5.0 from 2 votes

Have I mentioned I LOVE bagels? Every new city we visit I always try to find the perfect bagel. So far, NYC is living up to the hype about having the best bagels. While I love trying bagels when we travel, at home I like to choose foods that align more with my long-term goals and include more protein in them. One of my latest obsessions? High-protein bagels. These delightful bagels are not only easy to make but also pack a significant protein punch, making them an excellent addition to your meal prep routine.

Why High-Protein Bagels?

One of the main reasons I love these bagels is their high protein content. Each bagel contains around 11.2 grams of protein, which is fantastic for a baked good. Protein is essential for muscle repair, growth, and keeping you full longer. For those of us who are always on the go, having a high-protein snack or meal can make a huge difference in maintaining energy levels and staving off hunger.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Made with just a handful of ingredients – cottage cheese, self-raising flour, and a few seasonings – these bagels are straightforward and quick to prepare. The cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and a subtle tang, making each bite deliciously unique. Plus, using self-raising flour simplifies the process even more, as you don’t need to worry about adding baking powder or salt separately.

Here are the Main Ingredients you will need for this Recipe:

Yes, that is it! Just two simple ingredients for this recipe!

Let’s go through how to make High-Protein Bagels Step-By-Step!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Using an immersion blender, food processor, or regular blender, blend the cottage cheese until smooth.

In a mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese and self-raising flour. Knead well to form a dough. If the cottage cheese had excess liquid, you may need to add a bit of extra flour.

Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a ball and shape into a bagel.

Place the bagels on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the egg white wash.

Add any desired toppings (see suggestions below, not included in macros).

Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes. For a crunchier top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Let the bagels cool for at least 20-25 minutes before cutting. Do not skip this step!

Versatility and Customization

One of the best things about these bagels is their versatility. They can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite spreads and fillings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Lox Bagel: Pair your high-protein bagel with a laughing cow wedge, smoked salmon, and dill for a delicious savoury breakfast!

A Sweet Treat: Spread some almond butter and add a few banana slices for a sweet snack that will keep you going through the afternoon.

Lunch Essential: Create a delicious sandwich by adding lean turkey, a slice of cheese, and some fresh veggies between two halves of your bagel.

Topping/flavor ideas for your High-Protein Bagels include:

There are SO many ingredients you can top these bagels with or mix into the dough! Some examples include: sliced jalapenos and shredded cheddar, ground cinnamon and raisins, fresh or dried blueberries, grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, ground cinnamon mixed with zero-cal sweetener, and chopped fresh chives with minced garlic. Other suggestions include sun-dried tomatoes and basil for an Italian twist, everything bagel seasoning for a classic flavor, sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, dried cranberries and orange zest for a festive touch, and poppy seeds for a traditional bagel taste.

Storage Tips

To make the most of your high-protein bagels, proper storage is key. Once they have cooled completely, you can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, cut them in half, wrap each half in foil, and freeze. This way, you’ll always have a quick and nutritious option on hand. When you’re ready to enjoy one, simply reheat in the oven or toaster for a few minutes.

Hungry for more high-protein snack ideas?!

Checkout my Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins, Pina Colada Yogurt Bowl, or Vietnamese Spring Rolls!

Why You’ll Love These High-Protein Bagels

These high-protein cottage cheese bagels are more than just a tasty treat; they’re a practical solution for anyone looking to boost their protein intake while keeping calories lower. They’re perfect for meal prepping, versatile enough to suit any meal, and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Whether you’re a busy professional needing a quick breakfast, an athlete looking for a post-workout snack, or a parent trying to find healthier options for your family, these bagels fit the bill. They’re a testament to the fact that healthy eating can be both delicious and convenient.

So, why not give these high-protein bagels a try? They might just become a staple in your kitchen, as they have in mine. Happy baking!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you! Rate the recipe, leave a comment, or tag me on Instagram @thebalancedbitefoodie so I can see your delicious creations and thank you for trying!