Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: With just three main ingredients and no yeast required, these protein bagels come together quickly.
- Protein-Packed: Each bagel contains 10 grams of protein, making it a great addition to a balanced breakfast or post-workout snack.
- Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything seasoning for extra flavor.
- No Baking Experience Needed: This is a beginner-friendly recipe that doesn’t require special skills—just mix, form, and cook.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat/gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, shredded cheese
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt (if using). Add the cottage cheese and stir until combined.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
- Form the Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball. Use your finger to create a hole in the center of each ball to form the bagel shape.
- Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the bagels to help toppings stick.
- Cook: Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or bake in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bagels cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite spread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 bagels
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (air fryer) or 15-20 minutes (oven)
- Total Time: 20-30 minutes
Variations
- Flavored Bagels: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to the dough for extra flavor.
- Sweet Bagels: Use cinnamon, raisins, or honey as toppings for a sweet twist.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze bagels individually wrapped for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F.
FAQs
1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used, though it may slightly alter the texture of the bagels.
2. Can I make these bagels without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
3. How do I get the bagels to brown?
Brushing the bagels with an egg wash before cooking helps them develop a golden brown color.
4. Can I use almond flour for a low-carb version?
Yes, almond flour can be substituted for a lower-carb version of these bagels.
5. Can I freeze the bagels?
Yes, these bagels freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
6. How many grams of protein are in one bagel?
Each bagel contains about 10 grams of protein, making them a great post-workout snack.
7. Can I add toppings before baking?
Yes, you can add toppings like sesame seeds or everything seasoning before baking to enhance the flavor.
8. What toppings do you recommend?
Cream cheese, avocado, or smoked salmon are all excellent toppings for these protein bagels.
9. Can I make these bagels vegan?
You can substitute the egg wash with a plant-based milk wash and use a flax egg instead of the egg in the dough.
10. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
These protein bagels are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, high-protein snack with minimal ingredients and effort. Whether made in the air fryer or oven, they’re quick to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings. Enjoy them fresh or store them for an easy breakfast or snack throughout the week!
Protein Bagels
These easy, 3-ingredient protein bagels are a healthy, quick, and customizable breakfast or snack option. Made with cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, these bagels are high in protein, offering 10 grams per serving. Perfect for air frying or baking, they can be topped with your favorite seasonings, making them ideal for a savory or sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat/gluten-free flour)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning, shredded cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt (if using). Add the cottage cheese and stir until well combined.
-
Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook.
-
Form the Bagels: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and use your finger to create a hole in the center of each to form the bagel shape.
-
Brush with Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over each bagel to help toppings stick.
-
Cook: Air fry at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or bake in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
-
Cool and Serve: Allow the bagels to cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite spread.
Notes
- Variations: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to the dough for extra flavor, or use cinnamon, raisins, or honey for a sweet twist.
- Storage: Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze individually wrapped bagels for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F.