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Cottage Cheese Bagels with Egg Whites - High-Protein, Easy, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Low-fat cottage cheese (1 cup; small curd works best)
  • Liquid egg whites (1/2 cup) or whites from 3 large eggs
  • Greek yogurt (1/4 cup; 2% or nonfat)
  • All-purpose flour (1 3/4 to 2 cups), or use white whole wheat for a heartier bite
  • Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
  • Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil (1 tablespoon) for moisture and color
  • Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds (optional, for topping)
  • Egg wash (1 egg white beaten with 1 teaspoon water) for shine; optional if brushing with oil
  • Cooking spray or parchment paper for the baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment and lightly mist with cooking spray.
  2. Blend the cottage cheese: Add cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until silky smooth, 15–30 seconds. This step improves texture and removes curdiness.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the blended cottage cheese, egg whites, Greek yogurt, and olive oil until combined.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Form the dough: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two additions, stirring with a spatula until a dough forms. If the dough is very sticky, sprinkle in 1–3 more tablespoons of flour. It should be soft but workable.
  6. Divide and shape: Lightly flour your hands and work surface. Divide the dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each into a 7–8 inch rope and pinch the ends together to form a ring. If it tears, pinch and smooth with slightly damp fingers.
  7. Add toppings: Transfer rings to the prepared pan. Brush with egg wash or a thin film of oil. Sprinkle with everything seasoning or seeds, pressing lightly so they stick.
  8. Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden. For a deeper color, switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Cool briefly: Let bagels rest on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. They firm up as they cool. Slice and enjoy warm, or toast later for extra chew.