Mediterranean Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels
Soft • Chewy • High-Protein • No Yeast
Introduction
These Mediterranean-style cottage cheese bagels are a healthier twist on classic bagels. They’re naturally high in protein, wonderfully soft and chewy inside, with a golden crust topped with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs. No yeast, no long rising time — just mix, shape, and bake. Perfect for breakfast, meal prep, or savory sandwiches.
Timing Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Blending Cottage Cheese: 2 minutes
Shaping: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 22–25 minutes
Total Time: ~35 minutes
Ingredients (Makes 4 Bagels)
Bagel Dough
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
1½ cups self-rising flour
(or all-purpose flour + 2¼ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt)
1 tsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp dried basil
¼ tsp black pepper
Topping
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Optional: sesame seeds or dried parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Add cottage cheese to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
This step is key for soft, chewy bagels.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine:
Smooth cottage cheese
Self-rising flour
Olive oil
Garlic powder, oregano, basil, and black pepper
Mix with a spoon, then knead lightly with your hands for 1–2 minutes until a soft, slightly tacky dough forms.
➡️ Add a tiny bit of flour if sticky.
Step 3: Shape the Bagels
Divide dough into 4 equal pieces.
Roll each into a ball, poke a hole in the center, and gently stretch into a bagel shape.
Step 4: Add Mediterranean Topping
Place bagels on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Brush with egg wash, then sprinkle generously with:
Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
(Optional seeds or parsley)
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 22–25 minutes, until:
Golden brown on top
Firm outside, soft inside
Cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Texture & Flavor
Outside: Lightly crisp and golden
Inside: Soft, chewy, and tender
Flavor: Savory garlic, salty Parmesan, and Mediterranean herbs
Nutrition Highlights (Per Bagel – Approx.)
Protein: ~12–14g
Lower fat & carbs than traditional bagels
No yeast, no added sugar
Serving Ideas
Toast and spread with hummus or labneh
Fill with grilled chicken, cucumber & tzatziki
Top with avocado, tomato & olive oil
Serve alongside eggs or soup
Tips for Best Results
Use full-fat cottage cheese for best texture
Don’t overbake — they stay soft when just golden
Store in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months
Final Thoughts
These Mediterranean Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels are the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. Soft, chewy, protein-packed, and incredibly easy — once you try them, they’ll become a weekly staple.