Get ready for a delightful breakfast or snack that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to make! Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, chewy bagel, generously coated in that irresistible everything bagel crunch, all while knowing you’re enjoying a lighter, protein-packed treat. What makes this Sunshine Cottage Cheese Everything Bagel recipe truly special is its clever use of cottage cheese to create a wonderfully tender crumb and boost the protein, making it perfect for your healthy eating goals. You’ll love how these bagels offer that classic bagel experience – the comforting aroma, the savory taste – without the heaviness. Perfect for a quick morning meal when you crave something substantial but mindful, a fantastic post-workout refuel, or when you simply want a delicious and reliable recipe to keep your healthy eating on track. You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up these homemade bagels that taste amazing and support your wellness journey!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 40-45 mins (includes baking time)
Servings: 4-6 bagels
Ingredients:
For the Cottage Cheese Bagels:
- 1 cup Full-Fat Cottage Cheese, blended
- 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
For the Topping:
- 1 Egg Yolk, mixed with 1 tsp water (for egg wash)
- 2-3 tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: If you haven’t already, place the cottage cheese in a small food processor or use an immersion blender to blend it until completely smooth and creamy. (This step is crucial for a good bagel texture, preventing lumps).
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the blended cottage cheese and the lightly beaten egg.
- Mix Dough: Stir with a fork or spatula until a shaggy dough begins to form. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Turn Out and Knead Briefly: Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough out and knead gently for just 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it comes together into a cohesive ball. (Do not overwork the dough, or your bagels may become tough). Add a tiny bit more flour if it’s overly sticky and unmanageable.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces (depending on desired bagel size). Roll each piece into a ball. Then, poke a hole through the center of each ball with your finger and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape, about 1-1.5 inches wide in the center. Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Topping: Brush the tops of the bagels with the egg wash. Generously sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through. (A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs).
- Cool Slightly: Allow the bagels to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool a bit more. These are delicious warm!
Recipe Notes:
- Cottage Cheese Choice: Full-fat cottage cheese yields a richer flavor and more tender texture, but low-fat can be used. The key is blending it completely smooth to avoid a lumpy texture in your bagels.
- Flour Power: While all-purpose flour is used here for a classic bagel feel, you can experiment by replacing up to 1/2 cup with whole wheat flour for added fiber. (Note that this may make the bagels slightly denser).
- Sticky Dough Handling: This dough is meant to be soft and a little sticky. Use floured hands and a floured surface to make it easier to handle. Avoid adding too much extra flour, as it can make the bagels dry.
- Flavor Customization: Feel free to skip the everything seasoning and use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coarse salt, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking. You could also add 1/2 tsp garlic powder or onion powder to the dough itself for extra flavor.
- For a Protein Boost: You can incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of unflavored protein powder into the dry ingredients, but you might need to add an extra tablespoon of water or cottage cheese if the dough feels too dry.
- Storage/Reheating: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For best results, reheat them in a toaster or oven until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw and then toast.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these bagels on their own, toasted with a light spread of cream cheese (if your diet allows), avocado, or with a scrambled egg for a complete meal.
And there you have it – a truly delicious, satisfying, and simple-to-make bagel alternative that’s perfect for your healthy lifestyle! This Sunshine Cottage Cheese Everything Bagel recipe is sure to be a hit for its incredible flavor, delightful chewiness, and the wonderful feeling of enjoying a guilt-free favorite. We hope you delight in every bite of this wonderful creation! Happy baking!
