3 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels

3 ingredient cottage cheese bagels – yeah, I’m officially hooked. They’ve become this crazy-easy staple in my kitchen, much like our 2-Ingredient Protein Bagels, and my mornings feel completely different now. That perfect pillowy bite and all that protein? Honestly, it’s become my go-to

Food has always been my way of showing love, and these simple bagels? They’ve become my newest love language. The first time I pulled a batch from the oven, that familiar, comforting aroma took me right back to weekend mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen. But these beauties come together in a fraction of the time!

It all started when I was looking for quick, protein-rich breakfast options that didn’t sacrifice that warm, homemade feeling. My grandmother always said good food doesn’t need to be complicated—just made with care. These bagels absolutely prove her right! With just self-rising flour, cottage cheese, and an egg wash, you can create something truly magical that brings people together around the table.

What makes these bagels extra special is how they combine simplicity with nutrition. Each chewy, golden round delivers an impressive protein boost while keeping things uncomplicated—just like our crowd-favorite High-Protein Bagel Bites for snacking on the go.

Ready to try these incredible 3 ingredient cottage cheese bagels for yourself? Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love These 3 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels

Food is my love language, and these bagels speak volumes about why simple ingredients treated with care create the most wonderful meals. I discovered this recipe during a busy holiday season when I needed something quick but still wholesome for my family’s breakfast.

• Incredibly Easy: Just 3 basic ingredients come together in minutes—perfect for those mornings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen!
• Protein Powerhouse: These aren’t your ordinary bagels! Each one packs an impressive 18g of protein to keep you satisfied and energized through your morning.
• No Yeast Needed: I’m always thrilled when I can skip the yeast and rising time but still get that perfect chewy bagel texture we all crave.
• Customizable Magic: From everything bagel seasoning to cinnamon sugar, these bagels become whatever your heart desires with just a sprinkle of creativity.
• Meal Prep Dream: I often make a double batch on Sundays, freeze them, and enjoy homemade bagels all week long—they reheat beautifully!

These bagels have become a cherished part of our family’s morning routine. There’s something so special about watching loved ones gather around fresh, warm bagels that came from your own oven instead of a plastic bag!

Ingredient Note List

Self-rising flour: This magical ingredient brings both lift and structure to our bagels, letting us skip multiple ingredients and steps while still achieving that perfect chewy texture.

Full-fat cottage cheese: I always reach for full-fat in my kitchen because it creates the most tender, moist bagels with an incredible protein boost—it’s the secret that makes these 3 ingredient cottage cheese bagels so special!

Egg (for wash): Brushing the tops with beaten egg gives these bagels their gorgeous golden color and slightly crisp exterior—my grandmother always said a good egg wash is the difference between homemade and bakery-quality!

Everything bagel seasoning: While technically optional, I can’t imagine these bagels without this delicious topping—the combination of seeds, salt, and garlic creates the perfect flavor complement to the mild, creamy bagels.

Poppy or sesame seeds: These tiny additions bring both visual appeal and a lovely subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior of your homemade bagels.

How to Cook 3 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels?

Step 1. I always start my bagel journey by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and positioning the rack at the top—this helps achieve that perfect golden top without overcooking the bottom.

Step 2. My grandmother taught me that smooth cottage cheese makes all the difference, so I blend it in a food processor until it’s completely creamy and lump-free.

Step 3. I’ve found that transferring the blended cottage cheese to a separate mixing bowl before adding flour gives me more control over the mixing process—preventing overworking the dough.

Step 4. When adding the self-rising flour, I stir just until a dough forms—overmixing is the enemy of tender bagels in my experience!

Step 5. My favorite trick is lightly flouring my hands before placing the dough on a floured surface to knead 8-10 times—just enough to bring it together into a smooth ball.

Step 6. I’ve learned that dividing the dough into 4 equal pieces and rolling each into a 6-7 inch rope creates the perfect-sized bagel—not too big, not too small.

Step 7. My husband always says the “bagel seal” is crucial, so I make sure to pinch the ends of each rope together firmly to form that classic circle shape.

Step 8. I love watching the transformation as I brush each bagel with beaten egg—it’s like giving them a little sunshine bath that will help them become beautifully golden.

Step 9. In my kitchen, a heavy sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning is non-negotiable, but I’ve found that any topping works beautifully—even a simple dash of sea salt!

Step 10. I’ve tested these countless times and discovered that 25-30 minutes of baking creates that perfect balance—a crisp exterior with a soft, chewy interior that makes these bagels absolutely irresistible.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store my leftover 3 ingredient cottage cheese bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay wonderfully fresh for up to 3 days. The protein from the cottage cheese actually helps them maintain moisture better than traditional bagels!

For longer storage, I’ve found that freezing works amazingly well! I slice each bagel before freezing, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This way, they’re ready for toasting and can be stored for up to 3 months without losing their wonderful texture.

What to Serve with 3 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels

Classic Cream Cheese with Fresh Herbs: My family loves when I mix softened cream cheese with freshly chopped chives, dill, and a hint of lemon zest—the creamy tang perfectly complements the subtle cheese flavor in these protein-packed bagels from our High-Protein Bagels collection..

Avocado and Egg Topping: For weekend brunches, I often serve these bagels topped with smashed avocado, a perfectly fried egg, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes—just like how we enjoy our quick protein bagels for a speedy brunch —an incredibly satisfying meal idea from our Protein Breakfast Bagels lineup.

Smoked Salmon Plate: When we have guests, I create a beautiful spread with thinly sliced smoked salmon, capers, red onion, and a lemon-dill cream cheese—this versatile approach fits right in with our Diet-Specific Protein Bagels for all kinds of preferences

Simple Berry Compote: For a sweeter option, especially for the kids, I warm frozen mixed berries with a touch of honey to create a fruity topping that adds a lovely contrast to the savory notes in the bagels.

Homemade Vegetable Soup: On cooler days, there’s nothing better than pairing a toasted cottage cheese bagel with a bowl of my grandmother’s vegetable soup—the bagel’s chewy texture is perfect for dipping!

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