High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels (Oven or Air Fryer, Easy for Beginners)

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Homemade cottage cheese bagels with sesame seeds, sliced open to show fluffy inside

A stack of golden cottage cheese bagels with sesame topping, sliced open to show fluffy inside, with cream cheese on the side.

High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels are the easiest way to get that chewy bagel vibe with simple ingredients. No yeast, no long rise—just mix, shape, and bake (or air fry). They’re fluffy, satisfying, and perfect for meal prep.

The secret is using thick cottage cheese and not overworking the dough. A quick rest also helps the dough feel less sticky and easier to shape.

Why You’ll Love These High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

  • High-protein breakfast. Cottage cheese boosts protein.
  • No yeast needed. Beginner-friendly and fast.
  • Oven or air fryer. Use what you have.
  • Meal prep-friendly. Reheat beautifully.

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Bagels

  • All-purpose flour (2 cups). Structure (bread flour adds extra chew).
  • Baking powder (1 tablespoon). Lift.
  • Salt (1 teaspoon). Flavor.
  • Cottage cheese (1 cup). Thick is best.
  • Eggs (2). One for dough, one for egg wash.

Toppings (optional): sesame seeds, everything seasoning, poppy seeds.

Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe Step-by-Step

  • 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (or air fryer to 350°F). Line a sheet pan with parchment.
  • 2. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • 3. Stir in 1 egg and cottage cheese until a shaggy dough forms.
  • 4. Knead lightly on a floured surface for 30–45 seconds (don’t overwork).
  • 5. Divide into 6 pieces. Roll into ropes and form rings.
  • 6. Brush with beaten egg and add toppings.
  • 7. Bake 22–26 minutes until golden.

Air fryer: air fry 10–12 minutes, checking at 10 minutes.

Storing & Reheating

  • Fridge: 4–5 days.
  • Freeze: 2 months.
  • Reheat: toast, or warm at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.

Reader Review: “So easy and surprisingly bagel-like! Perfect for my high-protein breakfast.”

Recipe Card: High Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 bagels
Category: Breakfast & Brunch, Snacks
Method: Baking or Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

What topping are you using—sesame, everything seasoning, or plain?

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