Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe: A Healthy, Protein-Packed Dinner
If you’re looking for a healthy bagel recipe that’s both delicious and packed with protein, look no further! This cottage cheese bagel recipe is a unique twist on the traditional bagel. By incorporating cottage cheese directly into the dough, these bagels not only get a creamy texture but are also high in protein and low in carbs, making them perfect for a satisfying and healthy dinner option. Whether you’re on a low-carb diet or just looking for a more nutritious alternative to classic bagels, this recipe is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup almond flour (substitute with whole wheat flour if you prefer)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to brush the bagels before baking)
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bagels recipe
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese Bagel Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese and egg. Use a whisk or hand blender to blend them until smooth. The cottage cheese will replace the usual fats in bagel dough, providing a rich, creamy texture and boosting the protein content.
- Add Dry Ingredients to the Bagel Dough: In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the cottage cheese mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. You may notice that the dough will be a bit sticky, but it should be firm enough to shape into bagels.
- Shape Your Cottage Cheese Bagels: Lightly flour your work surface with almond flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Divide the dough into 4-6 even portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your fingers to create a hole in the center, forming a bagel shape. If the dough is too sticky, lightly wet your hands to make the shaping easier.
- Add Toppings for Extra Flavor: Optionally, brush each bagel with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top. This will add a nice crunch and additional flavor to your bagels.
- Bake Your Cottage Cheese Bagels: Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The bagels are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let your cottage cheese bagels cool for a few minutes before slicing. These bagels are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with extra cottage cheese, fresh veggies, or even a protein like turkey or smoked salmon for a more filling meal.
Why This Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe is Perfect for Dinner
- High in Protein: Cottage cheese adds an extra protein boost, making these bagels not only satisfying but perfect for a protein-packed dinner.
- Low-Carb: By using almond flour, these bagels are low in carbs, which is ideal for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.
- Nutrient-Rich: Cottage cheese provides calcium for bone health, and olive oil and sesame seeds contribute healthy fats to your meal.
Tips for Customizing
- Gluten-Free Version: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the almond flour for a gluten-free flour blend or coconut flour.
- Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to infuse the dough with aromatic flavors.
- Serving Ideas: Enjoy your cottage cheese bagels with avocado, scrambled eggs, or a fresh salad to make your meal even more wholesome.
This cottage cheese bagel recipe offers a creative and healthy alternative to traditional bagels. With cottage cheese in the dough, you get a soft, protein-rich bagel that’s perfect for dinner. Whether you enjoy them plain or with toppings, they are sure to become your new favorite healthy bagel option!