Cooking brings people together, especially when it involves creating something as delightful as Protein Bagels. My journey with this recipe started when I was on the hunt for a healthier breakfast option that didn’t sacrifice taste. These protein-packed bagels are perfect for busy mornings, family brunches, or any time you crave a satisfying snack. The combination of cottage cheese and simple ingredients not only makes these bagels nutritious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation.
Why you’ll love this dish
Imagine waking up to warm, homemade bagels that are not only delicious but also good for you. This Protein Bagels recipe ticks all the boxes: it’s quick, budget-friendly, and versatile enough to please even the pickiest eaters. You can make these bagels in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch. Plus, you can easily customize them with toppings or flavors to suit your mood.
"I made these Protein Bagels for my kids, and they devoured them! They’re the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition. I can’t believe how easy they were to make!" – A Satisfied Home Cook
Preparing Protein Bagels
Now that you’re excited about making these bagels, let’s break down the process. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You mix a few key ingredients, knead the dough, shape it into bagels, and then bake. You’ll have fresh, fluffy bagels in no time, with a golden-brown crust that you can’t resist.
What you’ll need
To make Protein Bagels, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to add moisture)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Feel free to experiment with different flours, such as whole wheat, for a healthier option, or swap in your favorite spices!
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), olive oil, and the egg. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough gently on a floured surface for about 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth.
- Divide the dough into equal portions (about 4-6, depending on your size preference) and shape each piece into a bagel, ensuring to make a hole in the center.
- Place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- If you like a touch of sweetness, brush the tops with honey and sprinkle with sesame seeds or your choice of seasoning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bagels are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them fresh or toasted!

Best ways to enjoy it
These Protein Bagels are incredibly versatile. Slather on some cream cheese, avocado, or even peanut butter for a wholesome breakfast. Pair them with your favorite fruit or a steaming cup of coffee to start your day right. You can also serve them with eggs for a more substantial meal or enjoy them plain as a snack.
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your Protein Bagels, allow them to cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them—simply wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy one, just pop it in the toaster or microwave until warmed through. Always be sure to handle food safely, especially when it comes to storing leftovers.
Pro chef tips
- Make sure to knead the dough enough to develop some gluten for a chewy texture, but don’t overdo it!
- If you want an extra flavor boost, consider adding herbs or spices to the dough.
- For a sweeter bagel, don’t skip the honey, as it helps balance the savory flavors.
- Experiment with toppings; you can get creative with cheese, seeds, or even dried herbs!
Creative twists
Feel free to give these Protein Bagels your personal touch! Try adding grated cheese to the dough for a cheesy bagel experience or fold in some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. You could also make a cinnamon-sugar version by omitting the garlic and onion powder and topping them with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a delicious breakfast treat.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
A: Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can work just as well; just be mindful of the moisture content.
Q: How do I achieve a chewier texture?
A: To get a chewier bagel, ensure you knead the dough adequately and consider adding a touch of vital wheat gluten to the flour mix.
Q: Can I store these bagels in the freezer?
A: Absolutely! They freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe bag to maintain freshness.
Incorporating these Protein Bagels into your routine can not only elevate your breakfast game but also add a dynamic snack option to your pantry. Whether you enjoy them toasted or fresh out of the oven, they are sure to become a favorite staple in your kitchen!
Print
Protein Bagels
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 bagels 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
Delicious and nutritious protein-packed bagels perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), olive oil, and the egg. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough gently on a floured surface for about 2-3 minutes until it’s smooth.
- Divide the dough into equal portions (about 4-6) and shape each piece into a bagel, ensuring to make a hole in the center.
- Place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- If desired, brush the tops with honey and sprinkle with sesame seeds or seasoning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy fresh or toasted!
Notes
These bagels can be customized with various toppings or flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze individually for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: bagels, protein, healthy breakfast, easy recipe, homemade bagels
