These 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagels are super easy and fun to make! Just mix cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder for a quick dough that bakes into soft, chewy bagels.
I love how simple these bagels are—no yeast involved! You can enjoy them plain or with your favorite toppings. Perfect for breakfast or a snack! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I recommend using full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, low-fat or non-fat versions will work, though they may yield slightly denser bagels.
Self-Rising Flour: If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can easily make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. For every cup of flour, mix in 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the bagels. If you’re vegan or allergic to eggs, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) to achieve a similar effect.
Toppings: Sesame seeds are a classic choice, but feel free to get creative! Try poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even herbs for a unique flavor twist.
How Do I Form the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping the bagels can be tricky, but a little practice helps! Start by dividing the sticky dough into equal portions and lightly flour your hands. This minimizes stickiness.
- Roll each portion into a ball, using gentle pressure.
- Insert your finger in the center to make a hole, then gently stretch it to create the classic bagel shape.
- Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect! They will puff up while baking, helping to conceal any imperfections.
Remember, the bagels are meant to be enjoyed fresh. So, don’t stress too much about the shape—just have fun with it!
How to Make 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat works best)
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
- 2 large eggs
Optional Toppings:
- Sesame seeds or any preferred toppings for sprinkling
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 30-35 minutes. That’s just enough time to whip up a tasty batch of bagels!
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 the bagels from sticking.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and eggs. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together until you have a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy; that’s normal!
3. Shape the Bagels:
Lightly sprinkle some flour on your hands and on a clean surface to make handling the dough easier. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Take each piece and roll it into a ball. Then, poke a hole through the center of each ball with your finger. Gently stretch the dough to make a bagel shape. They don’t have to be perfect—just do your best!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet. If you’d like, sprinkle some sesame seeds or other toppings on top for extra flavor and crunch.
5. Bake the Bagels:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell delicious!
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they are done, carefully remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack or plate. Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite spread. Enjoy your homemade bagels!
How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in a zip-lock bag and freeze. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing to prevent sogginess.
Can I Use Regular Flour Instead of Self-Rising Flour?
Yes, you can! If you opt for regular flour, just add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for each cup of flour used to replicate the leavening properties of self-rising flour.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you don’t have cottage cheese, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will give a similar creamy texture, though the flavor may be slightly different.
Can I Add Different Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the toppings. Besides sesame seeds, you can use poppy seeds, garlic powder, or even shredded cheese for a tasty twist!