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Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels

Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels

Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels are a savory, cheesy baked treat combining the bold flavor of garlic with sharp Parmesan and creamy cottage cheese. These homemade bagels deliver a perfect balance of chewiness and tenderness, packed with protein and easy to customize for any meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Toppings

  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
  • Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano (optional)

Optional Add-ins

  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne for spice
  • Egg wash (1 beaten egg) for shiny crust

Instructions

  1. Activate the Yeast: Combine warm water and sugar in a bowl, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Mix the Dough Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced fresh garlic, salt, and cottage cheese. Pour in the frothy yeast mixture and olive oil, mixing everything until it forms a shaggy dough.
  3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 to 10 minutes to develop gluten, which gives the bagels their signature chewy texture and elasticity.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.
  5. Shape the Bagels: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole with your finger through the center and gently stretch it to form a ring shape.
  6. Boil the Bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, optionally adding a little baking soda or honey. Gently boil the bagels for 1 to 2 minutes on each side to develop the classic chewy crust.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Place the boiled bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or seeds. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and fragrant.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure proper yeast activation and smooth dough mixing.
  • Boiling the bagels before baking is essential to achieve the classic chewy crust unique to bagels.
  • Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered alternatives.
  • Allow the dough sufficient rising time to ensure fluffy, airy bagels with great texture inside.
  • For a shiny, golden crust, brush the bagels lightly with beaten egg before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic bagels, Parmesan bagels, Cottage cheese bagels, Homemade bagels, Savory bagels, Protein-packed bagels