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Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Bread

Cottage Cheese Bagels (Protein Bagel)

Mar 11, 2025 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 20 Comments

2274 shares
  • 118
Diet: Vegetarian
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Cottage cheese bagels with a text title overlay.
Cottage cheese bagels with a text title overlay.

These high protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are made with just 3 ingredients, and the option of added seasoning. 11g of protein per bagel and just 182 calories each. If you are looking to add more protein to your diet, then these protein bagels are the way to go. So easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes.

Four bagels topped with sesame seeds on a wooden serving board.

If you have been put off making bagels because you think they are difficult, then think again. These high protein bagels are as simple as mixing together flour and cottage cheese, kneading for 2 minutes, shaping into a bagel, seasoning and cooking.

No yeast, no waiting for them to rise, no boiling first. This really is the easiest way to make bagels and the texture of them is incredible.

Yep, you read that right - cottage cheese! This protein bagel recipe is made with cottage cheese and you would never know. Light and fluffy bagels, with a browned crust, and added protein from cottage cheese.

I had seen bagels made with Greek yogurt before and wondered if cottage cheese would work instead as it is higher in protein, and it works SO well. 11g of protein in one of these bagels!

Looking for other high protein recipes? Why not try our super creamy Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese, simple Sheet Pan Eggs or our convenient Meal Prep Breakfast Sandwiches?

Jump to:
  • Cottage Cheese Bagels Ingredients
  • How to Make High Protein Bagels - Step by Step
  • Substitutions
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Air Fryer Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese
  • Storage
  • Protein Bagel Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Bread Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Cottage Cheese Bagels Ingredients

All the ingredients needed for this recipe each with a text overlay label.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Flour - We used self raising flour.
  • Cottage Cheese - This is where all the protein comes from. Make sure you are using full fat cottage cheese for this protein bagel, as it just doesn't work the same with fat free.
  • Egg - This is to brush on the bagels so they get golden brown. It also helps any seasoning to stick to them. But, you could skip it if you wanted, and it makes this just a 2 ingredient recipe or use milk if you have an egg allergy.
  • Seasoning - Although the bagels themselves are just 3 ingredients, there is an optional 4th ingredient of seasoning and we really think it's worth it. Use our Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning and it adds SO much flavour.

More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.

How to Make High Protein Bagels - Step by Step

Prep: Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C(fan)/375°F/Gas 5.

A food processor with blended cottage cheese in it.
  1. Step one: Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor.
Flour and cottage cheese in a silver mixing bowl.
  1. Step two: Add the flour and the blended cottage cheese to a mixing bowl and bring together using a spoon.
A ball of dough in the mixing bowl.
  1. Step three: Use your hands to bring the dough together more and form into a ball. Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes.
Four uncooked bagels on a lined tray topped with seasoning.
  1. Step four: Divide the dough into four and roll into balls. Poke a hole in the ball and carefully stretch our to make the bagel shape. Brush with the whisked egg and sprinkle over the seasoning.
Four cooked bagels on a lined baking sheet.
  1. Step five: Cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden grown on top.

Substitutions

Flour - We use self raising flour, but if all you have it plain flour, then you can use the same amount, and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and pinch of salt to it, as this will help them rise.

Yogurt - If you don't like the idea of using cottage cheese (they really don't taste cheesy, and it's blended smooth), then you can use Greek yogurt instead. Use 240g (1 cup) and make sure it is full fat.

Sweet - If you want to make this a sweet protein bagel, then you can stir some chocolate chips into the mixture. You could also add a sugar/cinnamon mix on top of the bagels.

Seasoning - We used our Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning, but if you don't have that then you could just use a mixture of sea salt and dried oregano or rosemary.

A cream cheese and smoked salmon bagel on a board in front of more bagles.

Serving Suggestions

These protein bagels can be used in the same way you would use any bagels. We love loading them up with smoked salmon and cream cheese like in our Smoked Salmon Bagel Recipe or using them to make our Pizza Bagels.

If you want to make it really protein packed, then serve it with something like egg salad, chicken mayo or tuna crunch.

To use them for breakfast, add some Air Fryer Bacon, Microwave Fried Eggs and our Healthy Tomato Ketchup.

