Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels

Name: Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8 bagels
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup cottage cheese; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon dried herbs (e.g., oregano, basil); 1 egg (for egg wash)

Highlighted under: Homestyle Meals

I absolutely love making Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels on lazy weekend mornings. The blend of creamy cottage cheese and the delightful touches of herbs creates a unique flavor that brightens my day. These bagels are not only easy to prepare but also remarkably soft and chewy, perfect for slathering with your favorite toppings. In just a short time, I can enjoy a homemade breakfast that's both nutritious and delicious, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2026-01-25T19:37:28.046Z

When I first decided to make Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels, I was surprised by how simple the process was and how flavorful they turned out. Mixing the cottage cheese with a bit of garlic and herbs created a scrumptious base that contrasts wonderfully with the chewy bagel texture. I’ve made these multiple times, tweaking the herbs each time, which kept things interesting.

What truly makes these bagels shine is the freshness you get from baking them yourself. As they bake, the aroma fills the kitchen and is absolutely irresistible. I always recommend letting them cool slightly before indulging, as they reach their perfect chewy state right after cooling.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy cottage cheese blended with savory herbs
Soft, chewy texture that complements any topping
Quick and easy to make, ideal for breakfast

Mastering Bagel Dough

When working with bagel dough, ensuring the right consistency is crucial for achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture. The cottage cheese not only adds moisture but also binds the dough effectively. If the mixture appears too dry, you can add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour as you knead. Aim for a dough that’s slightly tacky but not overly wet for the best results.

Kneading the dough is essential for developing gluten, which helps give bagels their characteristic chewiness. Spend 1-2 minutes gently kneading on a floured surface; avoid overworking the dough, as this can lead to dense bagels. You want to see a smooth surface that bounces back when poked lightly. If you're making these bagels with kids or beginner bakers, this kneading step is where they can really get hands-on and feel the dough transform!

Baking Tips for Perfect Bagels

The key to achieving beautifully golden bagels lies in the egg wash. Be sure to whisk the egg thoroughly until the mixture is uniform and glossy. Brush it over your bagels before placing them in the oven; this adds color and a subtle sheen. If you prefer a vegan option, you can simply use a mixture of almond milk and a bit of cornstarch for a shimmering effect without the egg.

Keep an eye on the bagels while they bake! Start checking around the 15-minute mark; they should develop a rich golden hue. If they are browning unevenly, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time. Letting them cool on a wire rack after baking allows steam to escape, which prevents them from becoming soggy. Arranging them spaced apart will help maintain their distinctive shape.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels:

Bagel Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried herbs (e.g., oregano, basil)
1 egg (for egg wash)

Now that you have your ingredients, you're ready to start making your bagels!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese and water until smooth. Slowly add this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough starts to form.

Shape Bagels

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently for 1-2 minutes. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces, rolling each piece into a ball and then creating a hole in the center to shape the bagel.

Prepare for Baking

Place the shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg to give a nice golden color.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and Serve

Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm or toasted with your favorite toppings!

Enjoy your homemade Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding seeds like poppy or sesame on top before baking. You can also experiment with different herbs to match your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

These Sunshine Cottage Cheese Bagels are incredibly versatile when it comes to toppings. A simple smear of cream cheese pairs beautifully with the herbaceous notes in the bagel itself. For a Mediterranean twist, top with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. I love adding a drizzle of olive oil with a sprinkle of cracked pepper for a refined touch.

For a heartier option, try pairing these bagels with smoked salmon, avocado, or even a poached egg. The creamy textures of these toppings complement the soft bagel perfectly, creating a delightful breakfast or brunch that feels gourmet. You might also consider adding fresh herbs or microgreens to elevate your serving presentation.

Storage and Reheating

If you're looking to make a batch for later, these bagels can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or frozen for longer storage. When freezing, it’s best to cool them completely first to maintain texture. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

To reheat, you can toast them straight from the freezer for a crisp exterior, or if you prefer a softer texture, defrost them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in a toaster or oven. Simply pop in the toaster once they reach room temperature with a light spread of butter or olive oil for added richness before heating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese works well, but it may affect the texture slightly.

→ How do I store leftover bagels?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze these bagels?

Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado spread are excellent choices to enjoy with these bagels.