3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels are the ultimate answer to busy mornings and high-protein cravings. With just cottage cheese, flour, and an egg, you’ll have a batch of fluffy, golden bagels ready in under 30 minutes—no yeast, no rise time, no stress. This recipe has gone viral for good reason: it’s quick, healthy, and surprisingly satisfying. In this article, you’ll learn the exact steps to make them, how to fix flat bagels, and why they might be better than cream cheese on your plate. Whether you’re new to baking or need a fast breakfast fix, these bagels will deliver.
Table of Contents
Why 3 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels Are a Breakfast Miracle
A Family Kitchen Favorite, Reinvented
3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels are more than just a trend—they’re the recipe that saved my mornings. Growing up in Austin, breakfast was always a lively, slightly chaotic affair. The mornings were a blur of backpacks, spilled cereal, and missing shoes. On one such day, staring at an almost-empty fridge, I reached for cottage cheese, flour, and eggs. What came out of the oven surprised even me: soft, chewy, golden bagels that felt like a hug in food form.
Since then, 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels have earned a permanent spot in my kitchen. They’re what I make when we’re low on time but still want something homemade. They’re what I reach for when my kids need fuel that tastes good and fills them up. And they’ve become one of the most visited recipes here on Fastio Recipes.
That first batch wasn’t perfect—I didn’t even blend the cottage cheese. The bagels were a little lumpy, but the taste? Pure magic. From then on, I knew this was a keeper. Over time, I learned to blend the cottage cheese first and shape the dough with a bit more care. These bagels have become our go-to on rushed mornings and slow weekends alike.
If you’re into quick, high-protein meals like our cottage cheese flatbread or you’re wondering what goes good with cottage cheese, this one’s for you. And yes, even picky eaters in my house ask for these bagels by name.
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3 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels: Quick, Healthy & Delicious
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Description
Quick and fluffy 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels made with flour, cottage cheese, and egg. Oven or air fryer friendly!
Ingredients
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional: toppings like sesame seeds, everything seasoning, or shredded cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet.
2. Blend cottage cheese until smooth.
3. Combine blended cottage cheese with self-rising flour in a bowl.
4. Mix until a dough forms and knead gently on a floured surface.
5. Divide dough into 4 balls and shape into rings.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg and add desired toppings.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes or air fry at 350°F for 12–14 minutes.
8. Let cool 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For gluten-free version, use GF flour with baking powder and salt.
Blending the cottage cheese creates smoother dough.
Store at room temp for 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks
- Method: Baking, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 182mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Fat cottage cheese, self rising flour, everything bagel ,3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels, easy bagels, no yeast bagels
Why 3 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels Are a Game-Changer
There’s a reason 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels are going viral: they’re unbelievably simple. No yeast, no fancy equipment, no long rise times. Just cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and a single egg. That’s it. The dough takes minutes to pull together, and you can have warm bagels on the table in under 30 minutes.
The cottage cheese not only adds protein but also keeps the texture moist and fluffy on the inside, while the outside bakes into that satisfying golden crust. And you’re not just saving time—you’re making something that’s better for you than most store-bought bagels.
These 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels are also incredibly versatile. You can make them sweet or savory, top them with everything seasoning, sesame, cinnamon sugar—whatever your morning calls for. And whether you’re baking them or air-frying them, the results are consistently delicious.
What I love most is that this recipe welcomes imperfections. Forgot to blend the cottage cheese? Still works. Dough too sticky? Add a little flour. Want to make it gluten-free or add shredded cheese inside? Go for it. This is one of those forgiving, everyday recipes that adapts to your life—and your fridge.
Coming up in Part 2, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to make perfect 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels every single time.
How to Make 3 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels at Home
The Foolproof Ingredient Formula
Making 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels is a lifesaver when you want homemade bread without the hassle. You only need three kitchen staples: self-rising flour, full-fat cottage cheese, and an egg. These are everyday ingredients, but together, they make magic.
If you don’t have self-rising flour on hand, you can still make this recipe with a quick DIY blend. The cottage cheese keeps the bagels moist and adds a serious protein punch, while the egg gives them a shiny, bakery-style top.
You can also make gluten-free 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels by swapping the flour with a quality gluten-free blend (with xanthan gum). And if you’re watching carbs, using almond flour won’t rise quite the same but can still work with tweaks.
If you love protein-packed bakes like this, try our protein mac and cheese with cottage cheese for another weeknight favorite.
Blending, Shaping, and Baking Tips for Beginners
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F.
Step 1: Blend the cottage cheese
Use a food processor or blender to get it smooth. This helps your dough come together better and bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the dough
In a medium bowl, stir together the blended cottage cheese and self-rising flour until it forms a rough dough. If it’s sticky, don’t panic—just add more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3: Knead and shape
Move the dough to a floured surface. Knead it 8–10 times until smooth. Divide into four equal parts, roll each into a rope, and connect the ends to make a bagel shape. Press seams tightly.
Step 4: Add toppings
Brush with a beaten egg for shine. Top with sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded cheese, or whatever you love.
Step 5: Bake or air fry
- Oven: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and puffed
- Air fryer: Cook for 12–14 minutes at 350°F until firm and browned
Cool them for at least 15 minutes before slicing so the centers finish setting. These 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels store beautifully at room temp for up to 4 days and reheat perfectly in a toaster oven.
If you liked this, you might also want to check out our cottage cheese bread flatbread recipe, which uses similar ingredients in a different way.
Troubleshooting & Flavor Upgrades for 3 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels
Why Are My 3 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels Flat?
