There’s something incredibly satisfying about homemade bagels, especially when they come together with such simplicity and softness that you can’t help but smile. The Fluffy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who’s been intimidated by traditional bagel-making. These bagels are wonderfully light and tender thanks to the cottage cheese, which adds moisture and richness without any fuss. If you’re craving a delicious breakfast treat or a snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome, this recipe is a total winner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Fluffy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe relies on just a handful of staples, each playing a key role in building the perfect texture and flavor. From the creamy cottage cheese that keeps the inside moist to the self-rising flour giving the dough its gentle lift, these ingredients come together to make magic happen.
- Cottage cheese (1 1/4 cups, full-fat): Full-fat cottage cheese ensures your bagels turn out tender and moist with staying power.
- Self-rising flour (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons): This brings natural leavening, so you don’t need extra yeast, making preparation faster and easier.
- Baking powder (2 1/2 teaspoons): Adds a delicate rise and fluffiness that sets these bagels apart from the dense kind.
- Large egg (1): The egg binds everything together and adds richness for a golden crust.
- Everything bagel seasoning (to taste): A zesty blend of sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion that adds an irresistible savory boost.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint to balance flavors and enhance browning.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Lifts the overall flavor with a little savory depth.
How to Make Fluffy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by combining the full-fat cottage cheese and the large egg in a mixing bowl. Blend them together until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This step is essential because it ensures the cheese is evenly incorporated, which directly impacts the moistness and softness of your bagels.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt. This dry mixture is crucial to give the dough structure and a subtle lift, helping you skip the long yeast rising time.
Step 3: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable. Don’t overmix here—gentle handling keeps the bagels light and airy instead of tough.
Step 4: Shape Your Bagels
Lightly flour your surface and hand-shape the dough into a log, then cut it into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and create a hole in the center with your finger, gently widening it to form the classic bagel shape. This hands-on step is fun and lets you see just how soft and pliable this unique dough really is.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning for that signature crunch and flavor. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 to 25 minutes, until the bagels are golden and lightly puffed. The smell alone will make you want to dig right in.
How to Serve Fluffy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
These bagels are a blank canvas waiting for your favorite toppings. While the everything bagel seasoning adds a punch, fresh cream cheese spread, slices of smoked salmon, or even avocado smash with a pinch of chili flakes turn them into an irresistible meal any time of day.
Side Dishes
Pair your fluffy bagels with a bright fruit salad or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. A cup of hot coffee or fresh-squeezed orange juice elevates the entire breakfast game.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing these bagels horizontally and layering with your favorite deli meats, tomatoes, and fresh greens for a handheld lunch treat. Or cut into smaller rounds and toast them as savory bases for mini pizzas or open-faced sandwiches at brunch parties—versatility at its finest!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your bagels in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft. Avoid refrigeration if possible, since it can dry out the texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep your bagels longer, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to one month without losing their signature fluffiness.
Reheating
When ready to eat, thaw frozen bagels at room temperature and warm them in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This will bring back their delightful softness and give you that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese instead of full-fat?
While you can substitute low-fat cottage cheese, the bagels will be less moist and tender. Full-fat cottage cheese delivers the fluffiest texture and best flavor.
Is self-rising flour the same as all-purpose flour with baking powder?
Self-rising flour already has baking powder and salt mixed in, simplifying the recipe. If you don’t have it, you can substitute all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt added separately, but be sure to measure precisely.
Why is there no yeast in this bagel recipe?
This recipe uses baking powder for leavening instead of yeast, making it quicker and easier. While it won’t have the chewy density of traditional yeast bagels, it’s delightfully soft and fluffy.
Can I add other seasonings on top besides everything bagel seasoning?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, or even a sprinkle of cheese for a different twist. The seasoning is your playground.
How can I make these bagels crispier if I prefer?
Try brushing the bagels lightly with olive oil before baking and increase the baking time by a few minutes. This extra step encourages a crispier crust while keeping the inside fluffy.
Final Thoughts
This Fluffy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe is truly one of those joyful kitchen discoveries you’ll want to share with everyone. It’s simple, wholesome, and yields bagels that feel indulgent without any stress or complicated steps. Next time you’re craving a fresh-baked treat, give this recipe a go—you might just find your new favorite bagel hack!
Print
Fluffy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Fluffy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels are a delicious and simple homemade alternative to traditional bagels. Made with just cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and baking powder, these bagels are soft, light, and packed with protein. They’re easy to prepare in under an hour and perfect for a nutritious breakfast or snack topped with your favorite spreads or seasoning blends.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons self-rising flour (preferably King Arthur self-rising flour)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups full-fat cottage cheese (for best texture)
- 1 large egg
Toppings
- Seasoning blend (such as everything bagel seasoning), to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg and then mix in the cottage cheese until the mixture is fairly smooth with some curds remaining for texture.
- Form the dough: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a soft, sticky dough forms. Use your hands to knead gently within the bowl until all the ingredients are incorporated and the dough becomes pliable.
- Shape the bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger and gently stretch to form a bagel shape.
- Apply seasoning: If using seasoning blends like everything bagel seasoning, sprinkle or press the seasoning onto the top surface of each bagel for extra flavor.
- Bake the bagels: Place the formed bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bagels from the oven and allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy them warm with your favorite spreads or toppings.
Notes
- Full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for the best texture; low-fat versions may result in drier bagels.
- Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, so don’t add extra leavening agents if substituting with all-purpose flour.
- The bagels are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Customize toppings with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or coarse salt if you prefer over store-bought seasoning blends.
- For a dairy-free version, consider substituting cottage cheese with a vegan cream cheese, but texture may vary.