We also LOVE dipping bagels into homemade soup. These go especially well with our Air Fryer Tomato Soup or Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup.

Two stacks of seeded bagels on a wooden serving board.

Air Fryer Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese

We have cooked ours in the oven, however we also tested them in the air fryer as I know lots of you like using yours and we are always keen to find new ways to use ours. They work really really well in the air fryer with a couple of adjustments.

You need to spray the cottage cheese bagels with a little oil (and make sure the air fryer is oiled too) and then cook them in a preheated air fryer at 130°C/280°F for around 15 minutes. Every air fryer is different though, so keep an eye on them.

A cream cheese and smoked salmon bagel sliced in half showing the insides.

Storage

Store: Make sure they are fully cooled, and then you can put them in an air tight container and they will keep at room temperature for 2 days.

Freeze: This is a good option if you want to keep them for longer. Wrap them individually in parchment paper and then put them in a freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Defrost: You can thaw them at room temperature. You can slice them before they go in the freezer to make them quicker to defrost.

Protein Bagel Tips

  • Make sure you have blended the cottage cheese before adding it to the flour, as it needs to be smooth before using it.
  • The dough is sticky to work with, so don't think you have done something wrong if it is sticking to your hands. You can wet your hands a little before handling the dough, which makes it easier and make sure your surface is well floured.
  • You need to let the cottage cheese protein bagels cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into them. I know we all love warm bagels straight from the oven, but the texture is a little different to regular bagels and needs to cool first.
A hand holding a sliced open salmon bagel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they toast well?

Yes, they toast really well. So, toast them up and slather them with butter. The perfect after-school snack for kids.

Are these bagels healthy?

These are a great alternative to store bought protein bagels. If you look at the ingredient list of those bagels, they are LONG! With just 2 ingredients, these are a much better option.

Can these be made with gluten free flour?

Yes, you can use your favourite brand of gluten free flour and swap it cup for cup and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.

Can I use almond flour?

No, almond flour won't work in this recipe as they will end up being very dry.

More Bread Recipes

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    Chilli Naan
  • A ball of whole wheat pizza dough on a floured wooden surface
    Whole Wheat Pizza Dough
  • Slow cooker bread with two slices cut off.
    Slow Cooker Bread
  • Garlic and rosemary focaccia with three slices cut off.
    Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia

If you’ve tried this protein bagel recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

A sesame seed topped cottage cheese bagel on a wooden surface.

Cottage Cheese Bagels (Protein Bagel)

By: Dannii Martin
Boost your protein intake with these homemade cottage cheese bagels. Quick and easy to make, and packed with flavour.
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
5 from 11 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Breakfast, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, British, Polish
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 25 minutes mins
Total: 30 minutes mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 182kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy
An illustration of a cracked egg.
Eggs
An illustration of two ears of wheat.
Gluten
An illustration of sesame seeds
Sesame

Ingredients

  • 150 g (1 cups) Self-raising flour
  • 215 g (1 cups) Fat free cottage cheese - full fat
  • 1 Egg - whisked
  • Everything Seasoning

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 190°C/170°C(fan)/375°F/Gas 5.
  • Blend 215 g Fat free cottage cheese in a food processor.
  • Add 150 g Self-raising flour and the blended cottage cheese to a mixing bowl and bring together using a spoon.
  • Use your hands to bring the dough together more and form into a ball.
  • Transfer to a floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes.
  • Divide the dough into four and roll into balls. Poke a hole in the ball and carefully stretch our to make the bagel shape.
  • Brush with 1 Egg and sprinkle over Everything Seasoning.
  • Cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden grown on top.

Recipe Tips

  • Make sure you have blended the cottage cheese before adding it to the flour, as it needs to be smooth before using it.
  • The dough is sticky to work with, so don't think you have done something wrong if it is sticking to your hands. You can wet your hands a little before handling the dough, which makes it easier and make sure your surface is well floured.
  • You need to let the cottage cheese protein bagels cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting into them. I know we all love warm bagels straight from the oven, but the texture is a little different to regular bagels and needs to cool first.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1bagel | Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 209mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

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Comments

  1. Sarah Thomason says

    June 28, 2025 at 6:00 am

    5 stars
    I made these this week and swapped out 2/3 of the flour for wholemeal flour to add more fibre and nutrients and they worked a treat. I only had regular wholemeal so used it with plain flour and baking powder, and it was spot on. Planning to try with self-raising wholemeal next. Fab recipe - thank you!

