These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are super easy and fun to make! With just cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder, you’ll have delicious bagels in no time.
The best part? You can top them with anything you love—cream cheese, jam, or just plain butter! I enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, but they’re great toasted too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the bagels richness and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese works too. You can even substitute Greek yogurt for a creamier texture!
Self-Rising Flour: This flour already has baking powder and salt mixed in, which helps the bagels rise. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt per cup.
Egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture. If you’re vegan or egg-free, you could use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute. This keeps the dough together nicely!
Optional Toppings: Everything bagel seasoning adds delicious flavor! If you want a twist, try using poppy seeds or garlic powder. Mix and match according to your taste!
How Do I Get the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping the dough into bagels is crucial for their look and texture. Follow these steps for a great shape:
- Lightly flour your hands and work surface to prevent sticking.
- Divide the dough into four equal pieces. You can also make smaller bagels if you prefer.
- Roll each piece into a ball. To form the bagel, poke your finger through the center of the ball.
- Gently stretch the hole to ensure it’s big enough, as it will shrink while baking.
Remember, the more even your dough portions, the nicer your bagels will look. So, take a moment to shape them well!
How to Make 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat recommended)
- 1 cup self-rising flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 large egg
Optional Toppings:
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious bagels in about 35-40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking—this makes clean-up a breeze!
2. Make the Dough:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and the egg. Mix everything together until a dough forms. If you’d like a smoother dough, feel free to use a food processor. If you prefer a chunkier texture, mixing by hand works great too!
3. Shape Your Bagels:
Lightly flour your hands and your work surface to make handling the dough easier. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, and then use your fingers to poke a hole through the center to create a bagel shape. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; rustic is part of the charm!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Place your shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. If you want to add some extra flavor, brush the tops with a little water or an egg wash before sprinkling them with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds.
5. Bake the Bagels:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the bagels to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Then, slice them open and enjoy them plain, toasted, or with your favorite spread. Yum!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer, but be aware that full-fat cottage cheese will give your bagels a richer flavor and texture.
What If I Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour?
No problem! You can easily make your own self-rising flour by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chopped herbs, shredded cheese, or spices to customize your bagels. Just keep an eye on the moisture level if adding wet ingredients!
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast them until warm!
