If you are searching for a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, this Cheese Bagels Recipe is going to steal your heart and your taste buds. These bagels combine the creamy richness of full-fat cottage cheese with a perfectly soft and fluffy texture, all topped with crunchy sesame and poppy seeds for that irresistible finish. Whether you’re making them for a lazy weekend brunch or prepping for a busy week ahead, these homemade cheese bagels bring comforting flavors and satisfying bites that feel both wholesome and indulgent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy cottage cheese that adds moisture and richness to the flour and baking powder that build structure and lift, these ingredients come together seamlessly.
- Full-fat cottage cheese: Provides creaminess and a tender crumb to the bagels for a moist interior.
- Plain flour: Forms the dough’s base and structure, ensuring it holds shape without becoming dense.
- Baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent, helping the bagels rise with a light, fluffy texture.
- Salt (optional): Enhances flavor by balancing sweetness and elevating other ingredients.
- Egg (for brushing): Gives the bagels a glossy golden crust and helps seeds adhere perfectly.
- Mix of sesame and poppy seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the finished bagels.
How to Make Cheese Bagels Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients and Cottage Cheese
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures that your leavening is evenly distributed for a consistent rise. Next, add the full-fat cottage cheese and use a spatula followed by your hands to gently mix everything into a soft dough. This step blends the creamy cheese evenly throughout the base, setting the foundation for a tender bagel.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Turn your mixture onto a floured surface and knead the dough about 10 times. It should feel soft and pliable but not sticky or crumbly. Kneading just right helps develop a bit of gluten to give the bagels their chewiness without losing that soft texture you want. Once kneaded, shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a clean tea towel to rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius. This steady, moderate heat will gently bake the bagels to a golden, puffy finish without drying them out.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Lightly flour your surface and roll the rested dough into a log shape. Cut the log into four equal pieces and then roll each piece into a rope about 6 to 7 inches long. Bring the ends together, pinching firmly to seal each one well so your bagels hold that classic ring shape during baking.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash and Seeds
Beat the egg, then brush it generously over the top of each bagel. This coat will give your bagels that shiny, golden crust everyone loves. Immediately sprinkle the sesame and poppy seed mix on top, pressing lightly so they stick well and add a lovely crunch and flavor burst.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Puffy
Place the bagels on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. You are looking for a beautiful puffed-up silhouette and a golden brown color all over. After removing from the oven, allow your bagels to cool completely for about 15 minutes before enjoying. This resting helps them set and develop their irresistible texture.
How to Serve Cheese Bagels Recipe
Garnishes
These cheese bagels shine with just a little extra love on top. Spread some herb-infused cream cheese or a swipe of tangy Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs like chives or dill add a fragrant freshness, while a thin slice of smoked salmon or tomato brings vibrant color and a savory touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your bagels with light, complementing sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh fruit. A side of scrambled eggs with a hint of garlic butter also complements the cheesy, fluffy bagels beautifully for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the bagels and fill them with your favorite sandwich ingredients—think avocado, turkey, and sprouts. You can also cut them into smaller rounds as a party appetizer topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon, making an elegant yet easy snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cheese bagels, stash them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without losing their fresh flavor or texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked bagels individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag. Frozen bagels will keep well for up to two months and can be thawed quickly when needed.
Reheating
To bring your bagels back to life, warm them gently in a toaster or oven at low heat. This will revive their crispy crust and soften the interior, making them taste just as delightful as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of full-fat?
While full-fat cottage cheese gives the best richness and moist texture, you can substitute low-fat versions. Just be aware the bagels might turn out slightly less tender and rich.
Do I need to boil the bagels before baking?
This particular Cheese Bagels Recipe skips boiling, relying instead on baking powder for leavening. It makes the process quicker and the bagels softer rather than chewy.
Can I add other types of cheese inside or on top?
Absolutely! Mixing grated cheddar or parmesan into the dough or sprinkling it on top before baking can add extra cheese flavor and a different texture profile.
Is it okay to substitute plain flour with whole wheat?
You can swap in whole wheat flour, but it might make the bagels denser and change the flavor. If you do, consider combining it with plain flour for a balanced crumb.
How long do these bagels keep fresh at room temperature?
When stored in an airtight container, these bagels remain fresh for about 1 to 2 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about pulling a warm, cheesy bagel fresh from the oven, and this Cheese Bagels Recipe makes that a reality in under an hour. Whether you’re new to bagel-making or looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing twist on breakfast or brunch, these bagels are just the right mix of easy and delicious. Go ahead and try them—you might just find your new favorite homemade treat!
Print
Cheese Bagels Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in homemade cheese bagels with this simple recipe combining creamy cottage cheese and a perfect blend of flours. These bagels are soft, fluffy, topped with a flavorful mix of sesame and poppy seeds, and baked to golden perfection in just 40 minutes—ideal for a fresh breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Cheese Bagels Ingredients
- 1 cup full fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup + 1 tbsp plain flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Mix of sesame and poppy seeds (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt (optional). Add the full fat cottage cheese and mix with a spatula, then combine with your hands to form a dough.
- Knead the dough: Knead the dough at least 10 times, ensuring it isn’t too sticky or dry. Shape it into a ball, cover with a tea towel, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 175°C (347°F) and allow it to fully preheat while the dough rests.
- Shape the dough: Flour your surface lightly and roll the dough into a log shape.
- Divide the dough: Cut the dough log into 4 equal pieces for individual bagels.
- Form bagels: Roll each piece into a 6-7 inch rope and join the ends to create a bagel shape, pinching firmly to secure the connection.
- Egg wash and topping: Beat the egg and brush it over the surface of each bagel. Sprinkle a mix of sesame and poppy seeds generously on top for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the bagels in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until they are puffed up and beautifully golden.
- Cool down: Remove the bagels from the oven and allow them to cool completely for 15 minutes before serving to ensure the texture sets perfectly.
Notes
- You can substitute full fat cottage cheese with ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Ensure you pinch the ends of the bagel rope tightly to prevent them from opening during baking.
- For a crispier crust, bake a baking tray with water on the bottom rack to create steam in the oven.
- These bagels are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or toaster for best results instead of microwave to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