    Reply
    • Dannii Martin says

      June 30, 2025 at 1:22 pm

      Thanks for letting us know that your swap worked so well.

      Reply
  2. Jo says

    April 06, 2025 at 5:49 pm

    5 stars
    I made the gluten free version and they were delicious- looking forward to making a non savoury version for sweeter toppings too.

    Reply
  3. Sam says

    January 31, 2025 at 2:54 am

    5 stars
    I seriously make these once a week. I CRAVE THEM. They are so insanely easy and good. The outside gets firm and has a great bite, and the inside stays soft and bouncy. Ughhhhh I want one now!

    Reply
    • Dannii Martin says

      February 03, 2025 at 10:45 am

      They are so good aren't they. I am happy you enjoyed out cottage cheese bagel recipe.

      Reply
  4. Jen G says

    November 02, 2024 at 2:56 pm

    I wonder if there might be a way to make these using sourdough starter rather than self-rising flour?

    Reply
    • Dannii Martin says

      November 26, 2024 at 8:21 am

      I haven't tried this myself. If you do try it, please come back and let us know.

      Reply
  5. Heather says

    May 08, 2024 at 7:34 pm

    5 stars
    So delicious and crazy simple to make, they turned out beautifully! Thanks so much for this great recipe!

    Reply
    • Jacey says

      January 20, 2025 at 6:24 pm

      5 stars
      My family loves these. I have made them multiple times. Sometimes with cottage cheese, other times with greek yogurt. As soon as I take them out of the oven I throw them in the fridge or freezer for 5 min. They are still warm once I take them out - my family just wants to eat them right away so this makes the cooling off time a little faster. I have a question - I use regular flour so I add 2 tsp baking powder. If I double the recipe, do I double the baking powder? I've made 2 batches back to back multiple times now which is a pain, but I just dont know if doubling the baking powder will ruin it. So I made one batch, throw in the oven then I start the next batch. Thoughts?

      Reply
      • Dannii Martin says

        February 03, 2025 at 10:51 am

        As for doubling the baking powder, I have had mixed results doing this. So, the simplest thing I find is making 2 separate batches (in different bowls) as the same time, rather than doubling the ingredients in the same bowl.

        Reply
      • Ajr says

        February 06, 2025 at 11:54 pm

        Can you use 1 to 1 gluten free flour to do this ?

        Reply
        • Dannii Martin says

          February 07, 2025 at 8:05 am

          This question is answered in the post already :) Yes, you can use your favourite brand of gluten free flour and swap it cup for cup and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.

          Reply
  6. Paula says

    May 08, 2024 at 7:17 pm

    5 stars
    Was so excited to find this recipe for high protein bagels. The ones at the store are SO expensive, but these were easy to make and tasted great!

    Reply
  7. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    May 08, 2024 at 6:48 pm

    5 stars
    Brilliant idea for adding extra protein Dannii! Love it!

    Reply
    • Bev says

      November 03, 2024 at 12:40 pm

      5 stars
      I've just made these - they're so easy and they're delicious!

      Reply
      • Dannii Martin says

        November 26, 2024 at 8:20 am

        I am so happy you enjoyed them.

        Reply
  8. kushi says

    May 08, 2024 at 6:42 pm

    5 stars
    These bagels look so perfect and delicious. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Sadie says

      May 08, 2025 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      Excited to make these today.... can they be toasted?

      Reply
      • Dannii Martin says

        May 08, 2025 at 8:08 pm

        Hi Sadie,

        Yes they can absolutely be toasted and they are delicious!

        Reply
  9. Charah says

    May 08, 2024 at 6:21 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious and easy to make, my family loves it. Also adding this one to my diet. thanks so much for sharing!!

    Reply
5 from 11 votes

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Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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