If you love bagels but wish they were just a bit lighter and higher in protein, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Cottage Cheese Flagels. They’ve got the same chewy texture and golden crust of your favorite bakery bagel — just flatter, faster to bake, and secretly made with protein-rich cottage cheese.
The first time I made them, it was one of those “clean out the fridge” mornings. I had a container of cottage cheese sitting there and a craving for a good bagel sandwich. I blended the cheese into my dough, flattened the shape, and baked — and out came these golden, chewy flat bagels that toasted perfectly and tasted amazing. Now, they’ve joined my breakfast favorites alongside Almond Flour Banana Bread and Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake.
Cottage Cheese Flagels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, flour, egg, and salt until a dough forms. Add extra flour 1 tablespoon at a time if too sticky.
- Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Roll into balls, flatten into discs about ½ inch thick, and poke a hole in the center.
- Brush with water or egg wash. Sprinkle with desired toppings.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Cottage Cheese Flagels
These Cottage Cheese Flagels deliver all the joy of bagels with a lighter, protein-boosted twist. Cottage cheese keeps the inside moist and tender while creating a chewy crust when baked. They’re easy to make, require no yeast or boiling, and are perfect for breakfast sandwiches, snacks, or quick lunches.
If you enjoy high-protein comfort recipes like my 3-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust or Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake, you’ll love how this simple recipe fits right into your routine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Flagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd or blended)
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or all-purpose with 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt)
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings: Everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds
For Serving:
- Cream cheese
- Smoked salmon
- Avocado or eggs for sandwiches
These are as versatile as my Cottage Cheese Beef Noodle Bake, which proves that cottage cheese can transform any basic recipe into something satisfying and wholesome.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Flagels
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese
In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. This step ensures a silky dough and eliminates any lumps.
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, mix the blended cottage cheese, flour, egg, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour — about 1 tablespoon at a time.
Step 4: Shape the Flagels
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, flatten into a disc (about ½ inch thick), and use your fingers to poke a hole in the center to form that classic bagel shape.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Brush each flagel lightly with water or egg wash, then sprinkle with your favorite toppings — sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or a mix of both.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place the flagels on your baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and firm.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let them cool slightly before slicing, toasting, or topping with your favorite spreads.
Just like my One-Pan Chicken Gallaba Skillet, this recipe is all about easy steps and satisfying results — minimal prep, maximum flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Flagels
- Blend your cottage cheese: Smooth texture = perfect chewy crumb.
- Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps them bake evenly.
- Don’t overbake: They should be golden, not hard.
- Customize the flavor: Add herbs, cheese, or garlic powder for variety.
These are the same tricks I use when baking Cottage Cheese Beef Stroganoff — keep things simple, but make every ingredient count.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Flagels
You can enjoy Cottage Cheese Flagels a thousand different ways:
| Style | Topping Ideas |
|---|---|
| Classic Breakfast | Cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers |
| Savory Lunch | Turkey, cheddar, and avocado |
| Sweet Snack | Peanut butter and sliced banana |
| Mini Pizzas | Marinara, mozzarella, and pepperoni |
They’re just as versatile as my Low Carb Crustless Pizza Bowl — a fun, customizable way to enjoy comfort food with a twist.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store cooled flagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast straight from frozen.
Reheating: Toast in a toaster oven or air fryer until warm and slightly crisp.
They store and reheat beautifully, just like my Chicken Curry Recipe.
Flavor Variations
- Cheddar & Chive Flagels: Add shredded cheddar and chopped chives to the dough.
- Garlic Herb Flagels: Mix in garlic powder, oregano, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Sweet Cinnamon Flagels: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a bit of honey for a breakfast twist.
- Seed Lover’s Flagels: Coat with flax, sesame, and sunflower seeds before baking.
Much like my Hearty Pasta Fagioli Soup, these are easy to adapt — one basic recipe, endless flavor possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes flagels different from bagels?
Flagels are flatter, bake faster, and have a crispier exterior but the same chewy bite.
2. Can I make these without flour?
You can use almond flour or oat flour for a gluten-free version, but the texture will be softer.
3. Are Cottage Cheese Flagels healthier than regular bagels?
Yes! They’re higher in protein and lower in carbs and calories.
4. Can I make them in an air fryer?
Definitely. Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until golden and firm.
The Final Bite
These Cottage Cheese Flagels are everything you want in a bagel — chewy, flavorful, and satisfyingly dense — without the long wait or heavy carbs. They’re perfect for quick breakfasts, easy lunches, or meal prep mornings when you need something hearty but wholesome.
Every bite has that classic bagel chew with a boost of cottage cheese creaminess, proving that you can have comfort and nutrition in the same bite. Whether topped with smoked salmon or peanut butter and banana, these flagels are going to be a new household favorite.