Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels

Name: Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 bagels
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 egg (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Cozy Meal Favorites

I absolutely love starting my day with these Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels! They're fluffy, flavorful, and packed with protein. The unique combination of cottage cheese creates a delightful moisture that makes each bite incredibly satisfying. With a hint of garlic and onion powder, these bagels have a subtle taste that pairs wonderfully with any spread or topping. Best of all, they’re quick to whip up, making them an ideal breakfast option for busy mornings. Once you try them, you'll understand why they’ve become a breakfast staple in our home!

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-01-25T17:37:28.046Z

When I first experimented with cottage cheese in bagels, I thought it could elevate them to a new level of moistness and flavor, and boy was I right! The results were incredible—soft, fluffy bagels that had a perfect texture. I added a few spices to enhance the taste, and they turned out to be a hit with my family. We now have them every weekend!

One tip I can share is to let the dough rest for a few minutes before shaping it. This allows the gluten to relax, making the bagels easier to handle and resulting in a better rise. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

You'll Love These Bagels Because
They're packed with protein for a fulfilling start to your day.
The cottage cheese adds moisture and a hint of creaminess.
Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings.

The Science Behind Fluffy Bagels

The secret to the fluffy texture of these Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels lies in the cottage cheese itself. Its high moisture content not only prevents the bagels from being dry but also contributes to their creaminess. This ingredient is essential; using low-fat cottage cheese can result in drier bagels, while opting for a full-fat variety provides a rich texture and flavor. Additionally, the baking powder creates lift, resulting in a light and airy interior that contrasts with the slightly crisp exterior.

When mixing the dough, ensure that the cottage cheese is well combined with the dry ingredients. I recommend using a large bowl and folding the mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing to prevent a dense bagel. The dough should be sticky yet manageable, so don’t hesitate to use a little extra flour if it feels too wet.

Customizing Your Bagel Experience

One of the joys of these bagels is their versatility. You can easily adapt the basic dough by adding herbs, spices, or even cheese to enhance the flavor profile. For example, incorporating fresh chopped chives or dill would give them an aromatic twist, perfect for a savory spread. If you're a fan of smokiness, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mix; this little tweak can elevate your bagel experience remarkably.

Once baked, these bagels are delicious on their own or paired with a variety of toppings. Cream cheese is a classic choice, but try them with avocado for a nutritious twist or even with sliced tomatoes and a sprinkle of salt. They also hold up well in the freezer; simply wrap them tightly and store them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, reheat them directly from the freezer in a toaster or oven until warmed through.

Ingredients

For the Bagels

1 cup cottage cheese
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg (for egg wash)

These ingredients will come together to create fluffy, protein-packed bagels that are perfect for breakfast!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until a dough forms.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into four equal pieces and shape each piece into a bagel by forming a hole in the center.

Apply Egg Wash

Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the top of each bagel for a golden finish.

Bake

Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Allow the bagels to cool slightly before slicing and serving!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add herbs or seeds into the dough for extra flavor! You can also top them with cream cheese or your favorite spread for even more deliciousness.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bagels are turning out denser than expected, the issue may stem from overmixing your dough. Be sure to combine the ingredients just until a dough forms and to avoid compacting the mixture. On the other hand, if your bagels lack flavor, consider increasing the amounts of garlic powder and onion powder or even adding a pinch of sugar to enhance the overall taste profile.

Using the wrong size baking sheet can also affect the baking outcome. Make sure to space your bagels adequately on the sheet to allow for proper airflow. If they’re too close together, they'll steam instead of bake, resulting in bagels that lack that coveted crispiness.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

For an effortless breakfast, slice your bagels and top them with smoked salmon, capers, and a dollop of cream cheese. This combination not only complements the bagels but also adds a gourmet feel to your meal. Alternatively, try a spread of peanut butter and banana for a protein-packed option that’s great for post-workout fuel.

These bagels can last for about 3-4 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them as mentioned earlier. When reheating, I recommend slicing them first for quicker warming and an even toasty exterior. A quick pop in the toaster or a warm-up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes will make them taste freshly baked again.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser.

→ How should I store leftover bagels?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month.

→ Can I add toppings to the bagels?

Definitely! Consider adding seeds, cheese, or herbs before baking for a delicious twist.

→ What can I serve with these bagels?

These bagels pair wonderfully with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or even avocado!