If you’ve been craving a chewy, satisfying bagel without the gluten, this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe is your new best friend. Whether you’re eating gluten-free for health reasons or simply love the idea of protein-packed breakfasts, this recipe delivers the fluff, the flavor, and the joy—no yeast needed. I first made these on a rainy Asheville morning when I ran out of cream cheese but had a tub of cottage cheese calling my name. I was skeptical, but oh my, did they turn out beautifully.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe to keep it simple yet crave-worthy. In the next sections, I’ll walk you through why these bagels work so well, what you’ll need to make them, the step-by-step method (including air fryer tips), and how to store them. Let’s make your mornings easier and a whole lot tastier with this gluten-free gem.
Table of Contents
Why Cottage Cheese Bagels Are a Game-Changer
High‑Protein Gluten‑Free Bagels
Bagels get a bad rap for being carb-heavy and low in nutrients—but that changes with a smart twist like this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe. Each cup of cottage cheese packs around 14 grams of protein, making these bagels a hearty, nutritious option for breakfast or snack time.
What’s more, cottage cheese blends beautifully with gluten-free flours, keeping the dough moist and tender while boosting the flavor. It’s a secret weapon for texture in this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe—and one that fits seamlessly into most diets.
No‑Yeast, No‑Proving Needed
One of the best parts of this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe? No yeast. That means no rising time, no babysitting the dough—just mix, shape, and bake. Baking powder creates the lift, and an egg wash on top gives that signature glossy finish. For a quicker version, check out the 3-ingredient cottage cheese bagel recipe that laid the foundation for this one.
Next up: let’s dive into the best gluten-free flours and ingredients for the perfect batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels
Gluten-Free Flour Options
When making a cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe, the flour blend you choose plays a big role in texture and flavor. I recommend starting with a gluten-free self-raising flour, which saves time and balances the lift you need. If your blend doesn’t contain baking powder, no worries—just add 1½ teaspoons per cup of flour.
Oat flour, almond flour, or King Arthur’s Measure-for-Measure gluten-free flour all work well here. Almond flour adds richness and is great for lower-carb needs. If you’re watching carbs, take a look at our keto cottage cheese bagels recipe for exact swaps that keep things balanced.
Always test your dough’s feel—add flour if too wet or a splash of liquid if crumbly. These adjustments make a difference, especially with gluten-free baking.
Cottage Cheese & Essential Binders
The hero of this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe is, of course, cottage cheese. I love full-fat varieties because they give that creamy mouthfeel and keep the dough from drying out. You can blend it if you want smooth dough, or leave it slightly lumpy for rustic charm.
A single egg binds the dough and adds structure. Want to make it egg-free? A flax egg can step in nicely. Add an extra egg for the glossy top—this is what gives your bagels that golden finish fresh from the oven.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup gluten-free self-raising flour
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 large egg (plus 1 more for egg wash)
- 1½ tsp baking powder (only if using plain GF flour)
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- Toppings: everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy, or shredded cheese
Ready to mix it all up? First-timers might want to try this easy cottage cheese bagels recipe before experimenting further.
Step‑by‑Step Method for Making Cottage Cheese Bagels (Gluten-Free)
Mixing, Kneading & Shaping the Dough
Making this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe is straightforward and mess-free. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup gluten-free self-raising flour, baking powder (if needed), and ¼ teaspoon salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese and 1 egg. Mix until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Adjust texture: Add flour 1 tablespoon at a time if the dough feels too wet.
- Knead gently on a floured surface for about 30 seconds—just enough to bring the dough together.
- Divide and shape: Split into four pieces. Roll each into a rope and form into a bagel ring, pinching ends to seal.
- Brush tops with a beaten egg for shine and stickiness (great for toppings).
- Add toppings like everything seasoning or sesame seeds.
Oven vs Air‑Fryer Cooking Options
You can choose either baking or air-frying for this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe:
- Oven: Bake on the middle rack at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F and cook for 12–15 minutes. Check at 10 minutes and adjust based on color and crispness.
Air-frying is ideal when you’re short on time or craving crispier edges.
Print
Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe – High-Protein & Easy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Description
This cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe is a high-protein, yeast-free breakfast solution. Soft, chewy, and endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
1 cup gluten-free self-raising flour
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
1 large egg (plus 1 for egg wash)
1½ tsp baking powder (if not in flour)
¼ tsp salt
Toppings: sesame, everything seasoning, poppy seeds, or cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet.
2. Mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
3. Stir in cottage cheese and egg until a tacky dough forms.
4. Knead lightly on a floured surface.
5. Divide into 4 pieces, shape into rings, and seal ends.
6. Place on the baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
7. Sprinkle toppings as desired.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
For air fryer version: cook at 350°F for 12–15 minutes.
