Homemade Cottage Cheese Bagels

Name: Homemade Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional); Water for boiling; Sesame or poppy seeds for topping (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making homemade bagels, and my latest obsession is cottage cheese bagels. The rich, creamy texture from the cottage cheese adds moisture and flavor, making them irresistibly delicious. With a few simple ingredients, I can whip up a batch in about an hour, and the smell of them baking fills my kitchen with comfort. They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack, and I often experiment with different toppings. You simply must try them to understand how delightful they truly are!

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-20T00:31:14.098Z

I remember the first time I made cottage cheese bagels; I was amazed at how easily the dough formed and how fluffy they turned out. The cottage cheese not only adds a wonderful flavor but also helps in achieving that perfect chewiness that's quintessential to a bagel. I’ve found that letting them rest for a few minutes before boiling makes a noticeable difference in their texture and overall quality.

Since then, I've perfected my method. Mixing in herbs like dill or chives gives them an extra boost in flavor. I also love to sprinkle sesame seeds on top before baking. The contrast of textures and flavors creates a bagel that is truly special and satisfying. Trust me, these bagels are a game-changer!

        Why You'll Love These Bagels
        Creamy, moist texture that elevates every bite
Versatile: perfect for both sweet and savory toppings
Quick and easy to make at home from scratch

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key ingredient in these cottage cheese bagels is, of course, the cottage cheese itself. It not only brings a lovely creaminess to the dough but also contributes protein, creating a satisfying texture that rivals traditional bagels. Opt for full-fat cottage cheese for a richer taste or low-fat for a lighter version, but be cautious with non-fat varieties, as they may result in a drier dough.

Each element in the ingredient list plays a critical role. All-purpose flour provides the structure needed for bagels, while the egg adds richness and aids in binding. Sugar enhances browning during baking, resulting in that beautiful golden hue. If you're looking to up the flavor profile, consider incorporating fresh herbs or spices into your dough mix to customize your bagels beyond the basic flavors.

Shaping with Precision

When shaping your bagels, precision is key to getting that iconic bagel look. After dividing the dough, it's important to roll each piece evenly, about 3 inches in diameter. This ensures that they will bake uniformly, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone. Poking a hole in the center is a critical step—make it about 1 to 1.5 inches wide to allow for proper expansion during baking.

A handy trick is to use a floured finger to create the hole, ensuring it’s not too big or small. If you're finding the dough a bit sticky, dust a light coating of flour on your hands to help with the rolling and shaping process without altering the dough’s moisture content too much.

Boiling for Perfect Texture

Boiling the bagels is a crucial step that sets them apart from regular bread. This process helps achieve that distinctive chewy texture. Make sure the water is at a vigorous boil before adding the bagels, and avoid crowding the pot. Boiling for 1-2 minutes on each side ensures the bagels have an outer layer that holds their shape and gives a nice crust. If you want a denser bagel, increase the boiling time to 3 minutes per side.

To enhance the flavor even further, consider adding a tablespoon of baking soda or malt syrup to the boiling water. This will give your bagels a more traditional flavor and a beautiful sheen. After boiling, remember to place the bagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking while baking.

Ingredients

For the Bagels

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cottage cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
Water for boiling
Sesame or poppy seeds for topping (optional)

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cottage cheese, egg, sugar, salt, baking powder, and any optional seasonings. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape. Stretch the hole slightly to ensure it doesn’t close during baking.

Boil the Bagels

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully drop the bagels in, boiling them for about 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If desired, brush the tops of the bagels with a little egg wash and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a chewier texture, allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack before cutting into them. They also freeze wonderfully, so feel free to make a double batch!

Storage and Freezing

Homemade cottage cheese bagels are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, consider freezing them. Allow the bagels to cool completely, then individually wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen bagel, simply thaw it at room temperature or toast it directly from frozen. If you’re looking for that freshly baked aroma, pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to revive its warmth and texture.

Toppings and Serving Ideas

These bagels are incredibly versatile! For a classic breakfast option, try spreading some cream cheese and adding smoked salmon, capers, and fresh dill on top. Alternatively, for a sweet treat, cream cheese with a drizzle of honey and slices of fresh fruit creates a delicious balance.

You can also get creative with savory toppings like sliced avocado, poached eggs, and red pepper flakes for a heartier meal. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices mixed into your toppings—cilantro, basil, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning can elevate the experience for your taste buds.

Potential Troubleshooting

If your bagels turn out too dense, consider whether you might have over-kneaded the dough or added too much flour. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and easy to manipulate without too much flour, so be mindful during mixing and shaping. Less is more when it comes to flour here.

Should the bagels not rise as expected while baking, ensure your baking powder is fresh—it’s key to helping the structure grow. Another tip is to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer since inaccurate readings can lead to uneven baking outcomes.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but it may change the texture slightly. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

→ How should I store the bagels?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

→ Can I add ingredients like herbs or cheese into the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to personalize your bagels by adding shredded cheese or chopped herbs to the dough for added flavor.

→ Do I really need to boil the bagels?

Yes, boiling helps develop that classic bagel texture. Skipping this step will result in a softer bread-like texture instead.