Name: Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 egg; 1 cup flour (can use gluten-free or all-purpose); 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 egg (for egg wash); Additional parmesan and garlic powder for topping (optional)

Why You’ll Love Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

These bagels offer a perfect balance of savory flavor and nutrition. They’re quick to make — no yeast, kneading, or long rises — yet give you a chewy, satisfying texture. Packed with protein from cottage cheese and topped with Parmesan and garlic, they feel indulgent without being heavy. Whether you’re meal prepping or just craving a warm bagel, this recipe delivers flavor, texture, and ease.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cup cottage cheese
cup self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour + baking powder + salt)
egg (for the dough)
tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
beaten egg (for egg wash)
extra Parmesan or garlic seasoning (optional)

Directions

Prep the dough — Blend the cottage cheese until smooth. In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, egg, flour, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt until a sticky dough forms.
Shape bagels — Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log and connect the ends to form a ring. Smooth any cracks with damp fingers.
Add toppings — Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with extra Parmesan or garlic seasoning if you like.
Bake — Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and firm. For an extra crisp crust, broil 1–2 minutes at the end.
Serve — Cool slightly before slicing and enjoy warm with butter, cream cheese, or as the base for a breakfast sandwich.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 4 bagels
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~25 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

• Herb lovers: Add fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or chives to the dough for extra flavor.
• Cheese switch: Try mozzarella or sharp cheddar in place of Parmesan.
• Everything bagels: Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking for a bold twist.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne to the dough.
• Sweet version: Omit garlic and Parmesan, and stir in cinnamon and raisins or blueberries for a sweeter bagel.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store cooled bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 4 days; reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 325°F (165°C) about 5 minutes.
• Freezer: Slice bagels, wrap in parchment, and freeze up to 2 months; reheat from frozen in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
• Refresh day-old bagels: Lightly sprinkle with water and bake 3–4 minutes to revive crispness.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes — mix all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt to mimic self-rising flour’s rising power.

What kind of cottage cheese works best?

Small-curd cottage cheese blended until smooth works well for texture; full-fat gives a richer taste.

Can I make these bagels gluten-free?

Yes — substitute a gluten-free baking flour blend for the flour.

How do I keep the dough from being too sticky?

Dampen hands slightly when shaping or add just a bit more flour if needed — avoid too much flour to keep them chewy.

Can I freeze these bagels?

Yes — they freeze well when sliced before freezing; reheat in the oven or toaster.

How much protein is in each bagel?

Each bagel has around 10–12 grams of protein, depending on your cottage cheese brand.

Can I make them dairy-free?

You can use lactose-free cottage cheese and vegan Parmesan, and brush with olive oil instead of egg wash.

Why did my bagels come out dense?

Overmixing or old baking powder can cause density; mix until just combined and use fresh leavening.

What should I serve with these bagels?

They pair well with cream cheese, scrambled eggs, salads, soups, or protein shakes.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes — herbs, sesame seeds, or chili flakes can add extra flavor before baking.

Conclusion

These Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels are an easy, protein-packed twist on classic bagels. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll enjoy soft, savory bagels that work for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beyond. They’re versatile, freezer-friendly, and delicious warm from the oven or reheated.