You can make protein bagels right at home with just 3 simple ingredients. These bagels have 10 grams of protein each and are made with cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder. They come together quickly and can be made in the air fryer or the oven. Great for breakfast or lunch any day of the week! Customize the toppings or even make them gluten-free!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt – optional
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons cottage cheese – 2% or 4%
- 1 egg – optional
- Toppings: everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Add the flour to a medium bowl and combine it with the baking powder. Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.
- Make a well in the center of the flour and add the cottage cheese. Mix the dough using a fork or small rubber spatula until it begins to form a chunky dough. You can also mix the dough in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Turn the bagel dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it with your hands for 1-2 minutes until it forms a semi-smooth ball of dough. If the dough becomes sticky add a sprinkle of flour or lightly coat your hands in flour as you knead it. This can also be done in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.
- Divide the bagel dough into 4 equal sections. Roll each section of dough into a 6-7 inch log that is about ¾ inch thick, then connect the ends of the dough to form the bagel. Continue until you have formed all 4 bagels.
- Crack and whisk the egg in a small bowl and add a splash of water or milk. Brush the egg lightly all over each bagel using a rubber brush or pastry brush. Add toppings if desired.
- Preheat the air fryer to 300°F. Once the air fryer is ready, spray or line the air fryer basket with cooking spray or parchment paper. Place the bagels in an even layer into the air fryer. You may need to do this in batches if you have a smaller air fryer. Cook the bagels for 15-17 minutes until golden. Check them at around 10 minutes and continue cooking as needed since air fryers vary.
- Once the bagels are done (they should be golden brown and light and fluffy), remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for at least 15 minutes before you slice and serve them.
Notes
- Cottage cheese – I used Good Culture 4% cottage cheese but 2% will also work.
- Flour – all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or cup 4 cup gluten-free flour will all work.
- Leftover bagels should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Defrost frozen bagels overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the air fryer at 330°F, in the toaster or microwave until warmed through.
- Bake these bagels in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
