Cottage cheese bagels weren’t something I grew up eating but they’ve earned a permanent spot in our weekend routine. The first time I made them, it was a chilly Sunday morning in our tiny New York kitchen. Jake was flipping through his phone, and I’d just finished blending cottage cheese for a pasta sauce. That’s when I saw a recipe floating around: cottage cheese bagels made with nothing but flour, baking powder, and that same creamy cheese. I was skeptical. But also curious because if there’s one thing I love more than a cozy carb, it’s a cozy carb with a twist.
So I tried it. I mixed the dough by hand, shaped four imperfect rings, and popped them into our air fryer. Thirteen minutes later, the apartment smelled like a bakery. Jake bit into one, eyebrows raised. “Wait these have cottage cheese in them?” He ate two.
That’s the magic of cottage cheese bagels. They come together fast, need zero yeast or boiling, and taste like you put way more effort in than you did. Ever since that morning, they’ve become our go-to bake for breakfast sandwiches, after-gym snacks, and even lazy dinners with eggs and greens on the side. And honestly, they remind me a lot of the cooking I did with my grandmother back in Montreal simple ingredients, lots of love, no fuss.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels at Home (Easy Air Fryer Method)
Ingredients and Dough Basics
Making cottage cheese bagels at home couldn’t be easier. With just a handful of pantry staples and a quick blend, you get soft, golden bagels that are high in protein and full of flavor. What makes these bagels special is that they skip the traditional boiling and yeast. Instead, they rely on creamy blended cottage cheese to create a tender, chewy dough that bakes beautifully in the air fryer.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1 cup all purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cottage cheese, blended until smooth
½ egg, beaten (or 1 egg white)
Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything seasoning, or a sprinkle of poppy seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Then blend your cottage cheese until smooth and creamy. This step helps bind the dough and gives your cottage cheese bagels their soft interior. Add the cheese to the dry mix and stir. I usually switch from fork to hands once it starts coming together it’s a bit sticky, so feel free to dust with flour if needed.
The result? A dough that’s soft but workable similar in feel to the base of cheesy garlic bread rings, only richer thanks to the dairy.
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Cottage Cheese Bagels: Easy Air Fryer Recipe for a Healthy, Chewy Bake
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Description
These cottage cheese bagels are protein packed, golden brown, and so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. No yeast or boiling required just mix, shape, and air fry for a chewy, satisfying bake.
Ingredients
1 cup all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cottage cheese, blended
½ egg, beaten (or 1 egg white)
Optional: sesame seeds, everything seasoning, or poppy seeds
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Blend cottage cheese until smooth.
3. Add blended cottage cheese to dry mix and stir until dough forms.
4. If sticky, dust with flour. Divide dough into 4 pieces.
5. Roll each into a ball. Press a hole in the center with your finger and stretch into bagel shape.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg. Sprinkle with desired toppings.
7. Air fry at 300°F for 13 minutes until golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
These bagels freeze well. Slice before freezing for easy toasting later.
Try adding herbs or shredded cheese to the dough for flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: cottage cheese bagels, high protein bagels, air fryer bagels
Tips for Shaping Perfect Bagels
Divide the dough into four pieces and roll each into a smooth ball. Gently press your finger into the center of each dough ball, then stretch the hole slightly until it looks like a bagel. Don’t stress if they’re a little wonky those homemade imperfections are what make them beautiful.
Place your shaped cottage cheese bagels on a floured surface. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish, then sprinkle with sesame seeds or your favorite topping. From there, just pop them in the air fryer at 300°F for about 13 minutes until golden and set.
Air Frying & Flavor Variations for Cottage Cheese Bagels
How to Air Fry Cottage Cheese Bagels to Golden Perfection
Once your bagels are shaped and topped, the air fryer does the rest no boiling, no waiting. That’s what makes cottage cheese bagels such a game changer for busy mornings or lazy weekends. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F and line the basket with parchment paper if needed to prevent sticking. Place the bagels in gently, spacing them out so they cook evenly.
Air fry for about 13 to 15 minutes, or until they’re golden on top and spring back slightly to the touch. Depending on your air fryer model, you may want to flip them halfway through for even browning.
These cook up just as fast and fuss-free as our high protein egg bake with cottage cheese, with that same nourishing feel and creamy richness. It’s the kind of recipe that effortlessly finds its way into your weekly routine.
Let the bagels cool on a rack for a few minutes just enough so you don’t burn your fingers slicing into that warm, soft center. Add your favorite toppings or enjoy them plain, still warm and just slightly crisp around the edges.
Fun and Savory Flavor Swaps
One of the best things about cottage cheese bagels is how easy it is to make them your own. You can stir herbs into the dough chopped chives, dill, or even grated parmesan work beautifully. For the topping, everything seasoning, sesame seeds, or flaky salt add flavor and crunch.
