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Easy 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels (Air Fryer or Oven)

You can make homemade protein bagels with just three simple ingredients—no yeast, no rising time, and no baking skills required! These cottage cheese protein bagels are light, fluffy, and pack 10 grams of protein each. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or snacks, and easily customizable with your favorite toppings or gluten-free substitutions.

If you love quick recipes like 3-ingredient Greek yogurt bagels or bagel bites, these will be your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Bagels

These high-protein bagels are:

  • Easy to make – just mix, shape, and cook!
  • Protein-packed – thanks to cottage cheese
  • Versatile – make them in the oven or air fryer
  • Freezer-friendly – great for meal prep
  • Kid-approved – soft, fluffy, and tasty

We swapped Greek yogurt for cottage cheese in this recipe, and the result is a soft, chewy bagel with golden edges and delicious flavor. Plus, with 10g of protein per bagel, it’s a simple way to boost your daily intake.

Ingredients

![Flour, cottage cheese, and baking powder in bowls]

  • Flour – Use all-purpose, whole wheat, or gluten-free (like Cup4Cup).
  • Cottage cheese – We recommend Good Culture 4% cottage cheese. It’s thick, rich in protein, and doesn’t need draining.
  • Baking powder – Essential for a fluffy, yeast-free dough.
  • Salt (optional) – For added flavor.
  • Egg wash (optional but recommended) – For golden color and helping toppings stick.
  • Toppings – Everything seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or shredded cheese.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Rubber spatula or spoon
  • Dough scraper (optional)
  • Air fryer or oven
  • Pastry brush (for egg wash)

How to Make Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels

1. Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add cottage cheese and mix until crumbly, then stir until the dough starts to come together.

2. Knead

Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 2 minutes, until you get a smooth, slightly tacky ball. You can also use a stand mixer with a dough hook.

3. Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a log (about 6–7 inches long) and form into a circle, pinching the ends to seal.

4. Top

Whisk an egg with a splash of water and brush it over each bagel. Add desired toppings like sesame, everything seasoning, or shredded cheese.

Air Fryer Instructions

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 300°F.
  2. Line the basket with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.
  3. Place bagels in the basket, leaving space between each.
  4. Cook for 15–17 minutes, checking for golden brown color.
  5. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Oven Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Place bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden.
  4. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

  • Everything Bagels – Sprinkle with everything seasoning.
  • Sesame Bagels – Top with sesame seeds.
  • Poppy Seed Bagels – Classic and simple.
  • Asiago Cheese – Top with shredded Asiago before baking.

Expert Tips

  • Mix flour and baking powder first to create self-rising flour.
  • Knead thoroughly to ensure the dough holds together and has a smooth finish.
  • Egg wash = golden bagels. It also helps toppings stick.
  • Check early if air frying. Times vary by model. Start checking at 12 minutes.
  • Cool completely before slicing. The texture continues to set during cooling.

Serving Ideas

  • Bagel Breakfast Sandwich – Add scrambled eggs, bacon, or cheese.
  • Simple Snack – Spread with cream cheese, cottage cheese, or hummus.
  • Mini Bagel Pizzas – Slice in half, top with sauce and cheese, and air fry at 350°F.
  • Croutons or Chips – Cube or slice leftovers, season, and air fry until crisp for salad toppers or dipping.

Storage

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight and reheat in the air fryer, toaster, or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are protein bagels healthy?

Yes! Each bagel has only about 170 calories and 10g of protein. They’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients and can be topped with even more protein if desired.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes – just swap all-purpose flour with Cup4Cup or another gluten-free blend.

How much protein is in each?

Each bagel contains 10–11g of protein. Add an egg or slice of turkey to make a full high-protein breakfast!

Did you try these protein bagels? Let us know how they turned out and share your favorite toppings in the comments!