Cottage cheese bagels

Name: Cottage cheese bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (use 1/2 cup for 2 people; double for more than 4); 1 cup all-purpose flour (use 1/2 cup for 2 people; double for more than 4); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 egg, beaten (for brushing tops); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or everything seasoning (optional topping)

Running out of breakfast ideas that actually keep you full? Cottage cheese bagels are soft, chewy, and surprisingly simple to make with just a few everyday ingredients. They bake up golden on the outside and tender inside, with a mild flavor that works for both sweet and savory toppings. I like to mix the dough by hand until it feels smooth and slightly tacky. These are perfect for busy mornings, slow weekend brunch, or even as a cozy snack on a cold afternoon. You get homemade comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Tired of store-bought bagels that feel heavy or dry? These homemade ones are lighter but still satisfying, with a soft center and gently crisp crust. The cottage cheese adds moisture and protein, which helps them stay tender even the next day.
Need something flexible for your household? This recipe makes four bagels, perfect for a small family. Cooking for two? Simply divide every ingredient in half and shape two bagels instead of four. Feeding more than four? Double the ingredients and bake in batches so they brown evenly.
Looking for a cozy breakfast you can prep ahead? Cottage cheese bagels are freezer-friendly, budget-friendly, and easy to customize with toppings. They’re simple enough for weekdays but feel special enough to save for weekend mornings.

Ingredients

1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (use 1/2 cup for 2 people; double for more than 4)
1 cup all-purpose flour (use 1/2 cup for 2 people; double for more than 4)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Not sure how to start the dough? Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add cottage cheese and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Worried about sticky dough? Turn it onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth but still soft. Divide into four equal pieces. If making two servings, split into two pieces. Shape each into a rope.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Unsure how to form the bagel shape? Bring the ends of each rope together and press firmly to seal into a ring. Place on the baking sheet, leaving space between each. Brush tops lightly with beaten egg.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Concerned about baking time? Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using, then bake for about 20–25 minutes until golden brown. For a larger batch, bake in two rounds so heat circulates well and the tops brown evenly.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Need breakfast ready without waking up too early? You can mix and shape the dough in under 15 minutes. They bake quickly and store well for later. If doubling the recipe for a bigger family, prepare the dough once and bake in batches so mornings stay calm.

Tips & Tricks

Wondering why your bagels turned dense? Avoid over-kneading the dough. Mix just until smooth. If making only two bagels, knead even more gently since the smaller dough portion comes together faster.
Not sure about texture? If the dough feels too wet, sprinkle a little flour at a time. When doubling for more than four servings, add flour gradually so the dough doesn’t become dry.
Struggling with pale tops? Brush evenly with egg before baking. For larger batches, re-whisk the egg if it sits too long so the coating stays smooth.
Want a crispier crust? Bake a few extra minutes but watch closely. If making half the recipe, check a couple of minutes early since smaller batches may brown faster.

Variations

Meaty version
Want something savory for breakfast sandwiches? Slice the baked bagels and fill with cooked turkey slices or crispy bacon and a fried egg. For two people, prepare two bagels and split fillings evenly. For larger groups, increase fillings along with the batch size.

Vegetarian option
Looking for a lighter topping? Spread with cream cheese and layer sliced tomato and avocado. This works beautifully for four bagels. If doubling the recipe, prepare extra vegetables so each bagel stays generously topped.

Ingredient swap
Out of all-purpose flour? You can use self-rising flour and skip the baking powder and salt. Keep the amount the same for four servings. For two, simply halve the flour and cottage cheese together.

Flavor or herb boost
Craving extra taste in the dough itself? Mix dried herbs like oregano or garlic powder directly into the flour. For a larger batch, increase herbs slowly and taste a small piece of dough before shaping all the bagels.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Breakfast Plate
Need a cozy morning setup? Serve warm with scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. For two people, plate one bagel each. If feeding more than four, double the recipe so everyone gets one fresh from the oven.
Brunch Spread
Hosting a small brunch? Arrange sliced bagels with cream cheese, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and jam. For bigger gatherings, bake two batches and set everything out family-style on a large board.
On-the-Go Option
Rushing out the door? Slice and wrap each bagel individually once cooled. For smaller households, freeze half so nothing goes to waste. For more people, prepare extras for the week ahead.
Evening Snack
Want something comforting at night? Toast and spread with butter or nut butter. If cooking for just two, halve the recipe and enjoy them fresh without leftovers.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage
Wondering how long they stay fresh? Store cooled bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For smaller batches, keep them in a small sealed bag to prevent drying.
Reheating
Concerned about losing softness? Slice and toast lightly, or warm in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes. For larger batches, reheat on a baking sheet so they warm evenly.
Freezing
Thinking about freezing extras? Let them cool completely, then freeze in sealed freezer bags for up to 2 months. For two-person portions, freeze in pairs for easy thawing.
Make-ahead tips
Planning ahead for busy mornings? Bake the night before and store once cooled. If doubling the recipe, freeze half right away so they taste fresh later.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Rest Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes

Nutrition Information

Per bagel (based on 4 servings):
Calories: 180–220
Protein: 8–11g
Provides calcium from cottage cheese and small amounts of iron from flour.
Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, shape the bagels and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

The dough may be too wet. Add a little more flour next time.

Yes, but the texture may be slightly less tender.

Avoid over-kneading and measure flour carefully.

Conclusion

Looking for a breakfast you can make again and again without getting bored? Cottage cheese bagels are simple, cozy, and easy to adjust for your household. You can bake four for a family morning, cut the recipe in half for two, or double it when guests stay over. The ingredients are basic, the steps are clear, and the results feel homemade in the best way. Once you try them fresh from the oven, you’ll see how easily they fit into busy weekdays and relaxed weekends alike.