Cottage Cheese Bagels (Gluten-Free!)

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Ever wondered if gluten-free bagels could actually be easy to make—and delicious? These cottage cheese bagels gluten-free wonders, have become my absolute favorite breakfast discovery this year!

emily rose carter for recipes by clare
By Emily Rose Carter
Updated on Sat, 14 Jun 2025 13:13:19 GMT

Ever wondered if gluten-free bagels could actually be easy to make—and delicious? These cottage cheese bagels gluten-free wonders, have become my absolute favorite breakfast discovery this year!

When my niece was diagnosed with celiac disease last summer, I found myself on a mission to recreate her favorite breakfast foods without gluten. Bagels were at the top of her “miss the most” list, and let me tell you—finding good gluten-free bagels that don’t taste like cardboard or cost a fortune? Nearly impossible! That’s when I started experimenting in my kitchen, determined to create something special for our Sunday brunches.

After several flour-dusted weekends (and a few memorable kitchen fails!), these gluten-free cottage cheese bagels were born. The first time my niece bit into one, her eyes lit up with that “is this really gluten-free?” look of disbelief. That moment right there? Worth every failed attempt! These bagels have the chew, the satisfaction, and none of the complicated ingredients or techniques. Let’s make some!

What Makes These Bagels a Keeper

This cottage cheese bagels gluten-free recipe came from necessity, but quickly became a staple in my kitchen rotation. There’s something magical about transforming just two simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a bakery!

  • Just 2 core ingredients! No long shopping lists or specialty items
  • Ready in under an hour from start to warm, fresh-from-the-oven finish
  • Packed with protein (11g per bagel!) to keep you satisfied longer
  • No yeast or rising time needed—perfect for impatient bakers like me!
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings for endless variety
  • Freezer-friendly for busy mornings when you need breakfast in minutes

As my Grandma would say, “The best recipes are the ones that seem like they should be complicated, but aren’t.” These bagels are exactly that kind of wonderful kitchen magic!

cottage cheese bagels gluten free – Behind the Ingredients

Cottage Cheese: I use full-fat cottage cheese for these bagels because it creates the perfect texture and adds that wonderful protein boost that keeps you feeling full.

Gluten-Free Self-Raising Flour: This miracle worker gives our bagels lift without needing yeast—I love how it simplifies the whole process!

Egg Wash: Brushing the tops with beaten egg gives these bagels that gorgeous golden shine that makes them look professionally baked.

Sesame Seeds: These tiny flavor bombs add the perfect nutty crunch that reminds me of traditional bagel shop offerings.

Poppy Seeds: I sprinkle these for both the tiny flavor pop and because they make the bagels look absolutely beautiful on your breakfast plate!

Let’s Make It!

Step 1. I always start by preheating my oven to 200°C (fan 180°C / Gas Mark 6). This step is non-negotiable for me—a hot oven means those cottage cheese bagels gluten free beauties will rise properly!

Step 2. Line your baking tray with parchment paper. My grandma always said parchment paper is a baker’s best friend, and she was so right—no sticking, easy cleanup!

Step 3. The cottage cheese needs to be completely smooth for the best texture. I blend mine in my food processor until it looks like thick cream.

Step 4. When I add the flour to the cottage cheese, I start with a spatula but quickly switch to my hands. The dough feels slightly sticky but should come together into a soft ball that holds its shape.

Step 5. I gently divide the dough into 4 equal portions. The way I see it, four perfect bagels are better than five uneven ones!

Step 6. Working with floured hands makes shaping so much easier! I roll each portion into a rope about 2.5 cm thick and 15-18 cm long, then join the ends to form that classic bagel shape.

Step 7. For that bakery-perfect finish, I brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with seeds. This step is technically optional, but those golden tops make me so happy!

Step 8. Into the oven they go for 35-40 minutes! My kitchen starts smelling incredible around the 20-minute mark—it’s torture waiting for them to finish baking!

