Easy Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe (Air Fryer or Oven)
You simply must try this easy cottage cheese bagel recipe! These high protein bagels are soft, chewy and quick to make with simple ingredients.
If you’ve been anywhere near TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the viral cottage cheese bagel recipe taking over! As someone who loves experimenting with high-protein recipes, I had to try it out.
Let me tell you, these bagels are chef’s kiss delicious—soft, chewy, and packed with protein. Plus, they’re made in the air fryer, which means minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or just looking for a quick and easy homemade bagel option, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat. Be sure to check out these jalapeno cheddar bagels or high protein bagels too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cottage cheese bagels are the perfect mix of chewy and fluffy, just like traditional bagels, but without the extra work! You’ll love how easy they are to make with just a few simple ingredients.
And they’re high in protein, making them a great way to fuel your morning without the crash of regular bagels. Whether you enjoy them with cream cheese, peanut butter, or as a sandwich base, they’re a great beginner recipe that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese, blended – I like to use Dairyland 4% for a creamy texture.
- Gluten-free flour blend – keeps these bagels light and airy.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded – adds a cheesy and melty goodness.
- Baking powder – helps the bagels rise and stay fluffy.
- Italian seasoning – gives a savory kick to these homemade bagels.
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, Italian seasoning, and baking powder.
2. Blend the cup of cottage cheese until smooth using a hand blender or food processor.
3. Stir in the blended cheese and half of the cheddar until a ball of dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, dust your hands with a little extra flour before shaping.
4. Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then press a hole into the center to create that classic bagel shape.
5. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the bagels inside (I cook them one at a time).
6. Press remaining cheddar cheese onto the top of each bagel.
7. Air fry at 300 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until the bagels are golden brown.
If you’re making multiple batches for meal prep, bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
- If the dough sticks to your hands, wet them slightly or dust them with flour for easy shaping.
- After shaping, pat the tops and sides of the bagels to smooth them out.
- To keep your bagels light and airy, use gluten-free flour instead of almond flour. Almond flour does not rise.
- Use plain Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for an extra protein boost.
- Get creative with your toppings. For sweet bagels, try cinnamon sugar. Or use a dash of melted butter and kosher salt or more shredded cheese for a savory option. You can even cover them with an egg wash and a sprinkle of poppy seeds or a pinch of salt.
- These are best served fresh and warm as they harden over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these dairy-free?
Sure thing! Swap the cottage cheese for a thick dairy-free substitute like coconut or almond-based options.
Can I make these with regular flour?
Absolutely! Swap the gluten-free flour for self-rising flour, all purpose flour or use bread flour if gluten isn’t a concern.
How do I store leftovers?
Store these bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to freshen them up.
Can I freeze the bagels?
Yes! Once cooled, freeze the bagels in a single layer on a baking sheet. Transfer to a freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
Give these high-protein cottage cheese bagels a try and let me know how they turn out! Whether you top them with sesame seeds, cream cheese, or your favorite bagel seasoning, they’re sure to become your new go-to breakfast. A must-try TikTok trend!
Looking for more cottage cheese recipes?
Check out these…
- Cottage Cheese Pancakes
- Fried Dill Pickle Dip
- Cottage Cheese Chips
- Protein Bites
- Cottage Cheese Flatbread
Check out all of the details in the recipe card below! If you love these cottage cheese protein bagels please click the stars below to give them a five star rating.
Happy baking!
Easy Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe (Air Fryer or Oven)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese blended
- 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, Italian seasoning, and baking powder.
- Blend the cup of cottage cheese until smooth using a hand blender or food processor.
- Stir in the blended cheese and half of the cheddar until a ball of dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, dust your hands with a little extra flour before shaping.
- Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Roll each into a ball, then press a hole into the center to create that classic bagel shape.
- Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and place the bagels inside (I cook them one at a time).
- Press remaining cheddar cheese onto the top of each bagel.
- Air fry at 300 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until the bagels are golden brown.
- If you’re making multiple batches for meal prep, bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
Notes
- If the dough sticks to your hands, wet them slightly or dust them with flour for easy shaping.
- After shaping, pat the tops and sides of the bagels to smooth them out.
- To keep your bagels light and airy, use gluten-free flour instead of almond flour. Almond flour does not rise.
- Use plain Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for an extra protein boost.
- Get creative with your toppings. For sweet bagels, try cinnamon sugar. Or use a dash of melted butter and kosher salt or more shredded cheese for a savory option. You can even cover them with an egg wash and a sprinkle of poppy seeds or a pinch of salt.
- These are best served fresh and warm as they harden over time.
Nutrition
