Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese (Printable Version)
Soft, chewy bagels packed with protein and topped with creamy cottage cheese for a nutritious breakfast.
# What You'll Need:
→ Bagel Dough
01 - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
02 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 - 2 cups whole wheat flour
04 - 2 tbsp unflavored whey protein powder
05 - 2 tsp baking powder
06 - ½ tsp fine sea salt
07 - 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
→ Topping
08 - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and fully incorporated.
03 - Add flour, whey protein powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
04 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for 2-3 minutes until just combined. Avoid overworking the dough.
05 - Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a smooth ball, poke a hole through the center, and gently stretch into a classic bagel shape.
06 - Arrange bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops generously with beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
07 - Bake for 23-25 minutes until bagels are deeply golden brown and firm to the touch.
08 - Let bagels cool for 5 minutes. Top each with a generous spoonful of cottage cheese, fresh chives, and black pepper.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get that satisfying bagel chew without the usual carb coma afterward
- The cottage cheese topping makes everything feel like brunch even on a Tuesday
02 -
- Overworking the dough makes these dense and rubbery, so stop kneading as soon as it comes together
- Let them cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing or the texture will be gummy inside
03 -
- Weigh your protein powder instead of using the scoop, measuring errors throw off the whole dough
- Room temperature yogurt mixes much more smoothly than cold from the fridge