture.
- For a more golden crust, brush with milk before baking (optional, though this technically makes it more than a 2-ingredient recipe).
- These bagels are soft and chewy rather than dense.
NUTRITION (Per Serving):
Calories: 166kcal | Fat: 2.7g | Carbohydrates: 25.7g | Protein: 9.6g | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 1.7g | Sodium: 570mg
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/2-ingredient-cottage-cheese-bagel/
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