These Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels are a tasty twist on a classic! Soft, chewy bagels come topped with a garlicky and cheesy mix that makes every bite super satisfying.
Honestly, who can resist warm bagels that are also good for you? I love spreading a little extra cottage cheese on mine—it adds extra creaminess. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the bagels a rich texture. If you want a lighter option, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.
Self-Rising Flour: This flour is key for helping the bagels rise without needing yeast. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt (1 cup flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt per cup).
Parmesan Cheese: I love using grated Parmesan for its sharp flavor. You could substitute with Pecorino Romano for a more intense taste, or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that gives a cheesy vibe.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really adds to the flavor, but garlic powder works well too. If you’re not a huge garlic fan, consider using half the amount, or try some garlic-infused olive oil for a lighter touch.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the flavor. If you don’t have it, dried parsley can substitute, just use a smaller amount since dried herbs are stronger.
How Do I Knead Dough Without Making a Mess?
Kneading is essential for developing the structure of your bagels. It might feel daunting, but there’s no need for a lot of flour splatter. Follow these simple steps:
- Lightly flour your work surface and your hands. This keeps the dough from sticking too much.
- Place the dough on the floured surface and fold it over itself a few times. Push down with the heel of your hand and then fold it over again.
- Repeat gently until the dough is smooth and pliable. If it’s sticky, add a tiny bit of flour at a time while kneading.
- Try not to over-knead; just 3-5 minutes should be enough so you maintain a tender bagel texture.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (full fat for best texture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
- Extra grated Parmesan and parsley for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and about 20-25 minutes for baking, bringing the total time to around 40-45 minutes. In no time, you’ll have delicious bagels fresh from the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the bagels will bake perfectly. While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Cottage Cheese and Eggs:
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese and eggs. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, blend them until the mixture is mostly smooth. This will be the base of your bagel dough.
3. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic (or garlic powder), chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir everything together well, making sure all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
4. Incorporate the Self-Rising Flour:
Gradually add in the self-rising flour, mixing it in slowly. Keep stirring until your dough begins to form—it should be a bit sticky but manageable.
5. Knead the Dough:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently just a few times until it forms a soft and pliable dough. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
6. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 5-6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. To shape your bagels, poke a hole through the center of each ball using your finger and gently stretch the hole to create a ring. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—bagels come in all shapes!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet. If you like, you can brush the tops lightly with olive oil and add some extra grated Parmesan and parsley for a tasty topping that will make them even crunchier.
8. Bake the Bagels:
Pop them in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. They should come out golden brown and delicious-smelling.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. This will help them set perfectly. Serve these tasty bagels warm or at room temperature. Enjoy them as a lovely breakfast or snack!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can! Low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but it may yield a slightly different texture—less creamy than full-fat. Just ensure it’s well mixed with the eggs for a good consistency.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour?
No problem! You can create a substitute by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix these together before adding them to the dough for similar results.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or toast them directly from the freezer for a quick snack.
Can I Add Other Herbs or Spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like oregano, basil, or even chili flakes for a bit of heat. Just keep in mind that stronger flavors could change the overall taste, so add gradually and taste as you go!
