These Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels are a tasty twist on your morning favorite! With creamy cottage cheese, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, they’re full of flavor.
They’re like little bites of heaven. I love spreading some cream cheese on top before a big bite—yummy! Try to make extra, because you’ll want more than one! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese is perfect here for its creaminess and lower calories. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using lactose-free cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt for a thicker texture.
Self-Rising Flour: This flour adds lift to the bagels with the baking powder already in it. If you don’t have any, you can make your own by combining all-purpose flour (1½ cups), baking powder (2 tsp), and salt (½ tsp).
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor. You can substitute it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that still offers a cheesy vibe.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but in a pinch, garlic powder works too! Use about ½ teaspoon instead of three cloves.
How Do I Knead Dough Without Making a Mess?
Kneading the dough helps develop its structure. Here’s how to do it without chaos:
- Flour your hands and your work surface to prevent sticking.
- Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and gently push it down with your palms.
- Fold the dough over itself and press down again.
- Avoid over-kneading; around 2-3 minutes is plenty to get it smooth while still soft.
Try not to add too much flour during the process. Keeping the dough slightly sticky helps create a chewier bagel texture. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1½ cups self-rising flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 large egg
For the Garlic Parmesan Topping:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional, adjust depending on cheese saltiness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, making it perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Total time: about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the bagels from sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and egg. Stir everything together until you get a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it seems a bit messy; that’s okay!
3. Knead the Dough:
Now, lightly flour your hands and a clean surface. Turn the sticky dough out onto the surface and knead it gently for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to come together but still remain soft and pliable.
4. Shape the Bagels:
Divide your dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then shape it into a bagel by gently pushing your thumb through the center to create a hole. Make sure the hole is large enough, as it will close up while baking.
5. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, dried Italian herbs, black pepper, and optional salt. Combine everything well to create a flavorful seasoning mix that will go on top of the bagels.
6. Season the Bagels:
Brush each bagel generously with olive oil. Then, sprinkle or press the garlic-Parmesan mixture evenly onto the surface of each bagel. Make sure it sticks well for maximum flavor!
7. Bake the Bagels:
Carefully place the bagels onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden brown and have a crispy crust.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This will help them retain their crispness. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and enjoy as a savory snack or for breakfast!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, garlicky cottage cheese bagels!
Can I Use Regular Cottage Cheese Instead of Low-Fat?
Yes, regular cottage cheese will work fine for this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may add a little more richness and calories to the bagels.
What If I Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour?
No problem! You can easily make your own by combining 1½ cups all-purpose flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix them well before proceeding with the recipe.
Can These Bagels Be Frozen?
Absolutely! Once the bagels are fully baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Toppings or Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add chopped herbs, sundried tomatoes, or even some shredded cheese to the dough before shaping the bagels. Just adjust the seasoning mix based on your additional flavors!
