Are high-protein bagels good for you?

Absolutely. Unlike empty-calorie bakery bagels which offer little nutritional value, these provide essential amino acids, calcium, and fiber (if using whole wheat flour) , making them a balanced meal component. They are a staple healthy bagel recipe for anyone tracking macros.

What is the highest protein breakfast item?

While eggs are the gold standard, adding these high protein bagels to your rotation gives you a carb-forward option that still helps you hit 30g of protein per meal, breaking up the monotony of egg scrambles.

Why are my bagels sticky?

Cottage cheese moisture varies by brand. If the dough sticks to your hands excessively, just add 1 extra tablespoon of flour at a time until it pulls away cleanly. Wetting your hands slightly with water or oil can also help with shaping without adding too much extra flour.

Can I make these vegan?

It is difficult because the cottage cheese is the primary structural component. You could try using a high-protein vegan yogurt (like soy or pea protein based) and self-rising flour, but the texture will be different.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, but you must use a quality "Cup-for-Cup" Gluten Free flour blend that contains Xanthan gum. Almond flour will not work here as it lacks the starch structure needed to rise without yeast. This allows you to enjoy no yeast bagels even on a gluten-free diet.

Oat flour behaves differently than wheat flour. You can use it, but you will need to add baking powder and salt manually (since self-rising oat flour isn't common) and likely use more flour to absorb the moisture. The texture will be denser and nuttier.

2-Ingredient High Protein Bagels (Oven or Air Fryer)

Description

These 2-Ingredient High Protein Bagels are a game changer. Made with a simple dough of blended cottage cheese and self-rising flour, they are yeast-free, no-boil, and pack 12g of protein each.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup Self-Rising Flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 cup Full Fat Cottage Cheese (blended smooth)
1 Egg (for egg wash, optional)
2 tbsp Everything Bagel Seasoning (or sesame/poppy seeds)

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Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or Air Fryer to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Blend: Place cottage cheese in a blender or food processor. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and blended cottage cheese. Stir with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead: Use clean hands to knead the dough in the bowl for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth, tacky ball. If it’s too sticky, add a sprinkle more flour.
Shape: Divide dough into 4 equal balls. Poke a hole in the center of each ball with your thumb and stretch it out to form a bagel shape. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Top: Whisk the egg in a small bowl. Brush the tops of the bagels with egg wash and sprinkle generously with seasoning.
Bake: Oven: Bake for 20-25 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Air Fryer: Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden.
Cool: Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the interior to set.

Notes

Self-Rising Flour Substitute: Mix 1 cup All-Purpose Flour + 1.5 tsp Baking Powder + 1/2 tsp Salt.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days, or refrigerator for 5 days.
Freezing: Slice completely, then freeze. Toast directly from frozen.

Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baked/Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Bagel
Calories: 160
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg