Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels
If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to boost your daily protein intake, these easy Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels are the perfect solution. Made without boiling, stand mixers, or fancy equipment, this simple recipe comes together in less than 10 minutes. Each bagel is packed with protein-rich cottage cheese, fresh jalapeños, and sharp cheddar cheese, then topped with even more cheese and jalapeño slices for a fiery twist that’s still healthy.
Small Batch: Not everyone needs a dozen bagels at once, and that’s what makes this recipe perfect—it yields just four large bagels. Ideal for breakfast meal prep or enjoying throughout the week without the leftovers piling up.
Healthier Choice: While I love a classic bagel, traditional recipes can be time-consuming. These no-rise, non-traditional bagels are my go-to because they’re quick and easy. Plus, the dough is made with low-fat cottage cheese, making them a lighter, protein-packed option you can feel good about.
Minimal Effort: Just toss all the ingredients into a bowl and mix with a spatula or your hands until the dough comes together. There’s hardly any cleanup involved, and before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked jalapeño cheddar bagels.
Ingredients
- Flour: This recipe uses regular all-purpose flour, which gives the bagels their soft and chewy texture.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is the magical ingredient that helps the bagels rise. Do not skip this step or substitute it with anything else, or your bagels won’t achieve the right texture.
- Garlic Powder: Don’t leave out the garlic powder! Without it, the bagels can turn out a bit bland.
- Salt: A little salt enhances all the other flavors in the dough, making the bagels taste even better.
- Cottage Cheese: I use 1% cottage cheese for a lighter option, but any fat percentage will work. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
- Jalapeño: You’ll need about two medium jalapeños, half chopped and half sliced. The chopped pieces get mixed into the dough, while the slices are used for topping. You can also use jarred or pickled jalapeños if needed, but fresh always gives the best flavor. For a milder bagel, scoop out the seeds before adding the jalapeños.
- Cheese: Jalapeño and cheddar are a perfect match, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack are also great choices. Just be sure to use freshly shredded cheese, not pre-shredded, as the wax coating on packaged shredded cheese prevents it from melting properly in the bagels.
- Egg: You’ll need one large egg to brush over the bagels for a glossy, golden finish.
How To Make Cottage Cheese Bagels
Step 1: In a large bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined. Then add in the shredded cheese and diced jalapeños, mixing lightly to distribute them throughout the dry ingredients.
Step 2: Add the cottage cheese to a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour the blended cottage cheese into the dry ingredients and use a spatula to mix the dough together. The dough will look a bit dry at first. Begin kneading the dough gently with your hands and slowly pour in one tablespoon of warm water at a time until the dough comes together (you may need between 2 to 3 tablespoons of water). Once the dough is smooth and forms a large ball, cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Step 4: After resting, divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log, then join the two ends together and gently squeeze to form a bagel shape. Place the formed bagels onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush each bagel with the egg wash and sprinkle with extra shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños.
Step 5: Bake the bagels for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, transfer the bagels to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite jelly!
Expert Tip
- Use a Food Scale: I highly recommend using a food scale instead of measuring cups for the flour and cottage cheese. It’s much more accurate and cuts down on extra dishes, making your prep even easier!
- Deseed Your Jalapeños: Before adding the jalapeños to the dough, be sure to scoop out the seeds. This helps control the heat level and prevents little seeds from getting scattered throughout your bagels.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Skip the store-bought pre-shredded cheese. Grating your own cheese melts better and gives the bagels a smoother, cheesier texture.
- Use a Silicone Mat: When shaping your bagels, use either a floured surface or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Have Fun with Toppings: Get creative with toppings! You can sprinkle extra cheese, everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or even poppy seeds on top for more flavor and texture.
More Bagels and Breads
Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels FAQ
How long do cottage cheese bagels last?
Store bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese with yogurt?
Yes! You can replace cottage cheese with Greek yogurt without needing to blend it first. Simply add 1 cup of Greek yogurt to the dry ingredients and follow the same steps as the original recipe.
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Cottage Cheese Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels
Ingredients
Jalapeño Cheddar Bagels
- 240 grams (2 cups) All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 30 grams (2 tablespoons) Jalapeño, diced into small pieces
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 250 grams (1 cup) Cottage cheese (Low or full-fat)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Warm water
Bagel Toppings
- 1 Large egg, whisked
- 1/3 cup Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 1 Large jalapeño, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until well combined. Then add in the shredded cheese and diced jalapeños, mixing lightly to distribute them throughout the dry ingredients.240 grams (2 cups) All-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon Salt, 30 grams (2 tablespoons) Jalapeño,, 30 grams (1/4 cup) Cheddar cheese,
- Add the cottage cheese to a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour the blended cottage cheese into the dry ingredients and use a spatula to mix the dough together. The dough will look a bit dry at first. Begin kneading the dough gently with your hands and slowly pour in one tablespoon of warm water at a time until the dough comes together (you may need between 2 to 3 tablespoons of water). Once the dough is smooth and forms a large ball, cover the bowl with a cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.250 grams (1 cup) Cottage cheese (Low or full-fat), 2 to 3 tablespoons Warm water
- While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- After resting, divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log, then join the two ends together and gently squeeze to form a bagel shape. Place the formed bagels onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush each bagel with the egg wash and sprinkle with extra shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños.1 Large egg,, 1/3 cup Cheddar Cheese,, 1 Large jalapeño,
- Bake the bagels for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once baked, transfer the bagels to a cooling rack. Enjoy them warm with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite jelly!
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