These Cheesy Cottage Cheese Bagels are golden, savory, and surprisingly easy to make. They have a tender, soft center with a deliciously crisp, cheesy crust on the outside. Cottage cheese gives them a wonderfully moist texture, while Parmesan, garlic, and herbs add plenty of flavor.
They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick savory snack. Enjoy them warm with butter, cream cheese, eggs, or simply on their own straight from the oven.
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Bagels
These homemade bagels are made with simple ingredients and don’t require yeast or a long rising time. The cottage cheese adds protein and moisture, while the cheesy topping bakes into a beautiful golden crust. They’re soft inside, crispy around the edges, and packed with savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, preferably small-curd
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Cheesy Cottage Cheese Bagels
1. Prepare the oven.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Blend the cottage cheese.
Add the cottage cheese and eggs to a blender or food processor and blend until mostly smooth. This helps create a softer, more uniform bagel texture.
3. Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Make the dough.
Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the dry ingredients. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan, then gently stir until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
5. Shape the bagels.
Divide the dough into 5 equal portions. Lightly flour your hands and shape each portion into a ball. Press your thumb through the center of each ball and gently stretch it into a bagel shape.
6. Add the cheesy topping.
Arrange the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter, then sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic powder.
7. Bake.
Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, or until the bagels are puffed and deeply golden on top. If you want an extra-browned cheesy crust, broil for the final 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.
8. Finish and serve.
Let the bagels cool for about 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Use small-curd cottage cheese for a smoother dough.
- If your cottage cheese is very watery, drain a little of the excess liquid first.
- The dough will be soft and slightly sticky, so lightly flour your hands when shaping it.
- Don’t add too much extra flour, or the bagels can become dense.
- For an extra-crispy cheesy crust, use freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
Serving Ideas
These savory bagels are delicious sliced in half and spread with cream cheese or butter. You can also top them with scrambled eggs, avocado, smoked salmon, turkey, or a fried egg for a more filling breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes. Low-fat cottage cheese can be used, although full-fat cottage cheese will give the bagels a slightly richer and softer texture.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Greek yogurt can work in similar high-protein bagel recipes, but it changes the moisture and texture, so you may need to adjust the amount of flour.
Can I make these bagels gluten-free?
Yes, use a good 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture may be slightly different from the original version.
How should I store these bagels?
Store cooled bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back their crisp exterior.
Can I freeze cottage cheese bagels?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, wrap them individually, and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Cheesy Cottage Cheese Bagels
<h2 style="margin-top:0;">Cheesy Cottage Cheese Bagels</h2>
<p>
<strong>Prep Time:</strong> 15 minutes<br>
<strong>Cook Time:</strong> 25 minutes<br>
<strong>Total Time:</strong> 40 minutes<br>
<strong>Servings:</strong> 5 bagels
</p>
<h3>Ingredients</h3>
<ul>
<li>1 1/2 cups cottage cheese</li>
<li>2 large eggs</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour</li>
<li>2 teaspoons baking powder</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon black pepper</li>
<li>1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese</li>
<li>1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley</li>
</ul>
<h3>For the Topping</h3>
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese</li>
<li>2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon garlic powder</li>
<li>1 tablespoon melted butter</li>
<li>1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley</li>
</ul>
<h3>Instructions</h3>
<ol>
<li>Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.</li>
<li>Blend the cottage cheese and eggs until mostly smooth.</li>
<li>Whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.</li>
<li>Add the cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a soft dough forms.</li>
<li>Divide the dough into 5 portions and shape each into a bagel, making a hole in the center.</li>
<li>Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet.</li>
<li>Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic powder.</li>
<li>Bake for 22 to 28 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.</li>
<li>For a darker cheesy crust, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully.</li>
<li>Cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Notes</h3>
<p>For the best texture, don't add too much extra flour while shaping the dough. The mixture should remain soft and slightly sticky. These bagels are especially delicious served warm while the cheesy topping is still crisp and melty.</p>
