Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

Cottage cheese bagels are soft, chewy, and packed with protein . With just some basic ingredients, you can whip up warm, golden bagels in your air fryer without the need for yeast or rising time. These are high in protein, low in effort, and totally customizable. Good for breakfast, meal prep, or a quick savory snack.

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

I wasn’t sure what to expect the first time I tried these, but now I make them all the time. The inside stays soft and fluffy, the outside gets that golden bagel crust, and the cottage cheese gives them this amazing lightness while boosting the protein. You can top them with whatever you love , everything seasoning, sesame seeds, asiago, or even cinnamon raisin if you’re in a sweet mood.

They’re also super easy. No yeast, no long rise, and no special tools. Just blend, mix, shape, and air fry.I also made a sourdough bagel recipe if you’re into that classic chewy vibe.

Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Bagels

• High in protein, low in effort: Just mix, shape, and cook. That’s it.
• No yeast, no rise time: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Soft inside, golden outside: They hit that perfect chewy bagel texture.
• Customizable: Go sweet, savory, cheesy, spicy—whatever you’re into.
• Air fryer or oven friendly: Works both ways, depending on your vibe.

I’ve tried a lot of healthy bagel alternatives, but these? These are the real deal. You’ll be adding them to your weekly meal prep after one bite.

What You’ll Need

• All-purpose flour – Helps build structure in the dough. You can also use a 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed.
• Baking powder and salt – This gives the dough lift and flavor without yeast.
• Cottage cheese – Blended smooth so the dough stays soft and fluffy. Use full-fat or low-fat.
• Egg or egg white – For brushing on top before air frying to get that signature golden crust.
• Toppings – Sesame seeds, everything from bagel seasoning to poppy seeds or shredded cheese, all work great.

How I Make Cottage Cheese Bagels

Blend the cottage cheese

I like to start by blending the cottage cheese until completely smooth. This helps the dough come together evenly and makes the texture more like a real bagel once it’s cooked.

Mix the dry ingredients

In a bowl, I combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Once the dry mix is ready, I stir in the blended cottage cheese and mix everything until a soft dough forms. I usually start with a spoon or fork and switch to my hands.

Shape the dough

I divide the dough into 4 equal pieces, then roll each one into a ball. From there, I poke a hole in the center with my finger and gently stretch each one into a bagel shape. If the dough sticks, I just dust my hands with a little flour.

Brush and top

Before air frying, I brush each bagel with a beaten egg (or just an egg white) to help them get that golden crust. Then I sprinkle on whatever toppings I’m in the mood for — sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded cheese, whatever works.

Air fry

I preheat the air fryer to 300°F and cook the bagels for about 13 minutes. They come out puffed, golden, and ready to devour.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Just swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-free: Try a vegan cottage cheese alternative with protein — it works surprisingly well.
• Sweet or savory: Add cinnamon and raisins, or go savory with garlic, chive, or shredded cheese.
• No air fryer? Bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 25 minutes on a lined baking sheet.

What to Serve With Cottage Cheese Bagels

These are killer on their own, but even better paired with soft butter, cream cheese, or The Healthiest Jam. I love making breakfast sandwiches with a fried egg, avocado, and my Irresistible Sausage Patties in Air Fryer , or with my Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad Recipe .

Storing and Freezing Cottage Cheese Bagels

If you somehow don’t eat them all right away (respect), just pop the leftovers into an airtight container. They’re fine on the counter for a day or two, but I usually keep mine in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days. If you want to save a batch for later, wrap them up in foil, toss them in a freezer bag, and freeze. They hold up really well and reheat like a dream.

How to Reheat Cottage Cheese Bagels

I usually throw them in the air fryer at 300°F for a couple minutes to get that fresh-from-the-oven feel again. The toaster works too if you like a little crisp on the outside. Microwave? Meh—it works in a pinch, but they’re way softer. You do you, though.

FAQs About Cottage Cheese Bagels

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