Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels

Name: Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon chopped chives; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels for breakfast. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and warm bagels is something that never fails to satisfy my cravings. Each bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, and I love how easy they are to prepare. I often customize them with various toppings, making them versatile for any meal. Plus, they are a hit with family and friends, keeping breakfast both nutritious and delicious. These bagels are not only filling but packed with protein, making them a fulfilling option to start the day.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-01-20T02:40:13.449Z

When I first tried making bagels with cottage cheese, I was pleasantly surprised by the texture it brought. The cottage cheese not only adds moisture but also gives the bagels a lightness that I adore. I remember experimenting with different herbs and spices, and I found that a hint of garlic and chives elevate the flavor remarkably!

One tip I learned along the way is to let the dough rest before shaping the bagels. This resting time helps develop the gluten, leading to a chewier texture that’s reminiscent of traditional bagels. I was thrilled with how quickly these became a family favorite!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Hearty yet light, these bagels are perfect for any time of the day.
The cottage cheese provides a subtle tang that balances beautifully with seasonings.
They're great for meal prep and can easily be frozen for later use.

      

Understanding the Dough

The dough for these Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels is unique due to the inclusion of cottage cheese, which not only adds moisture but also a rich creaminess. This ingredient is essential for achieving a tender texture, resulting in bagels that are soft yet hearty. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it's important to do so gradually; this allows the flour to fully absorb the moisture from the cottage cheese, preventing a too-wet dough that can be difficult to handle.

Kneading is a crucial step in developing the bagels' structure. When you knead the dough for about five minutes, you're activating the gluten in the flour, which helps create a chewy texture. If you find the dough sticking, lightly flour your work surface and your hands to prevent it from adhering. Avoid adding too much flour, as this can lead to dense bagels. The goal is a smooth, elastic dough that's easy to shape.

Boiling for Authenticity

Boiling the bagels before baking is a key step that distinguishes them from other bread. This process creates that signature chewy crust and helps the bagels to rise properly in the oven. When boiling, make sure your water is at a rolling boil and carefully place each bagel in the pot. Boil them for about 1-2 minutes on each side; look for a slight puffiness and a glossy surface, which indicates they're ready to be removed.

If you've never boiled bagels before, it may seem daunting. To ensure even cooking, do not overcrowd the pot; this can lower the water temperature and affect the final texture. If you want to add extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or malt syrup to the boiling water. This will impart a slightly sweet taste to the bagels, enhancing their overall flavor profile.

Ingredients

To make these delicious bagels, gather the following ingredients:

Bagel Base

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cottage cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 tablespoon olive oil

Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels:

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese, egg, olive oil, garlic powder, and chives. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms.

Knead and Shape

Lightly flour a surface and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. Divide the dough into four equal parts, then shape each part into a bagel, creating a hole in the center.

Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop in the bagels and boil for about 1-2 minutes on each side before removing them with a slotted spoon.

Bake the Bagels

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the boiled bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow the bagels to cool slightly before enjoying them.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try topping your bagels with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning before baking.

Storage and Reheating

These Savory Cottage Cheese Bagels can be a wonderful addition to your meal prep routine. Once baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage. For freezing, wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be stored for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy the bagels, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes. This will refresh their texture and maintain their delightful chewiness, making them almost as good as fresh.

Creative Toppings and Variations

These bagels serve as a fantastic base for a variety of toppings. For a heartier breakfast, try adding smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, top them with avocado, chili flakes, and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices in the dough; consider incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, or even grated zucchini for a flavor boost.

For those looking to switch things up or accommodate dietary preferences, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. If you're aiming for a lower-fat option, use low-fat cottage cheese, which retains the creamy texture while cutting down on calories. You could also create mini bagels for bite-sized snacks by dividing the dough into smaller portions when shaping.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe and may reduce the overall calories.

→ How do I store leftover bagels?

Store the bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

→ Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado make great toppings for these savory bagels.