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Discover the magic of making your own Cottage Cheese Bagels at home! These bagels are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With a soft, chewy texture and a golden crust, they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, they’re versatile enough to suit any taste with your favorite toppings.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a lazy Sunday morning when I was craving bagels but didn’t want to run to the store. I had some cottage cheese in the fridge and decided to experiment. The result was so good that it became a staple in my kitchen. Now, I’m excited to share this simple yet delightful recipe with you!
Get ready to cook up a batch of these amazing Cottage Cheese Bagels. They’re quick, easy, and sure to impress!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy

Before You Begin
Before you start, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F for 5 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Self-rising gluten-free flour | 1 cup |
| Full-fat cottage cheese | 1 cup |
| Large egg, beaten (for egg wash) | 1 |
| Toppings (sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds) | As desired |

Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend cottage cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender and pulse or blend on high until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add flour: Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a medium bowl and add the flour. Mix until completely combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a generously floured work surface and knead 8-10 times, until smooth. Add more flour as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
- Shape and season: Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into 4 equal balls (approximately 80g each). Roll each ball into a 6-7-inch rope, about 1-inch thick. Join the ends to make a circle and pinch the seam tightly to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg and add your choice of seasoning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until puffed and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Air Fry Option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F for 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray and air fry for 12-14 minutes, until golden brown and no longer doughy in the center.

Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the best results, use full-fat cottage cheese as it provides the right consistency for the dough. If your dough is too sticky, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it’s manageable. Store your Cottage Cheese Bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
For more delicious ideas, check out this Gluten Free Air Fryer Bagels Recipe.
Print
Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These viral Cottage Cheese Bagels are a high-protein, gluten-free game changer for breakfast. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they require no yeast, no boiling, and no rising time. The result is a soft, chewy bagel that is packed with protein and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 cup gluten-free self-rising flour (or 1 cup GF all-purpose flour mixed with 2 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt)
1 cup cottage cheese (small curd or blended for a smoother texture)
1 large egg (whisked, for egg wash)
2 tablespoons Everything Bagel Seasoning (or sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.)
Oil spray (for the baking sheet)
Instructions
1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the gluten-free flour and cottage cheese. Mix with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Use your clean hands to knead the dough in the bowl for about 1–2 minutes until it comes together into a smooth ball. (If the dough is too sticky, add a sprinkle more flour; if too dry, add a teaspoon of water).
3. Shape: Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thick rope about 6–7 inches long. Join the ends together to form a circle/bagel shape and pinch tightly to seal.
4. Top: Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with the whisked egg wash. Sprinkle the Everything Bagel seasoning over the top.
5. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the bagels are puffed up and golden brown on top.
6. Cool: Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the interior to set.
Notes
Texture Tip: For the smoothest dough similar to traditional bagels, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor before mixing it with the flour.
Air Fryer Instructions: You can air fry these at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toast before eating for the best texture.
Dairy Free: This recipe relies on cottage cheese, but you can try using a thick dairy-free Greek-style yogurt alternative, though results may vary.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 55
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use all-purpose flour. Just follow the same instructions as the gluten-free option but replace the gluten-free flour with all-purpose flour.
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
- Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe.
How do I ensure my bagels are not sticky?
The consistency of the dough can vary based on the brand of cottage cheese and how you measure your flour. Use the spoon and level method or weigh your flour for accuracy. Add flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough is no longer sticky.
Dig In & Enjoy!
There you have it—delicious, homemade Cottage Cheese Bagels that are sure to become a favorite. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day, these bagels are a treat. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.