If you love bagels, you’re in for a treat with these Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels! They are super easy to make and packed with flavor from the garlic and cheese.
These bagels are perfect for breakfast or a snack, and they give your morning a tasty kick. I love to enjoy them warm, with a little extra parmesan on top. Yum! 🧄🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives these bagels their creamy texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, low-fat cottage cheese works too. You can even use ricotta for a different texture and taste.
Self-Rising Flour: This is crucial for the bagel structure. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can make your own by mixing 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour with 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a deliciously salty flavor. You can replace it with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or use a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a beautiful aroma, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder can serve as a substitute. Just use half a teaspoon to avoid overpowering the flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and flavor. If you don’t have it, dried parsley is fine, but fresh herbs usually give a brighter taste. Alternatively, try chives or basil!
How Do I Make the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping the bagels can be tricky, but it’s essential for the right texture. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Once your dough is ready, lightly flour your hands and workspace to prevent sticking.
- Divide the dough into six equal parts—a kitchen scale can help with this if you want them uniform.
- Roll each piece into a rope about 6-7 inches long. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; handmade is charming!
- Carefully form a circle by pinching the ends together. Make sure there’s a hole in the center to keep the bagel shape.
- The more you handle the dough, the stickier it gets, so keep your hands floured as needed.
Practice makes perfect, and don’t stress over the shape. These yummy bagels will taste great no matter how they look! Enjoy the process!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and an additional 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy and delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, heat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the bagels don’t stick when it’s time to bake them. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix Your Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, self-rising flour, 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until everything is well combined, and a slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if the dough is a little messy—that’s normal!
3. Shape the Bagels:
Now it’s time for some hands-on fun! Lightly flour your hands and the work surface to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a rope about 6-7 inches long, then shape the rope into a circle, pinching the ends together to create a bagel shape with a hole in the center. If your shapes aren’t perfect, that’s okay—they’ll taste delicious!
4. Get Ready to Bake:
Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until it’s frothy and then brush it gently on the top of each bagel. This will give them a lovely golden color when baked!
5. Add the Toppings:
Next, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese with the chopped parsley. Evenly sprinkle this delicious mixture over the tops of the bagels. It adds extra flavor and makes them look fantastic!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the bagels are golden brown and fully cooked. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—you want them just right!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This cooling step helps them firm up a bit. Enjoy your warm bagels, or let them sit at room temperature. They’re tasty either way!
These Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Perfect with a spread of butter or just on their own. Enjoy!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer! It will still work well in the recipe, though the bagels may have a slightly different texture compared to using full-fat cottage cheese.
What If I Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour?
No worries! You can easily make your own self-rising flour by combining 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour with 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. This will give you the same leavening effect needed for the bagels.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a sealed plastic bag for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave before serving!
Can I Add Different Herbs or Seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other herbs like chives, dill, or oregano. You can also adjust the amount of garlic or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Make the recipe your own!