These cottage cheese bagels have completely changed our breakfast routine. After seeing them everywhere on social media, I finally tried making them at home and now understand what all the buzz is about. What started as curiosity about a viral recipe turned into our new weekend breakfast tradition. Max was skeptical at first the idea of cottage cheese in bagels sounded weird to him but now he asks for them every Saturday morning.
Why You'll Love These Cottage Cheese Bagels
This recipe has saved us on so many mornings. The protein content is way higher than regular bagels, so they actually keep you full until lunch instead of leaving you hungry an hour later. Max used to get cranky mid-morning after eating regular bagels, but these keep his energy steady.What I love most is how straightforward they are. No yeast, no waiting around for dough to rise, no complicated steps.
You just mix everything together, shape them, and bake. Takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for weekend mornings when you want something good but don't want to spend forever in the kitchen.They're also really flexible with flavors. You can keep them plain, sprinkle on everything bagel seasoning, or mix herbs right into the dough. Max likes his plain with cream cheese, while I usually add garlic powder and top them with sesame seeds. They freeze really well too, so I make extra on Sunday and we have breakfast ready for the whole week.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love These Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Bagels
- How To Make Cottage Cheese Bagels Step By Step
- Smart Swaps for Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Tasty Twists on Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Equipement For Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Storing Your Cottage Cheese Bagels
- What to serve with cottage cheese bagels?
- Top Tip
- How My Sister's Dish Became a Family Favorite
- FAQ
- Protein-Packed Breakfast Success!
- Related
- Pairing
- cottage cheese bagels
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Bagels
The Base:
- Cottage cheese
- Almond flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Egg
Optional Add-Ins:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Dried herbs
Basic Tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Cottage Cheese Bagels Step By Step
Mix the Dough:
- Combine cottage cheese and egg in a large bowl
- Mix until well blended
- Add almond flour, baking powder, and salt
- Stir until a soft dough forms
Shape the Bagels:
- Divide dough into 4-6 portions
- Roll each portion into a ball
- Poke a hole in the center with your thumb
- Stretch gently to make the bagel shape
Prep for Baking:
- Place on parchment-lined baking sheet
- Brush tops with beaten egg
- Sprinkle with your chosen toppings
- Let rest for 5 minutes
Bake:
- 375°F for 20-25 minutes
- Look for golden brown tops
- Cool on pan for 5 minutes before moving
- Slice and serve warm
Smart Swaps for Cottage Cheese Bagels
Flour Options:
- Almond flour → Coconut flour
- Regular → All-purpose flour
- Nut-free → Oat flour
Cottage Cheese Alternatives:
- Full-fat → Low-fat cottage cheese
- Regular → Greek yogurt
- Dairy → Dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives
Egg Substitutes:
- Whole egg → Egg whites only
- Regular → Flax egg
- Chicken → Duck egg
For Different Textures:
- Add a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra richness
- Mix in a bit of psyllium husk for chewier texture
- Use self-rising flour instead of regular plus baking powder
Tasty Twists on Cottage Cheese Bagels
Savory Options:
- Everything bagel seasoning on top
- Garlic powder and dried herbs mixed in
- Sun-dried tomatoes and basil
- Chives and black pepper
Sweet Versions:
- Cinnamon and a touch of vanilla in the dough
- Blueberries folded in gently
- Orange zest and poppy seeds
- Chopped strawberries
International Flavors:
- Italian herbs and parmesan
- Dill and onion powder
- Sesame seeds and sea salt
- Rosemary and coarse salt
Kid-Friendly:
- Plain with cream cheese spread
- Mini bagels
- Cheese mixed right into the dough
- Sweet cinnamon sugar topping
Equipement For Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Kitchen scale
Storing Your Cottage Cheese Bagels
Room Temperature (2-3 days):
- Cool completely before storing
- Keep in airtight container or bag
- They'll stay soft but lose some crispness
- Toast lightly before eating for best texture
Refrigerator (up to 1 week):
- Wrap individually in plastic wrap
- Store in sealed container
- Always toast before eating when cold
- They can get a bit dense in the fridge
Freezer (up to 3 months):
- Slice before freezing for easy toasting
- Wrap tightly in plastic then foil
- Or use freezer bags with air pressed out
- Toast straight from frozen - no thawing needed
Reheating Tips:
- Toaster works best for crispness
- Microwave makes them soft and chewy
- Oven at 300°F for 5 minutes warms them through
What to serve with cottage cheese bagels?