Store at room temp for 2–3 days or freeze up to 4 months.
Use blended cottage cheese for a smoother dough.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Nutrition Benefits of Cottage Cheese Bagels
Why Cottage Cheese Is a Smart Choice
This cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe offers more than just delicious texture—it’s packed with protein, calcium, and healthy fats. Cottage cheese makes the dough creamy and satisfying while also boosting nutritional value. Here’s a look at the benefits per 1 cup of full-fat cottage cheese:
| Nutrient | Amount (per 1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Protein | ~25 grams |
| Fat | ~5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~3 grams |
| Calcium | ~14% DV |
| Vitamin B12 | ~20% DV |
Balanced Macros in Every Bite
Unlike standard bagels that often leave you hungry, this recipe offers a well-rounded macronutrient profile that fuels your morning or post-gym routine. It’s a smart way to enjoy a comfort food while sticking to health goals.
Looking for macro breakdowns and low-carb options? Explore our keto cottage cheese bagels recipe with almond flour swaps.
Toppings, Storage & Variations for Cottage Cheese Bagels
Topping Ideas for Extra Flavor
Now that you’ve mastered the base, it’s time to get creative. One of the best parts of this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe is how customizable it is. Before baking, you can sprinkle your bagels with classic toppings to make each batch unique.
Some of my favorites include:
- Everything bagel seasoning – a mix of sesame, garlic, onion, poppy, and sea salt
- Sesame seeds – for that warm, nutty finish
- Poppy seeds – mild, delicate crunch
- Shredded cheese – cheddar or Parmesan adds extra richness
- Cinnamon sugar – for a sweet, breakfast-friendly version
Brush each shaped bagel with egg wash, then press your topping in gently. It’s a great trick to make them look bakery-fancy. Want more flavor pairing tips? You’ll love our cottage cheese and bagel recipe post—it’s full of combos you probably haven’t tried yet.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
This cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe is excellent for meal prepping. Once baked and cooled, store the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live somewhere humid, you might prefer keeping them in the fridge to stay fresh longer.
To freeze, wrap each bagel individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 4 months. When you’re ready to eat, just pop one in the toaster or air fryer for a quick warm-up—it brings back that fresh-baked texture in minutes.
Looking for more make-ahead tips and top-rated versions? Head over to our best cottage cheese bagels recipe for fan-favorite hacks and storage tricks that work.
Kid-Friendly & Lunchbox Tips
Bite-Sized Versions for Kids
One of the most practical uses for this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe is making mini bagels for kids. Just divide the dough into smaller balls and roll each into a rope about 3 inches long before forming into rings. They bake faster (about 15–18 minutes in the oven or 8–10 in an air fryer) and are the perfect size for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Kids love these warm with a bit of cream cheese or melted cheddar. And because cottage cheese is packed with protein, these bagels help keep little tummies full longer. That’s a big win if your child is always asking for snacks an hour after lunch!
Make-Ahead for the Week
Busy mornings? Bake a batch on Sunday and store bagels in the fridge or freezer. Wrap each one in parchment for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. You can even pre-slice and fill with cream cheese or nut butter, then freeze them as mini sandwiches.
For added fun, let your kids customize their own topping stations with seeds, dried fruit, or shredded cheese before baking. It’s a fun kitchen activity that helps picky eaters get excited about trying something new.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, protein-rich bake, this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe delivers every time. It’s quick, adaptable, and doesn’t require yeast or fancy tools. Whether you top yours with sesame seeds or go sweet with cinnamon sugar, the results are always delicious.
Bake a batch ahead for busy mornings or whip up a fresh one for brunch. And if you loved this recipe, share it with a friend or explore even more cottage cheese bagel ideas over on our cottage cheese bagel recipes page.
Want more sweet inspiration? Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one. Let’s bake something beautiful together!
FAQs About Cottage Cheese Bagels Gluten Free Recipe
Is cottage cheese good for bagels?
Yes, cottage cheese is excellent in bagels—it adds moisture, a mild tang, and a protein boost. In this cottage cheese bagels gluten free recipe, it also acts as a binder, making the dough soft and chewy without extra fat or added sugar.
How do you store cottage cheese bagels?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerate in humid climates. To extend freshness, freeze bagels individually wrapped for up to 4 months and reheat in a toaster for best texture.
Can you make bagels with Greek yogurt and flour?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a popular alternative in high-protein doughs. It works similarly to cottage cheese and can be used as a substitute or in combination. Many gluten-free recipes use Greek yogurt for added tang and moisture.
Can you make air fryer cottage cheese bagels?
Absolutely. This dough holds up well in the air fryer. Preheat to 350°F and air fry for 12–15 minutes. You’ll get crisp tops and a soft interior with less bake time.