These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are super easy to make and so tasty! Just mix cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, then shape and bake them into golden bagels.
Nothing beats fresh bagels! I love slathering mine with cream cheese and adding some fresh veggies on top for a yummy breakfast. Give them a try—it’s hard to eat just one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for a creamy texture and rich flavor. If you want a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese works too. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid a runny dough.
Self-Rising Flour: This is a key ingredient for leavening, which makes the bagels rise. If you don’t have it on hand, you can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with baking powder (1 cup flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder).
Eggs: Large eggs help bind the ingredients and add moisture. If you’re looking for a vegan substitute, try using a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, mixed and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) for each egg.
Toppings: Feel free to get creative! I love using everything bagel seasoning for a savory twist, but you can stick to sesame or poppy seeds if that’s more your style. Customize them to suit your taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Dough Isn’t Too Sticky?
Getting the right consistency for your dough is crucial for shaping your bagels. If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! Here’s how to adjust it:
- Start by adding a little more self-rising flour, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing until it’s soft but not sticking to your hands.
- When kneading, make sure to flour your hands and surface well. This prevents sticking during shaping.
- If it’s too dry, simply add a splash of water or a bit more cottage cheese to bring it back to the right texture.
Remember, the perfect dough should feel smooth and pliable, making it easy to shape into bagels without too much fuss!
How to Make 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat, well-drained)
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 large eggs
Optional Toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Black sesame seeds
- Dried onion flakes
- Dried garlic flakes
- Poppy seeds
- Everything bagel seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and shaping the bagels. Then, they need to bake for 20-25 minutes. In total, you can enjoy your homemade bagels in about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step makes clean-up a breeze!
2. Mix Cottage Cheese and Eggs:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and eggs. You can use a fork or a hand mixer to blend them until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This will create a creamy base for your bagels.
3. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the self-rising flour into the cottage cheese mixture. Stir it in until a dough forms. It should feel soft but not too sticky. If you notice that it’s a bit sticky, just add a little more flour until it feels right!
4. Shape the Bagels:
Dust your hands and work surface with some flour to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section into a ball. Then, poke a hole in the center of each ball with your finger, gently stretching the dough to form a bagel shape about 1.5-2 inches in diameter.
5. Prepare for Baking:
Place your shaped bagels on the lined baking sheet. To give them a nice shine, brush the tops lightly with a beaten egg. Now’s the time to sprinkle your choice of toppings evenly over the bagels!
6. Bake and Serve:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels turn golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy your delightful, soft, and wholesome 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese! Just make sure it’s well-drained to help keep the dough from becoming too watery. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious bagels.
What If I Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour?
No problem! You can make your own by mixing 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will provide the same leavening effect for your bagels.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to a month. Just toast them when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some herbs, cheese, or spices to the dough for added flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too much could affect the texture, so do it gradually!