Cottage Cheese Greek Yogurt Bagels
Highlighted under: Easy Quick Meals Favorites
I love baking these Cottage Cheese Greek Yogurt Bagels because they are surprisingly easy to make and incredibly delicious. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and tangy Greek yogurt creates a dough that’s both tender and slightly chewy, just how I like my bagels. Plus, they are packed with protein, making them a perfect breakfast option. Whether topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite spreads, these bagels have quickly become a favorite in our household, and I can't wait for you to try them too!
Baking these bagels has been a delightful adventure in my kitchen. I experimented with using cottage cheese and Greek yogurt for the dough, which not only adds a wonderful flavor but also gives the bagels a delightful moisture and richness that I just adore. I found that using a mix of flours helps create that perfect bagel texture!
I often play around with toppings and find that everything from everything seasoning to sesame seeds enhances the flavor even further. Also, I always make a few extra to freeze for busy mornings. You simply pop them in the toaster, and they taste freshly baked!
Why You'll Love These Bagels
- Extra protein-packed goodness from cottage cheese and Greek yogurt
- Chewy yet tender texture that’s hard to resist
- Versatile base for both sweet and savory toppings
Understanding the Ingredients
The star ingredients in these Cottage Cheese Greek Yogurt Bagels are, of course, the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. These components not only boost the protein content significantly but also contribute to the bagels' moist texture. The cottage cheese adds a slight creaminess, while the Greek yogurt imparts that characteristic tang. Together, they ensure that the bagels are soft yet have a chewy bite, which is essential for a true bagel experience.
Using both all-purpose and whole wheat flour strikes a balance between texture and flavor. All-purpose flour provides the necessary gluten structure, making it easy to achieve that desirable chew, while whole wheat flour adds depth and nutrition. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free blend can be used, but be prepared for a different texture and density.
Perfecting Your Technique
When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, it's crucial to add the dry ingredients gradually to avoid lumps in the dough. Stir until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough bagels due to the development of gluten. I find that a wooden spoon or even a spatula works best for this task. If the mixture seems too sticky, don't hesitate to sprinkle in a little more all-purpose flour, but add it sparingly to keep the dough from becoming too dry.
Shaping the bagels is a fun part of the process! After rolling the dough into balls, make sure to create a hole in the center that is relatively large—about 2 inches in diameter. This prevents the hole from closing up during baking. If needed, you can use your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon to help get that classic bagel shape.
Ingredients
For the Bagels
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Toppings of choice (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and honey until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
Create the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Shape the Bagels
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then form a hole in the center to shape into bagels.
Prepare for Baking
Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each bagel with beaten egg and sprinkle your chosen toppings.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool and Serve
Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying with your favorite spreads.
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs or spices to the dough
- this can elevate the taste even more! Additionally, if you don’t want to bake all the bagels at once, you can freeze the shaped, unbaked bagels for later use.
Baking Tips
Baking the bagels at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes will yield a golden-brown exterior, but it’s important to keep an eye on them in the last few minutes. If you notice they’re browning too quickly, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil. The goal is a delightful crust while ensuring the insides remain tender.
If you want your bagels to have a shiny finish, consider boiling them briefly in water with a bit of honey or baking soda before baking. This step replicates the traditional bagel-making method, giving them the lovely crust and chew that we all love.
Storing and Serving
Once your bagels have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, I recommend freezing them. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They will last in the freezer for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or toast them from frozen for a quick breakfast.
These bagels are incredibly versatile! Try pairing them with different toppings. For a sweet option, consider spreading some almond butter and banana slices. If you prefer savory flavors, you can't go wrong with cream cheese topped with smoked salmon and capers. The base of these bagels lends itself beautifully to whatever flavor profile you desire.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works fine, but keep in mind that it may alter the final texture slightly.
→ How do I store leftover bagels?
Store leftover bagels in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
→ Can I substitute different flours?
Absolutely! You can experiment with almond flour, oat flour, or a gluten-free blend.
→ How do I know when the bagels are done baking?
The bagels should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cottage Cheese Greek Yogurt Bagels
I love baking these Cottage Cheese Greek Yogurt Bagels because they are surprisingly easy to make and incredibly delicious. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and tangy Greek yogurt creates a dough that’s both tender and slightly chewy, just how I like my bagels. Plus, they are packed with protein, making them a perfect breakfast option. Whether topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite spreads, these bagels have quickly become a favorite in our household, and I can't wait for you to try them too!
Created by: Lucy Thompson
Recipe Type: Easy Quick Meals Favorites
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 8 bagels
What You'll Need
For the Bagels
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Toppings of choice (e.g., sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything seasoning)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and honey until smooth.
In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide it into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then form a hole in the center to shape into bagels.
Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each bagel with beaten egg and sprinkle your chosen toppings.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the bagels cool on a wire rack before slicing and enjoying with your favorite spreads.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs or spices to the dough
- this can elevate the taste even more! Additionally, if you don’t want to bake all the bagels at once, you can freeze the shaped, unbaked bagels for later use.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 12g