Step 9. I’ve learned the hard way to let these cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. The texture continues to develop as they cool, and your patience will be rewarded!

Save Some cottage cheese bagels gluten free for Later

Smashed Avocado: The creamy richness of avocado with a squeeze of lemon creates the most wonderful contrast with the slightly tangy bagel—my weekend favorite from our Protein Breakfast Bagels collection!

Cream Cheese & Berries: When I’m feeling nostalgic for classic bagel flavors, a spread of cream cheese topped with fresh berries brings the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and fruity—especially paired with our Greek Yogurt Bagels.

Egg & Spinach: For a protein-packed breakfast that keeps me full until lunch, I love topping these with a fried egg and wilted spinach—the runny yolk creates the most amazing sauce on our High-Protein Bagels.

Hummus & Cucumber: On warmer days, this refreshing combo brings a Mediterranean vibe to breakfast or lunch that my family absolutely loves—perfect on our Diet-Specific Protein Bagels.

Butter & Honey: Sometimes the simplest toppings are the most satisfying—just a spread of good butter and a drizzle of honey lets the bagel’s flavor truly shine, especially when using our Protein Snacks & Bites as a base.

olden baked gluten-free cottage cheese bagels

Perfect Pairings

Smashed Avocado: The creamy richness of avocado with a squeeze of lemon creates the most wonderful contrast with the slightly tangy bagel—my weekend favorite!

Cream Cheese & Berries: When I’m feeling nostalgic for classic bagel flavors, a spread of cream cheese topped with fresh berries brings the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and fruity.

Egg & Spinach: For a protein-packed breakfast that keeps me full until lunch, I love topping these with a fried egg and wilted spinach—the runny yolk creates the most amazing sauce!

Hummus & Cucumber: On warmer days, this refreshing combo brings a Mediterranean vibe to breakfast or lunch that my family absolutely loves.

Butter & Honey: Sometimes the simplest toppings are the most satisfying—just a spread of good butter and a drizzle of honey lets the bagel’s flavor truly shine!

FAQs

Can you eat cottage cheese on a gluten-free diet?

Absolutely! Pure cottage cheese is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect protein source for those avoiding gluten. I always recommend checking labels to ensure no additives or stabilizers contain gluten, but most major brands are safe!

What kind of bagels are gluten-free?

Commercial gluten-free bagels are typically made with rice flour, tapioca starch, or potato starch. But in my experience, these homemade cottage cheese bagels have a much better texture than store-bought options—and they’re so much more affordable!

Can you use almond flour in cottage cheese bagels?

I’ve tried almond flour and while it works, the bagels turn out denser and don’t rise as well. If you want to experiment, I recommend replacing just 1/4 of the gluten-free flour with almond flour for flavor while maintaining some lift.

Is Prairie Farm cottage cheese gluten-free?

Yes! Prairie Farm cottage cheese is considered gluten-free according to their product information. However, I always recommend checking current packaging or their website for the most up-to-date allergen information, as manufacturers occasionally change formulations.

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Cottage Cheese Bagels Gluten-Free

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These high-protein, gluten-free bagels are soft, chewy, and made with just cottage cheese and self-raising flour. No yeast needed and ready in under an hour.

  • Author: Emily Carter
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 bagels 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (fan 180°C / Gas Mark 6). Line a baking tray with parchment.
  2. Blend cottage cheese until smooth. Transfer to mixing bowl.
  3. Add flour and mix. Knead into a smooth, slightly sticky ball.
  4. Divide into 4 parts. Roll each into a 2.5 cm thick sausage, 15–18 cm long.
  5. Form into rings, pressing ends together. Place on tray.
  6. Brush tops with egg, sprinkle seeds.
  7. Bake 35–40 mins until golden. Cool at least 15 mins before slicing.

Notes

  • Mix 1 tsp baking powder per 100 g plain GF flour. Add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum if needed.
  • Store in airtight container 2–3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in oven or toaster before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bagel
  • Calories: 211 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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