These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are quick and fun to make! With just cottage cheese, flour, and a little baking powder, you can whip up soft, tasty bagels in no time!
They are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snack time. I often add a bit of everything bagel seasoning on top—it’s a game changer! Just pop them in the oven and enjoy fresh bagels at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best texture to these bagels, making them soft and tender. If you’re looking for lower fat options, low-fat cottage cheese will still work, though the texture might be slightly different.
Self-Rising Flour: This is the star of the recipe, providing the fluffy structure. If you can’t find self-rising flour, you can make your own using all-purpose flour mixed with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt. This mix works just as well!
Eggs: Two large eggs bind the dough together. For a vegan substitute, you can use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water). Just let it sit for a few minutes to thicken!
Toppings: Feel free to get creative! Everything bagel seasoning is a classic choice, but sesame seeds or poppy seeds add a nice touch too. Coarse salt is great if you prefer a simple seasoning.
How Do I Shape Bagels Without Making a Mess?
Shaping the bagels may seem tricky, but it’s quite easy with a few tips. Once you’ve kneaded the dough, here’s how to form those perfect bagels:
- Slightly flour your hands to prevent sticking while rolling.
- Divide the dough into 4 or 5 equal portions, and roll each into a ball.
- Use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball; make it about 1 inch wide initially.
- Gently stretch the hole to about 2 inches in diameter. This keeps the bagels from closing up while baking.
Make sure to handle the dough gently to keep it fluffy! Once shaped, they are ready to bake. Enjoy making your bagels!
How to Make 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for best texture)
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt)
- 2 large eggs
Optional Toppings:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Coarse salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and about 25-30 minutes for baking. So, in total, you can have delicious bagels ready in about 40 minutes! Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
2. Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and self-rising flour. Mix everything together until you have a dough that is slightly sticky but holds its shape. Don’t worry if it feels a bit tacky; that’s normal!
3. Knead the Dough
Sprinkle a little flour on a clean surface to prevent sticking. Turn your dough out onto the floured surface and gently knead it just until smooth – this shouldn’t take long, maybe a minute or so.
4. Shape the Bagels
Next, divide the dough into 4 or 5 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. To create bagel shapes, poke a hole through the center of each ball using your finger. Stretch the hole gently to about 2 inches in diameter.
5. Prepare for Baking
Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet. If you like, you can brush the tops lightly with water or use an egg wash (just beat one egg) to make them shiny. Sprinkle your favorite toppings evenly over the bagels!
6. Bake the Bagels
Now, bake the bagels in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and feel firm to the touch. The smell will be amazing!
7. Cool and Serve
Once baked, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This will help them stay crisp on the outside. Enjoy your fresh, homemade cottage cheese bagels!
These bagels are soft on the inside with a slightly crisp exterior and are perfect for a quick, healthy breakfast or snack. Happy baking!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but the texture may be slightly different. Full-fat cottage cheese will give you a creamier and denser bagel, while low-fat will still work but might be a bit lighter in texture.
Can I Make Bagels Without Self-Rising Flour?
Absolutely! If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt. This will give you the same rise and structure in the bagels.
What Should I Do With Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Simply wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or pop them in the toaster for a quick reheat!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Yes, feel free to experiment! You can add herbs, grated cheese, or even diced vegetables to the dough for extra flavor. Just make sure not to overload the dough, as this may affect its texture and baking time.
