Cottage cheese bagels are soft, chewy, and packed with protein—perfect for anyone who wants a satisfying breakfast without loading up on empty carbs. They’ve become my favorite way to start the day, especially when I need something quick, warm, and filling.
I first made cottage cheese bagels on a whim. I had cottage cheese, an egg, and some flour, and I decided to throw them together like a dough. No yeast, no proofing—just mix, shape, bake. What came out of the oven was surprisingly good: golden, slightly tangy, and satisfying.
Growing up in Vermont, bagels were a weekend ritual in my house. My dad would toast them on the grill, my mom would slather them in cream cheese, and we’d sit together at the table. These days, living in Asheville, I still want that feeling—but without the sugar spike. Cottage cheese bagels give me the flavor and texture I love, with way more balance.
Each bagel has around 14–16 grams of protein and comes together in under 30 minutes. You can even make them low-carb by swapping in almond flour or seasoning them with herbs or cinnamon. They freeze well and reheat beautifully—ideal for meal prep.
If you’re curious about more creative ways to use cottage cheese, my keto cottage cheese egg pizza crust is another recipe I keep in rotation.
Table of Contents
Cottage Cheese Bagels: Easy, High-Protein, No-Yeast Breakfast Win
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Description
These cottage cheese bagels are soft, high-protein, and ready in 30 minutes—no yeast needed! Perfect for meal prep or a quick breakfast.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat preferred)
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour OR almond flour
1½ tsp baking powder (2 tsp if using almond flour)
½ tsp salt
Optional: sesame seeds, garlic powder, herbs, cinnamon
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese and egg until smooth.
3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
4. Divide into 4 parts. Wet your hands and shape each into a round bagel.
5. Place on the baking sheet. Add toppings if desired.
6. Bake for 20–22 minutes (24–26 minutes for almond flour) until golden.
7. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
Wet your hands to make shaping easier.
Use almond flour and psyllium husk for a low-carb version.
Store in the fridge for 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in toaster or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels (Plus Almond Flour Option)
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make classic cottage cheese bagels (makes 4 medium bagels):
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat preferred for texture)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Almond flour version:
Swap flour for 1 cup almond flour and increase baking powder to 2 tsp. Add 2 tbsp psyllium husk or 1 egg white if needed for structure.
Instructions Step-by-Step
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix cottage cheese and egg until smooth.
- Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts.
- With wet hands, roll each piece into a rope, then connect the ends to form a bagel shape.
- Place bagels on the baking sheet. Sprinkle tops with seeds or seasoning if desired.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, until golden brown and firm on the outside.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing or serving.
These cottage cheese bagels are chewy, savory, and perfect plain or with toppings like avocado or cream cheese.
They also reheat wonderfully in the toaster the next morning.
Want another easy, high-protein recipe? Try the creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet—ready in under 30 minutes and just as satisfying.
Smart Storage: How to Keep Cottage Cheese Bagels Fresh
Store and Reheat Without Losing Texture
Once your cottage cheese bagels cool to room temperature, you’ll want to store them properly so they stay fresh, chewy, and flavorful. Here’s how:
- On the counter: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’re best toasted the next morning.
- In the fridge: Keep in a sealed bag or container for up to 5 days. Toasting brings them right back to life.
- Reheat: Use a toaster or air fryer at 325°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving—it softens too much.
Want to keep bagels ready for weeks? Let’s talk freezing.
Yes, You Can Freeze Cottage Cheese Bagels
Cottage cheese bagels freeze well, especially when wrapped tightly. Just follow these steps:
- Let bagels cool completely.
- Wrap each one in plastic wrap or parchment.
- Place wrapped bagels in a zip-top freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then toast. No one will know they were frozen.
This makes meal prepping a breeze—you can bake a double batch and have cottage cheese bagels ready whenever cravings hit.
If you’re into prepping breakfast ahead of time, try these baked sweet potatoes in the air fryer—another simple and nourishing recipe that saves well.
