Is Cottage Cheese Good for Bagels?

Absolutely— cottage cheese is perfect for bagels . It adds moisture, structure, and richness without the need for sugar or oil. When blended, it creates a smooth dough that bakes up soft inside and golden on the outside. Unlike traditional bagels, which rely on high-carb, low-protein ingredients, cottage cheese bagels offer a more balanced bite with extra protein and fewer blood sugar spikes. This makes them an ideal choice for people managing insulin resistance, PCOS, or just trying to eat more mindfully. It also pairs well with both sweet and savory flavors, making it a flexible foundation for your daily meals.

Can You Use Cottage Cheese Instead of Yogurt in Bagels?

Yes—and in fact, cottage cheese often works better than yogurt in these types of recipes. While Greek yogurt is popular in high-protein bagel recipes, cottage cheese offers more protein per serving and a slightly richer flavor. It also gives your dough more body, which helps it rise and brown beautifully. To get the right texture, it’s important to blend the cottage cheese first. This step ensures your cottage cheese bagels bake up smooth, not lumpy. Once you’ve tried it this way, you might not go back to yogurt. Looking for another way to use cottage cheese? Try my savory zucchini cottage cheese muffins , perfect for meal prep and high in protein.

What Does Cottage Cheese Pair Well With?

Cottage cheese pairs well with just about everything. On a bagel with cottage cheese , you can go: Savory: like tomato + basil, smoked salmon, or sautéed mushrooms Sweet: like cinnamon, berries, or a sugar-free maple syrup drizzle Neutral: just a sprinkle of salt and pepper with fresh herbs It also works well as a base for spreads, dips, and sauces. Try blending cottage cheese with garlic and lemon juice for a protein-rich dip, or mixing with avocado for a creamy topping. If you're looking for more pairing ideas, don’t miss my guide on cottage cheese meal ideas that fit every mood.

How to Store and Freeze Cottage Cheese Bagels

To keep your cottage cheese bagels fresh: Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days Fridge: Avoid refrigeration—it can dry them out Freezer: Best option for long-term storage To freeze: Let the bagels cool completely Slice almost all the way through (this makes toasting from frozen easier) Wrap individually or store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months To reheat, simply pop one into the toaster or air fryer. They’ll come out warm, crisp on the edges, and just as good as fresh. Pro tip: Toasted frozen bagels topped with a quick egg scramble and microgreens make an excellent last-minute lunch.

How do you make Bethenny Frankel’s viral cottage cheese bagel?

Mix 1 cup cottage cheese with 1 cup self-rising flour. Shape into bagels and air fry at 350°F for 12–14 minutes. Her version is minimal and fast, but we recommend blending the cottage cheese and brushing with egg white for a more polished result.

Cottage Cheese Bagels: 5-Minute Powerful, Sugar-Free Recipe

Description

High-protein cottage cheese bagels that are sugar-free, easy to make, and perfect for toasting. Great for meal prep or anytime snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cottage cheese (blended smooth)

1 cup self-rising flour (or AP flour + 2 tsp baking powder + 1/4 tsp salt)

1 egg white (for brushing)

Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything seasoning, poppy seeds

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F or air fryer to 350°F.

2. Blend cottage cheese until smooth.

3. Mix cottage cheese and flour until dough forms.

4. Knead gently, divide into 4 balls.

5. Roll each into a rope and form bagel shapes.

6. Brush with egg white and add toppings.

7. Bake for 25–28 mins (oven) or air fry 12–14 mins.

8. Cool 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Slice before freezing for quick reheating.

Pairs great with savory or sweet toppings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baked or Air Fried
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bagel
Calories: 140
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 15mg