It happens—even a recipe as easy as 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels can give you a batch that looks more like pancakes than proper bagels. I’ve had those flat fails myself, usually when rushing or eyeballing flour. But don’t worry—flat bagels are fixable.
Here are the most common causes and how to fix them:
- Too much moisture: Some cottage cheese brands have more liquid. If your dough feels sticky or wet, add extra flour one tablespoon at a time. This keeps the shape of your 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels intact.
- Skipping the blend step: Blending cottage cheese helps create a smoother dough. If you skip it, the texture stays chunky and may rise unevenly.
- Under-kneading: If you knead too little, the dough won’t have enough structure to puff in the oven. Aim for 8–10 gentle turns on a floured surface.
- Expired baking powder: If you’re using homemade self-rising flour, check the date on your baking powder. It’s the only leavening agent that gives 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels their lift.
- Over-mixing: Once the dough is smooth, stop kneading. Overworking it can deflate any natural air pockets, resulting in dense bagels.
When I first started making 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels, I learned quickly that measuring flour with a spoon-and-level method made a huge difference. And using a full-fat, thick cottage cheese like Good Culture gave me consistent results every time.
For even more kitchen wins, browse our recipes with cottage cheese—you’ll find crowd-pleasing ideas that use up what’s left in the tub.
Get Creative with Toppings & Mix-ins
One of the best things about 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels is how customizable they are. Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, you can dress them up any way you like.
Popular topping ideas:
- Everything bagel seasoning: Adds a perfect savory crunch.
- Shredded asiago or cheddar: Melts into a golden crust.
- Poppy or sesame seeds: Adds classic bagel texture.
- Cinnamon sugar: For a sweet morning treat, brush with melted butter and coat before baking.
Want to upgrade the dough itself? Try these mix-ins:
- Chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Minced garlic or Italian herbs for extra flavor
- Shredded cheese folded in for gooey, cheesy centers
These 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels are a hit with kids, too. I often let mine roll their own and choose toppings. It makes breakfast fun—and they’re more likely to eat what they helped make.
And if you’re curious about what else pairs beautifully with cottage cheese flavor, check out what to mix with cottage cheese for both sweet and savory pairing ideas that’ll level up your bagels.
Nutrition, Storage & What to Serve With 3 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels
How Many Carbs in 3 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels?
If you’re tracking macros or just trying to make smarter breakfast choices, you’ll be glad to know 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels offer solid nutrition with fewer carbs than store-bought bagels. Thanks to the high-protein cottage cheese and minimal flour, they’re balanced and filling.
Here’s the estimated nutrition per bagel:
| Nutrient | Per 1 Bagel (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 11g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
For comparison, a regular bagel from a bakery can have 45–55g of carbs and less than 5g of protein. These 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels are much more balanced, making them perfect for breakfast, post-workout snacks, or even a light lunch.
Cottage cheese also wins over cream cheese in the nutrition battle. It’s lower in fat, higher in protein, and helps support a high-energy day without the sugar crash. If you’re deciding between the two, what to eat cottage cheese with eggs offers great ideas for pairing.
What to Serve With 3 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels
These bagels are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them plain, topped, filled, or even dipped—whatever works for your routine. Since they’re high in protein and not overly dense, they pair well with both sweet and savory flavors.
Serving Ideas:
- Breakfast favorite: Toasted with avocado, egg, or almond butter
- Lunch fix: Filled with tuna, turkey, or hummus and veggies
- Snack combo: Served with jam or dipped into leftover pasta sauce
Storage Tips:
- Room temp: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Toast straight from frozen or microwave for 30 seconds
No matter how you eat them, 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels are proof that simple really is better. Their versatility makes them one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again.
FAQ About 3 Ingredients Cottage Cheese Bagels
How do you make Bethenny Frankel’s viral cottage cheese bagel?
Bethenny’s viral cottage cheese bagel is very similar to the recipe here. She combines blended cottage cheese with self-rising flour and sometimes adds seasoning for flavor. Her version is often air-fried instead of baked, which gives a crispier exterior. You can easily replicate it using the same three ingredients—flour, cottage cheese, and egg—and toss it in the air fryer for a golden finish.
Why are my cottage cheese bagels flat?
Flat bagels can result from overly wet dough, skipping the blending step, or using expired baking powder in your self-rising flour. Make sure your dough isn’t sticky, blend the cottage cheese until smooth, and knead just enough for structure. These small changes will keep your 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels puffed and fluffy.
How many carbs in a cottage cheese bagel?
Each of these 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels contains approximately 25g of carbs, compared to 45–50g in traditional bagels. You also get about 11g of protein, making this a great option for anyone following a higher-protein or moderate-carb diet.
Is cottage cheese healthier than cream cheese?
Yes—cottage cheese is much higher in protein and lower in fat and calories compared to cream cheese. It’s also more versatile, making it a healthier spread or recipe base. Try it in savory dishes or even sweet combos for a light, filling meal.
Conclusion
When life gets busy, recipes like these 3 ingredients cottage cheese bagels are true lifesavers. From rushed school mornings to lazy weekend brunches, they deliver on flavor, nutrition, and speed. You only need three ingredients, a little time, and an oven or air fryer to enjoy fresh, protein-packed bagels at home.
I created this recipe during one of those “there’s nothing to eat” moments, and now I make it weekly. Whether you’re experimenting with toppings, freezing a batch for later, or just enjoying them warm from the oven, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen too.
If this recipe spoke to you, don’t forget to explore other ideas like our cottage cheese flatbread or what goes good with cottage cheese. There’s a whole world of fast, fuss-free meals waiting for you.