3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
Introduction
These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are a quick and healthy snack option that you can easily make at home. Packed with protein and simple ingredients, they work perfectly for breakfast, snacks, or sandwiches. Whether baked in the oven or air fryer, they come out delicious and versatile.

Ingredients
- 1 cup self-rising flour (see tips for alternatives)
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (blended smooth)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or poppy seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack on the top level. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth to ensure a soft dough.
- Step 3: In a bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese with self-rising flour. Stir until a dough forms and pulls away from the sides.
- Step 4: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead about 8-10 times until smooth and pliable.
- Step 5: Divide the dough into four equal balls. Roll each ball into a 6-7 inch rope about 1 inch thick, then join the ends to form a bagel shape, pinching the seam to seal.
- Step 6: Brush each bagel with the beaten egg to create a shiny crust and sprinkle with your choice of seasoning or seeds.
- Step 7: Bake the bagels at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown. Let them cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- If using all-purpose or whole wheat flour instead of self-rising, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to the flour.
- For a gluten-free option, use 1 cup of a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
- Try different toppings like shredded cheese, poppy seeds, or sesame seeds to customize your bagels.
- These bagels can be air-fried: preheat your air fryer to 350°F, spray the basket with nonstick spray, and air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
Storage
Store the bagels in an airtight bag at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 4 months. Slice before freezing for easy toasting directly from the freezer.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bagels without an oven?
Yes, you can cook these bagels in an air fryer. Simply preheat to 350°F and air fry for 10-12 minutes until they are golden brown.
What can I use if I don’t have self-rising flour?
If you only have all-purpose or whole wheat flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to 1 cup of flour to mimic self-rising flour.
Print3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are a quick, high-protein snack or breakfast option made with simple ingredients. They require no rising time and can be baked in the oven or air fryer to achieve a golden, savory crust. Perfect for healthy sandwiches or enjoyed plain, these bagels are easy to make, versatile, and freezer-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Bagel Dough
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or see flour alternatives note)
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
Egg Wash & Toppings
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack on the top level. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Mix & Knead Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese with the self-rising flour. Stir until the dough forms and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it 8-10 times until smooth and elastic.
- Shape the Bagels: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 6-7 inches long and 1 inch in diameter. Connect the ends tightly to form classic bagel shapes, pinching the seams to seal them.
- Egg Wash & Season: Brush the tops of each bagel with the beaten egg to create a glossy, golden crust. Sprinkle your choice of toppings such as everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, shredded cheese, or poppy seeds for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown. Once baked, allow the bagels to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Air Fryer Option: If using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F. Spray the basket with nonstick spray, place the shaped bagels inside, and air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- If substituting self-rising flour with all-purpose or whole wheat flour, add 2 teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt to mimic rising properties.
- For a gluten-free version, use 1 cup gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum and 2 teaspoons baking powder.
- Store bagels in an airtight bag at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze bagels for up to 4 months. Slice before freezing to make toasting easier directly from frozen.
- This recipe yields four medium-sized bagels, ideal for a high-protein snack.
- The egg wash helps achieve a shiny, golden crust but can be omitted for an egg-free option; however, the crust may be less glossy.
Keywords: cottage cheese bagels, high protein bagels, quick bagel recipe, healthy breakfast, 3-ingredient bagels, oven bagels, air fryer bagels, easy bagels, gluten-free bagel alternative

