High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe: Easy & Healthy
Are you searching for a delicious high-protein breakfast that keeps you full and energized? Look no further than these High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels.
This easy recipe uses simple ingredients, packs a punch of protein, and creates chewy, golden bagels perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a post-workout snack.
Why Choose High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels?
Benefits of Cottage Cheese in Baking
Cottage cheese is a fantastic ingredient for boosting the protein content in recipes. It’s low in fat, high in calcium, and provides a creamy texture without a heavy flavor.
When you add it to bagel dough, the result is a soft, moist crumb and a slightly tangy taste. Plus, cottage cheese is a great source of casein protein, which digests slowly and keeps you full for longer.
High Protein Bagels vs. Regular Bagels
Traditional bagels are made mostly from white flour, which offers minimal protein and often leads to energy crashes.
High protein bagels made with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt deliver sustained energy, help build muscle, and promote better satiety. This makes them ideal for anyone looking to eat healthier, manage weight, or add more protein to their diet.
Ingredients for High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
To make these protein-packed bagels, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low fat or full fat)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for extra protein)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or white whole wheat flour)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or oat flakes
Optional: For higher protein, you can add 1-2 scoops of unflavored whey protein powder.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Mix well until smooth. If you like a smoother texture, use a hand blender to blend the cottage cheese before adding to the bowl.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough begins to form. If using, add your protein powder at this stage.
3. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 2-3 minutes until it comes together and is slightly tacky but not sticky. If the dough is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time.
4. Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger and gently stretch to form a bagel shape.
5. Apply Egg Wash and Toppings
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk the egg and brush the tops of the bagels to give them a shiny, golden crust. Sprinkle your favorite bagel toppings over each one.
6. Bake the Bagels
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the high protein cottage cheese bagels cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Slice and enjoy with your favorite spreads or sandwich fillings.
Customization Ideas
Gluten-Free Option
Swap the regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Dairy-Free Version
Though cottage cheese is the star here, you can use dairy-free cottage cheese and plant-based yogurt. The texture may be slightly different but the bagels still turn out tasty.
Flavor Variations
- Savory: Add chopped chives, garlic powder, or shredded cheddar cheese to the dough.
- Sweet: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon and a handful of raisins. Top with cinnamon sugar before baking.
Best Ways to Enjoy High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Breakfast Sandwich: Layer with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and spinach.
- Post-Workout Snack: Spread with almond butter and banana slices.
- Lunch: Fill with grilled chicken, avocado, and tomato for a satisfying meal.
- Toasted Snack: Top with cottage cheese, sliced cucumber, and black pepper.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Store cooled bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, wrap each bagel tightly in plastic and store in a freezer bag. Defrost overnight or toast straight from the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bagels without Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with plain regular yogurt or even more cottage cheese. The dough may be slightly wetter so adjust the flour as needed.
How can I add more protein to these bagels?
Add 1-2 scoops of unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder to the dry ingredients. You can also use high-protein flour blends available at many grocery stores.
Are these bagels suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. These bagels store well in the fridge or freezer. Make a batch ahead of time and grab one whenever you need a quick, healthy meal.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, substitute all or part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber and nutrients. The texture will be a bit denser, but still delicious.
Why use cottage cheese in bagels?
Cottage cheese boosts the protein content and adds moisture, resulting in a soft, chewy bagel. It also provides a subtle tangy flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory toppings.
High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels
Delicious, chewy, high-protein bagels made with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a post-workout snack! Easy to customize, meal-prep friendly, and full of protein to keep you full and energized.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low fat or full fat)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or white whole wheat flour)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or oat flakes
- Optional: 1-2 scoops unflavored whey protein powder (for extra protein)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Mix until smooth. For a smoother texture, blend cottage cheese before mixing.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms. If using, add protein powder now.
- Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead for 2-3 minutes until it comes together and is slightly tacky but not sticky. If too wet, add flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, poke a hole in the center, and stretch gently to form a bagel shape.
- Place bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Whisk the egg and brush over the tops. Sprinkle with your favorite toppings.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let bagels cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 217Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 546mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 15g
The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.
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