These Cottage Cheese Veggie Bagels are not only tasty but also packed with goodness! Each bagel is topped with fresh veggies and creamy cottage cheese for a nutritious start to your day.
Who knew bagels could be healthy? I love mixing and matching my favorite veggies on top. It’s like a colorful party for your taste buds, and it’s super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is great for a basic bagel texture. If you’re gluten-sensitive, you might try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, just keep in mind the texture might change a bit.
Cottage Cheese: Essential for a creamy filling. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or almond yogurt, which can give a nice texture and flavor too.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This adds fantastic flavor! If you don’t have this blend, mix poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and garlic powder as a quick alternative. You could even experiment with spices you love.
Vegetables: Cucumber and bell pepper are fresh and crunchy in the filling. You can swap in diced zucchini or carrots for variety. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can also enhance the flavor.
How Do You Get Perfectly Shaped Bagels?
Shaping bagels can be tricky, but it’s really about practice. First, after dividing the dough, roll each piece into a smooth ball. Then, use your thumb to poke a hole in the center and gently stretch it out. Aim for about a 3-inch diameter to get that classic bagel look! Don’t worry about being perfect; homemade vibes are always welcome.
- Ensure your hands are floured to prevent sticking.
- Work gently so you don’t deflate the dough too much.
- Let the shaped bagels rise before boiling; this helps achieve that chewy texture.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Veggie Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bagels:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried onion flakes, dried garlic flakes, sea salt, dried parsley)
For The Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach or basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a subtle kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare the dough, plus 1 hour and 30 minutes for rising and baking. You will spend approximately 15 minutes making the filling while the bagels bake. In total, you’re looking at around 2 hours from start to finish before you can enjoy your delicious bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bagel Dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast together. Gradually pour in the warm water and olive oil. Use a spoon to stir everything until a rough dough starts to come together. Then, sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it feels smooth and elastic. This step is important for good texture!
2. First Rise:
Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl and cover it with a damp cloth or some plastic wrap. Find a warm spot in your kitchen and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This allows the yeast to work its magic!
3. Shape the Bagels:
After the first rise, gently punch down the dough to release any air. Divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. To shape the bagels, poke a hole in the center of each ball with your thumb and gently stretch it to form a ring that’s about 3 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfectly round – homemade is the way to go!
4. Second Rise:
Now, place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. This step helps them puff up nicely before boiling.
5. Boil the Bagels:
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. While you’re waiting for the water to boil, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the water is boiling, carefully drop in each bagel. Boil them for 1 minute on each side, then use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Add Toppings:
While the bagels are still wet from boiling, sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning generously over the tops. This will give your bagels that delicious crunchy topping we all love!
7. Bake:
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
8. Prepare the Filling:
While the bagels are baking, combine the cottage cheese, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped onion, and chopped spinach or basil in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and if you like a little heat, add in the optional chili flakes or smoked paprika. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
9. Assemble the Bagels:
When the bagels are out of the oven and have cooled slightly, slice each bagel in half. Spread a generous amount of your cottage cheese veggie filling inside, making them extra tasty and satisfying!
10. Serve:
Your Cottage Cheese Veggie Bagels are ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately or, if making ahead, keep the filling refrigerated and assemble just before you’re ready to eat for the freshest taste.
Enjoy your fresh homemade Cottage Cheese Veggie Bagels!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option! However, you may need to increase the water slightly since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start with an additional 1-2 tablespoons of warm water as needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
How Long Do These Bagels Last?
Freshly baked bagels are best enjoyed on the same day, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just slice them in half and wrap them well before freezing; they can be thawed and toasted later!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the filling. You can add chopped tomatoes, grated carrots, or even diced avocado for added flavor and nutrition. Just be cautious about moisture content; avoid overly watery vegetables.
How Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
To make the bagels vegan, simply substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based option like tofu spread or dairy-free yogurt. Ensure that the everything bagel seasoning is also vegan-friendly, and you’re good to go!
