Is cottage cheese good for a protein diet?

Absolutely. Cottage cheese is a powerhouse for high-protein diets. One half-cup of 2% cottage cheese packs roughly 13 grams of protein with minimal fat and carbs. It's ideal for muscle recovery, satiety, and supporting lean body goals. That’s why it’s the star ingredient in cottage cheese protein bagels—they give you lasting energy without the crash.

Is cottage cheese good for bagels?

Yes—surprisingly good. It adds creaminess, moisture, and a gentle tang without making the dough heavy. In cottage cheese protein bagels, it replaces yogurt or oil while boosting protein and improving texture. The result is a chewy, tender bagel with clean ingredients and no artificial binders.

Are protein bagels actually healthy?

They can be, especially when homemade. Store-bought versions may hide added sugars or gums. But cottage cheese protein bagels are made with just flour, baking powder, salt, and strained cottage cheese—no fillers, no weird stuff. You get around 10 grams of protein and fewer than 180 calories per bagel.

How do you make Bethenny Frankel's viral cottage cheese bagel?

Bethenny’s version went viral for using cottage cheese as a main binder. It’s similar to our recipe: combine flour, baking powder, salt, and well-strained cottage cheese. Shape into rounds, bake or air fry, and season as desired. Some variations include blending the cottage cheese first for a smoother dough. For best results, use 2% cottage cheese and don’t skip the straining step—it prevents stickiness.

Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels – Amazing 5-Ingredient Recipe

Name: Cottage Cheese Protein Bagels: High-Protein, No-Fuss Breakfast Win
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (120g) all purpose flour; 2 teaspoon baking powder; 1.25 cups 2% cottage cheese; 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash); Optional toppings: everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, dried garlic flakes

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (120g) all purpose flour

2 teaspoon baking powder

1.25 cups 2% cottage cheese

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional toppings: everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, dried garlic flakes

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F or set air fryer to 280°F.

2. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

3. Strain cottage cheese well, then stir into the dry mixture until combined.

4. Knead dough in the bowl until smooth and tacky (not sticky), about 2 minutes.

5. Divide dough into 4 equal parts. Shape into ropes and form into bagels.

6. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with your choice of toppings.

7. Bake in oven for 25 minutes or air fry for 15–16 minutes until golden.

8. Let cool at least 15 minutes before slicing or serving.

Notes

Straining the cottage cheese is essential—excess moisture can make the dough too sticky.

Use gluten-free flour like Cup4Cup for a GF version.

Store extras wrapped tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Author: Jack
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American