High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagels

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1½ cups oat flour , plus a little extra if needed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 egg , for the dough or egg wash as preferred
• Everything bagel seasoning , for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C / 375°F .
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bagels from sticking.
3. Preparing the baking sheet first makes it easier to transfer the shaped bagels directly onto the tray.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Add the cottage cheese to a mixing bowl.
2. If your cottage cheese has particularly large curds, you can blend or mash it first for a smoother dough.
3. Add the oat flour, baking powder, salt, and egg. Stir everything together until a thick dough begins to form.
4. The dough should be soft and workable but not extremely sticky. If it feels too wet to shape, add a little more oat flour, one tablespoon at a time.
5. Avoid adding too much flour at once. A dough that is excessively dry can produce dense bagels.

Step 3: Let the Dough Rest Briefly

1. Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes.
2. This gives the oat flour time to absorb some of the moisture from the cottage cheese and makes the dough easier to handle.
3. While the dough rests, prepare your baking sheet and make sure your oven has reached temperature.

Step 4: Divide the Dough

1. Divide the dough into five roughly equal portions .
2. Lightly flour your hands or dampen them with water if the dough is sticking.
3. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten it slightly.

Step 5: Shape the Bagels

1. Use your finger to create a hole in the center of each dough ball.
2. Gently stretch the opening until it resembles a bagel shape.
3. Try not to make the hole too small because it may shrink during baking. At the same time, avoid making it excessively large because the bagel will spread as it cooks.
4. Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

Step 6: Add the Everything Seasoning

1. For a golden, flavorful finish, brush the tops lightly with beaten egg if desired.
2. Generously sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over each bagel.
3. Press the seasoning very gently into the surface so it adheres during baking.
4. You can use as much or as little seasoning as you like. If you’re sensitive to salty flavors, use a lighter coating because everything seasoning typically contains salt.

Step 7: Bake

1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes , or until the bagels are golden on the outside and cooked through.
3. Because ovens can vary, begin checking around the 25-minute mark. The bagels should feel firm on the outside and have a lightly golden appearance.
4. Allow them to cool for several minutes before slicing.