These protein-packed bagels work beautifully with both sweet and savory accompaniments that complement their tangy flavor and satisfying texture. For sweet options, try cream cheese with fresh berries, sliced banana with honey, or your favorite nut butter spread on top. The bagels also pair well with Greek yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit salad, or even just a simple glass of milk. Since they're already quite filling due to their high protein content, you don't need heavy sides light, fresh additions work best.
On the savory side, these bagels shine with classic breakfast combinations like scrambled eggs, avocado slices with everything seasoning, or even smoked salmon for a more upscale brunch feel. Sliced tomatoes and cucumber add freshness, while turkey or ham makes for a heartier meal. For kids, keeping it simple with plain cream cheese, cheese cubes, or apple slices usually works best. Since the cottage cheese bagels are already nutritionally dense, focus on adding fresh fruits or vegetables to round out the meal rather than other heavy carbs or proteins.
Top Tip
- Max actually came up with our favorite addition to these cottage cheese bagels by complete accident. Last month, he was helping me measure the almond flour when he grabbed the wrong container from the pantry. Instead of plain almond flour, he scooped out some that had cinnamon mixed in from when I'd made cookies the week before. I didn't notice until we were already mixing everything together.
- I figured we'd already committed, so we went ahead and baked them anyway. Those bagels turned out incredible - the hint of cinnamon made them taste almost like coffee shop pastries but with way more protein. Now we keep a container of cinnamon-almond flour mix just for bagel-making. Max calls it his "special flour" and gets really proud when I use it.
- We also discovered that letting the shaped bagels sit for about 10 minutes before baking makes them hold their shape better. Max noticed this when we got distracted by the dog and forgot about them on the counter. When we finally baked them, they were the best batch we'd ever made. Sometimes the best cooking tips come from eight-year-old observations and happy accidents.
How My Sister's Dish Became a Family Favorite
My sister first discovered cottage cheese bagels through a TikTok video last year and called me immediately, practically breathless with excitement. "You have to try these," she said, "they're so weird but so good!" She brought a batch to our next family brunch, and I was honestly skeptical. Cottage cheese in bagels? It sounded like one of those health food substitutions that never quite tastes right. But one bite changed my mind completely.
What made her version special wasn't just the recipe - though that was surprisingly delicious. It was watching Max's face light up when he tried one, and seeing how they kept him full and happy all morning without the usual sugar crash. My sister had stumbled onto something that solved our biggest breakfast problem: finding something quick, tasty, and actually nutritious. Within a month, we were making them every weekend, and now they've become such a staple that Max asks for "cottage bagels" whenever friends sleep over. Sometimes the best family traditions start with someone brave enough to try something that sounds a little crazy.
FAQ
Is cottage cheese on a bagel good for you?
Yes, cottage cheese bagels offer more protein than regular bagels and can help keep you full longer. They're also lower in carbs when made with almond flour. However, they still contain calories and should be part of a balanced diet rather than considered a health food.
Can you use cottage cheese instead of yogurt in bagels?
Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt work similarly in bagel recipes, but cottage cheese has a different texture and tanginess. You can substitute one for the other in most recipes, though you may need to drain excess liquid from either ingredient for best results.
How do you make Bethenny Frankel's viral cottage cheese bagel?
Her version uses cottage cheese, almond flour, baking powder, and egg similar to our recipe. The key is using full-fat Cottage Cheese Bagels and not overmixing the dough. Shape into bagels and bake until golden brown for that viral TikTok result.
What mixes well with cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors. Try herbs like chives or dill, everything bagel seasoning, cinnamon and vanilla, or fresh fruit. In bagel form, it works great with cream cheese, avocado, or traditional bagel toppings.
Protein-Packed Breakfast Success!
Now you have everything you need to make these cottage cheese bagels from the basic recipe to Max's cinnamon flour discovery. These high-protein bagels prove that viral recipes can actually be worth the hype when they deliver on both taste and nutrition.
Want more protein-packed breakfast ideas? Try our The Best Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps Recipe that's fluffy and filling. Craving something savory? Our Easy Creamy White Chicken Enchiladas Recipe makes meal prep a breeze. For another trendy breakfast, check out our Healthy Shahi Tukda Recipe that you can customize with any toppings you love!
Share your bagel success! We love seeing how families make these their own!
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Pairing
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cottage cheese bagels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine cottage cheese and egg in a bowl until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in almond flour, baking powder, and salt until dough forms.
- Divide dough, roll into balls, and shape each one into a bagel.
- Place on tray, brush with egg, and add your favorite toppings.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
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