These Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels are a tasty twist on your morning bagel. Packed with creamy cottage cheese and topped with yummy garlic and parmesan, they’re hard to resist!
Perfect for any time of day! I love having them toasted with a little butter for breakfast. Trust me, they’ll make your kitchen smell amazing! 🥯✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives a creamier texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese, but the bagels might be less rich and moist.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best, but you could substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that it may change the texture a bit, so add a little more liquid if needed.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano or even a good-quality vegan cheese can work in a pinch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives maximum flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, garlic powder can be used alone. If you don’t like garlic, you can skip it or use onion powder instead for a different taste.
Herbs: Dried oregano and basil are optional, but they really enhance flavor. If you don’t have these herbs, Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like chives can be a nice alternative.
How Do I Shape Bagels Perfectly?
Shaping bagels may seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! The key is to lightly flour your hands and work surface to prevent sticking. Here’s how:
- Divide your dough into equal portions. I usually aim for about 6 bagels.
- Shape each piece into a smooth ball. Once you have your ball, press your finger through the center to create a hole.
- Gently stretch the hole to make it larger, as it will shrink during baking.
Just remember, it’s okay if they’re not perfectly round; they’ll still taste great!
Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for shaping)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Coarse sea salt or everything bagel seasoning for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40-50 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious bagels warm out of the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup so much easier!
2. Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, minced garlic, and garlic powder. Use a fork or a whisk to mix everything together until it’s well blended. This creamy mixture will be the base of your dough!
3. Combining Dry Ingredients:
Add the baking powder, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese into the wet mixture. Stir everything together until it’s nicely combined and smooth. You want the cheese to be evenly distributed throughout.
4. Forming the Dough:
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring continuously. You’ll notice the dough starting to come together—it will be slightly sticky, but that’s okay! Keep mixing until it forms a cohesive ball of dough.
5. Shaping Bagels:
Lightly flour your hands and the work surface to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball, and then use your finger to poke a hole through the center, gently stretching it to create a bagel form.
6. Arranging the Bagels:
Place your shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space between each one, as they might expand while baking!
7. Adding Toppings:
Brush the tops of the bagels with olive oil or melted butter. Then sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan on top along with dried oregano, basil (if you’re using it), coarse sea salt, and a pinch of garlic powder or everything bagel seasoning for that extra flavor!
8. Baking Time:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown and feel cooked through. The smell will be heavenly!
9. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let the bagels cool slightly on a wire rack. They’re best served warm, so enjoy them with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite spread!
Enjoy these savory, cheesy, garlic-infused cottage cheese bagels that are soft inside with a flavorful crust!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but keep in mind that the bagels may be less rich and moist compared to using full-fat cottage cheese. They will still turn out delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Garlic?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead. Use about 1-2 teaspoons in place of the fresh cloves, adjusting to your taste preference.
How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
To store leftovers, let the bagels cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week in the fridge. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to a month!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bagels with different toppings, such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even chopped fresh herbs. Just be sure to sprinkle them on right before baking for the best results!