Want to lean sweet? Before baking, lightly brush the tops with maple syrup or honey, then dust with cinnamon sugar for a sweet, golden finish. That combo is especially great with whipped cream cheese or fruit jam.
If you’re into protein rich treats that satisfy your sweet tooth too, don’t miss our protein oatmeal cookies that taste amazing. They make the perfect snack alongside your bagel filled breakfast lineup.
Whether you go savory, sweet, or somewhere in between, these bagels are endlessly versatile. You can even batch prep and freeze them just reheat in the air fryer or toaster and enjoy on the go.
Why Cottage Cheese Bagels Are Worth Baking (Nutrition + Baking Benefits)
The Nutrition Behind Cottage Cheese Bagels
Cottage cheese bagels aren’t just a cozy bake they’re also a smarter choice for everyday fuel. Blended cottage cheese gives each bagel a boost of slow digesting protein and calcium, making them a filling and nourishing option any time of day. They’re a great option if you want a high protein breakfast without loading up on empty carbs.
They remind me of our birthday cake protein shake fun, satisfying, and sneakily packed with nutrients.
If you’re used to store bought bagels, this recipe is a lighter, more nourishing upgrade that still gives you that classic chewy texture.
Why Cottage Cheese Works in Baked Goods
What makes cottage cheese bagels stand out is the texture. Once blended, cottage cheese adds moisture and creaminess without extra fat. It keeps the bagels soft on the inside while they bake up golden on the outside.
It’s a little trick I also use in our high-protein frittata you get extra richness and structure, all from one simple ingredient.
Whether you’re after flavor, fuel, or both, cottage cheese turns these easy bagels into something you’ll want to make on repeat.
Serving Ideas & Make Ahead Tips for Cottage Cheese Bagels
Creative Ways to Serve Cottage Cheese Bagels
Once you’ve baked a batch of cottage cheese bagels, the fun really begins. Enjoy them warm and fresh from the air fryer, or take it up a notch with your favorite toppings. Think classic: cream cheese and smoked salmon, or go savory with avocado, chili flakes, and a soft boiled egg.
For something sweeter, try them toasted with nut butter and banana slices. The balance of protein and carbs makes them perfect pre or post workout. We also love pairing them with a side of high-protein shrimp recipes for a light, satisfying lunch.
For brunch, slice and serve them alongside a bowl of high-protein frittata or a crisp green salad. They fit right into any meal simple, comforting, and endlessly versatile.
How to Store and Reheat Cottage Cheese Bagels
One of the best parts about cottage cheese bagels is how well they store. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them just slice in half first and store in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, toast or air fry until warm and lightly crisp. They come back to life beautifully, which makes them a great make ahead option for meal prep or last minute breakfasts.
If you’re into smart prep like we are, this recipe works just like our other freezer friendly staples simple to reheat, easy to love.
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The Last Slice of Advice
If you’re looking for a quick, nourishing, and downright satisfying bake, cottage cheese bagels are your new go to. With minimal ingredients, no yeast, and just a short time in the air fryer, you get golden, chewy bagels that deliver big on flavor and nutrition. Whether you keep them plain or dress them up with sweet or savory toppings, they’re a recipe you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Bagels
Is cottage cheese good for bagels?
Yes, cottage cheese is a fantastic ingredient for bagels. When blended, it creates a smooth, creamy base that adds moisture, structure, and a mild tangy flavor. In cottage cheese bagels, it replaces the need for added fats and helps keep the texture soft and satisfying. It also boosts the protein content, making your bagels more filling and nutritious.
How do you make Bethenny Frankel’s viral cottage cheese bagel?
Bethenny Frankel’s viral take on cottage cheese bagels follows a similar method to this recipe: mix flour, baking powder, and salt, then blend cottage cheese and combine. Shape the dough into bagels, brush with egg, and air fry until golden. Her version helped popularize the trend, but we’ve fine tuned the process to get consistent results with minimal fuss.
Is there anything unhealthy about cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese is widely known as a healthy, protein rich option. It’s naturally low in carbs and packed with calcium and B vitamins. If you’re mindful of sodium or fat, opt for a lower sodium or reduced fat version. In recipes like cottage cheese bagels, it offers a lighter, more nourishing swap for heavier ingredients like cream or butter.
Why do bodybuilders eat cottage cheese before bed?
Cottage cheese is rich in casein, a slow digesting protein that supports muscle repair while you sleep. That’s why many athletes and bodybuilders have a small serving before bed to stay nourished through the night.
. In cottage cheese bagels, that same benefit is baked right in making them great for post workout recovery or late night snacks.