Description
These Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are a quick, healthy twist on traditional bagels made with cottage cheese for added protein and moisture. Perfectly golden and fluffy, they’re air-fried for a crispy outside and tender inside, finished with flavorful toppings like everything seasoning, poppy, and sesame seeds.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
- 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)
Toppings
- Everything seasoning
- Poppy seeds
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt if using, ensuring they are evenly combined.
- Mix Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the cottage cheese. Stir with a fork or rubber spatula until a chunky dough forms. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead by hand for 1-2 minutes until a semi-smooth ball forms. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour or coat your hands lightly with flour while kneading. This step can also be done using a stand mixer with the dough hook.
- Shape Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a 6-7 inch long log about 3/4 inch thick, then join the ends to form a traditional bagel shape. Repeat with all four portions.
- Apply Egg Wash: Crack and whisk the egg with a splash of water or milk. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush this egg wash over each bagel to help toppings adhere and to create a golden, glossy crust.
- Preheat Air Fryer & Prepare Basket: Preheat your air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Air Fry Bagels: Place the shaped bagels in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches. Air fry for 15-17 minutes until the bagels are golden brown. Check around 10 minutes to monitor progress, as cooking times may vary by air fryer model.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the golden and fluffy bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure the texture sets properly.
Notes
- Use cottage cheese with 2% or 4% fat content for best texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, these bagels can be baked in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20 minutes.
- For a dairy-free option, swap cottage cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use a flax egg if avoiding eggs.
- Adding seasoning to the dough itself can add extra flavor before shaping.
- The dough may be slightly sticky; flour your hands well for shaping.