Customize Your Cottage Cheese Bagels: Savory, Sweet & Low-Carb Variations
Easy Add-ins to Make Them Your Own
The best part about cottage cheese bagels? They’re endlessly adaptable. Once you’ve got the base recipe down, it’s easy to switch up the flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether you like savory, sweet, or gluten-free—there’s a version for you.
Savory Add-Ins:
- 1 tsp garlic powder or onion powder
- Chopped chives, jalapeños, or sun-dried tomatoes
- Top with everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds
Sweet Add-Ins:
- 1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Mini chocolate chips or raisins
- Add a dash of vanilla extract to the dough
For sweet bagels, reduce the salt slightly and enjoy with almond butter or cream cheese.
Almond Flour Tips for Low-Carb Bagels
Want to make cottage cheese bagels keto-friendly or gluten-free? Almond flour is your best option. Just know the texture will be more tender and moist—like a cross between a biscuit and a bagel.
How to substitute:
- Use 1 cup almond flour + 2 tsp baking powder
- Add 1 tbsp psyllium husk for structure
- Bake a few minutes longer (24–26 minutes) until golden
These low-carb versions are ideal for meal prep or post-workout fuel. They also reheat and freeze just as well as the original.
And if you’re on a low-carb journey, you’ll love this Italian sausage in air fryer—it pairs perfectly with a savory bagel for a high-protein lunch.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Bagels for Every Occasion
Cottage cheese bagels aren’t just for breakfast—they’re surprisingly versatile and can work across meals. Their soft yet chewy texture makes them the perfect base for both sweet and savory pairings.
Quick Breakfast Combos
Start with a toasted bagel and keep it simple with:
- Cream cheese + sliced strawberries
- Mashed avocado + red pepper flakes
- Scrambled eggs + a sprinkle of cheddar
Pair with a side of Greek yogurt or a boiled egg for a balanced, protein-rich start.
Lunch or Brunch Upgrade
Split your cottage cheese bagel and turn it into a sandwich:
- Savory option: Turkey, tomato, spinach, and mustard
- Vegetarian: Hummus, cucumber, sprouts, and feta
- Brunch plate: Smoked salmon, red onion, dill, and capers
For a cozy midday meal, serve with a side of soup or a chopped salad.
Sweet Snack Twist
Lightly toast the bagel, then try:
- Peanut butter + banana + cinnamon
- Almond butter + blueberries
- Maple cream cheese + crushed walnuts
This sweet pairing satisfies cravings while keeping blood sugar steady—especially when you’re using the almond flour version of your cottage cheese bagels.
If you’re building a weekend breakfast board, serve these alongside a baked sweet potato in the air fryer and some seasonal fruit. The textures and flavors round each other out beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Bagels
Are cottage cheese bagels healthy?
Yes, cottage cheese bagels are a healthier option compared to traditional bagels. They’re high in protein, lower in refined carbs, and contain fewer calories. Plus, using whole-food ingredients gives you better control over what you’re eating.
How to store cottage cheese bagels?
Once baked, let your bagels cool completely. Store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually and reheat in a toaster or oven.
How to make protein bagels with cottage cheese?
You only need cottage cheese, an egg, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix them into a dough, shape into bagels, and bake for 20–22 minutes. Each bagel contains about 14–16g of protein, making them a great breakfast or post-workout meal.
Can you make cottage cheese bagels with almond flour?
Yes! Almond flour is a great gluten-free, low-carb option. Swap 1 cup almond flour for all-purpose flour and increase baking powder slightly. The texture is softer, but the taste and nutrition stay on point.
Conclusion: Cottage Cheese Bagels Are Here to Stay
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, switching to a higher-protein diet, or just want to try something new, cottage cheese bagels are a must-bake. They’re quick, easy, freezer-friendly, and wildly versatile—from savory everything bagel styles to sweet cinnamon variations.
They’ve become a weekly staple in my Asheville kitchen, and I hope they find a home in yours too.
For more check this The 5-Ingredient Bagel Recipe
