Cottage Cheese Veggie Bagels are a tasty start to your day! These bagels are stuffed with creamy cottage cheese and colorful veggies, bringing lots of flavor and fun to breakfast.
Perfect for those busy mornings when you need something quick, I love spreading some extra cottage cheese on top before munching down. It’s like a party for my taste buds! 🎉
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your bagels. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour, but you might need to add a bit more water as it’s more absorbent.
Active dry yeast: This helps the bagels rise. If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can use instant yeast. Just skip the frothing step; mix it directly into the flour.
Cottage cheese: For a creamier filling, you could substitute ricotta cheese. Greek yogurt can also work if you’re going for a tangy flavor.
Bell peppers: Feel free to swap mixed bell peppers with any color you prefer or even use finely diced zucchini for a change.
Spices: If you don’t have dried herbs on hand, Italian seasoning is a great alternative! For an extra kick, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the flavor.
How Do I Successfully Shape and Boil Bagels?
Shaping and boiling the bagels can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right. After letting your dough rise, punch it down and divide it into equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball and gently poke a hole in the center. Stretch the hole to form a ring. Just be gentle to keep the dough from tearing!
- Use a slightly floured surface to help prevent sticking.
- Boil each bagel for one minute on each side. This step is essential for getting that nice chewy texture.
Enjoying the process can make a big difference, so take your time and have fun while making these bagels!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Veggie Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bagels:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For The Topping & Filling:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (creamy)
- ½ cup spinach, finely chopped
- ¼ cup mixed bell peppers, finely chopped (red, yellow, green)
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped (red or white)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (oregano, basil, or mixed Italian herbs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
For Boiling:
- 2 quarts water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to let the dough rise. After that, you’ll spend another 30 minutes baking and cooling. In total, expect around 1 hour and 45 minutes before you can enjoy your tasty bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
Start by dissolving the sugar and yeast in warm water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it’s frothy—that means the yeast is working! In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Next, add the yeast mixture and olive oil to the flour. Mix everything together and knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Filling:
While your dough is rising, it’s time to make the filling! In a separate bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, chopped spinach, bell peppers, onion, dried herbs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if you want a little heat. Stir everything until well combined and set it aside.
3. Shape the Bagels:
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Punch the dough down to release the air and divide it into 5 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your thumb to poke a hole in the center. Gently stretch the dough to form a ring. Then, carefully spoon the cottage cheese veggie mixture into the center of each bagel, pressing the filling down slightly to keep it in place.
4. Boil the Bagels:
In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Stir in the sugar and baking soda. Carefully drop each bagel into the boiling water and let them cook for 1 minute on each side. When they’re done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on the lined baking tray.
5. Add Toppings and Bake:
Brush the tops of the bagels with olive oil. Sprinkle sesame seeds and any extra dried herbs you like over them. Bake the bagels in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve:
Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These bagels are delicious warm or at room temperature, making them a perfect savory treat for breakfast or a snack!
This recipe yields 5 savory cottage cheese veggie bagels, each with a golden crust, hearty filling, and delicious herbs. Enjoy your homemade bagels!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works just fine and will still give you a creamy texture. Just keep in mind that it may be a bit less rich in flavor.
How to Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. To enjoy them later, just thaw and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Filling?
Yes, feel free to customize the filling! Zucchini, carrots, or even mushrooms can be great additions. Just make sure to finely chop them and potentially sauté for added flavor and moisture control.
What If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you’re using warm water (not hot), as too much heat can kill the yeast. If needed, start with a new batch of yeast!
