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3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels with Toppings Recipe

3.9 from 21 reviews

These 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels are an easy-to-make, soft, and delicious homemade bagel recipe. Using simple pantry staples like self-rising flour, full-fat cottage cheese, and an egg wash, you can whip up fresh bagels topped with your favorite seasonings. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they bake to a golden brown with a tender crumb and provide a satisfying, chewy texture without the need for yeast or long rising times.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional Toppings

  • Sesame seeds
  • Everything bagel seasoning
  • Shredded asiago cheese
  • Poppy seeds

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Blend Cottage Cheese: Place the full-fat cottage cheese into a food processor or blender, and pulse or blend on high power until it reaches a smooth consistency, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides for even blending.
  3. Mix Dough: Transfer the blended cottage cheese into a medium mixing bowl. Add the self-rising flour and mix thoroughly until a dough forms that starts pulling away from the sides of the bowl, indicating proper consistency.
  4. Knead Dough: Turn the dough onto a generously floured surface. Knead it 8 to 10 times until smooth, adding more flour as necessary to prevent stickiness.
  5. Shape Bagels: Roll the dough into a ball and split into 4 equal portions (about 80g each for uniform sizing). Roll each portion into a 6-7 inch long rope, approximately 1 inch thick, then join the ends to form a circle. Pinch the seam tightly to seal.
  6. Apply Egg Wash and Toppings: Brush the tops of each bagel with the beaten egg to help them brown nicely. Sprinkle your choice of toppings such as sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds.
  7. Bake Bagels: Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until they are puffed up and golden brown on top.
  8. Cool and Serve: Let the bagels rest for about 15 minutes after baking to cool slightly before slicing and serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  9. Alternative Air Frying Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray. Place the bagels inside and air fry for 12 to 14 minutes until golden and cooked through without doughiness inside.

Notes

  • You can experiment with various toppings according to your preference to add extra flavor and texture.
  • To avoid sticking, ensure your hands and surface are well floured when kneading and shaping the dough.
  • For best results, use full-fat cottage cheese to ensure moistness and a tender crumb.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • If you prefer, the bagels can also be cooked in an air fryer using the provided alternative method.

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