Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast that’s delightfully sweet yet packed with protein, you’re going to adore this Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe. I remember the first time I tried making bagels with cottage cheese—I was skeptical, but the result was surprisingly soft, slightly sweet with just the right fruity pop. You’ll find that these bagels are not only delicious but quick to whip up, especially using an air fryer. Whether you want a fun weekend brunch or a tasty snack, these strawberry-infused bagels hit the spot every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Combining simple pantry staples with a punch of strawberry flavor, these ingredients work harmoniously to create a soft, slightly sweet bagel dough. A couple of shopping tips: choose full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture, and if you can find freeze-dried strawberry powder, it really elevates the flavor without making the dough soggy.

• Blended Cottage Cheese: I blend it until smooth to ensure a tender dough without curds that might break up the texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the base that gives body to the bagels—make sure it’s freshly measured for best results.
• Baking Powder: Acts as a gentle leavening agent to keep these bagels light without yeast troubles.
• Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder: I love this because it lends that natural fruit flavor without moisture, preventing a soggy dough.
• Brown Sugar: It adds warmth and a subtle caramel note that pairs perfectly with strawberries.
• Large Egg: Used to brush the bagels for a lovely golden finish.

Variations

I love that this Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe can be easily customized to suit whatever you have on hand or the flavors you prefer. Feel free to experiment with different berries or switch up the sweetness to your liking. You might find a new favorite way to enjoy these bagels!

• Use Fresh or Frozen Strawberries: I’ve swapped the freeze-dried powder for diced fresh or frozen strawberries before, and it works—just be mindful the dough might be a bit wetter and requires extra flour to balance.
• Swap Cottage Cheese for Skyr Yogurt: Once, I tried Greek skyr yogurt instead of blended cottage cheese and was pleasantly surprised by the creamy texture that still held up well.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bagel, simply reduce the brown sugar; I often cut it down especially if serving with sweet toppings.
• Try Other Freeze-Dried Fruits: Blueberry or raspberry powder can add a unique twist while keeping the same texture benefits.

How to Make Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

Step 1: Combine and Form the Dough

Start by preheating your air fryer to 350℉ to save time. In a large bowl, mix together your blended cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, sea salt, freeze-dried strawberry powder, and brown sugar. I like using a silicone or wooden spoon because the dough is a bit sticky. Once your mixture starts coming together, switch to your hands and press the dough until it forms a cohesive ball. This part is so satisfying—you’ll notice the dough getting more pliable and smooth with a few presses.

Step 2: Knead and Shape the Bagels

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until smooth. You may need to sprinkle some flour on top and underneath to keep it from sticking too much. Then divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each into a ball and lightly flatten it. Use the rounded end of a spoon or your finger to poke a hole in the center, then gently stretch it until you have a neat hole that won’t close during cooking. This shaping trick keeps your bagels looking classic and ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Prepare and Air Fry

Brush both the tops and bottoms of your bagels with beaten egg—the egg wash gives a gorgeous golden shine once cooked. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the bagels inside (you might have to do this in two batches). Air fry the first side for 6 minutes, then carefully flip them and cook for another 6. When done, the bagels should be golden and slightly springy to the touch. Let them cool for 5 minutes to firm up before slicing.

How to Serve Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these bagels with a smear of cream cheese mixed with a little honey and fresh strawberry slices for an added burst of freshness. Sometimes I sprinkle some chia seeds or crushed pistachios for subtle crunch and nutrition. The strawberry flavor in the dough makes these toppings taste extra vibrant.

Side Dishes

Pair your strawberry cottage cheese bagels with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a fresh fruit salad to keep the meal bright and not too heavy. A glass of chilled iced tea or a hot cup of your favorite tea complements the sweet and tangy profile perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch, I arrange bagel halves on a platter with dollops of flavored cream cheese, berries, edible flowers, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Another fun idea is to turn them into mini bagel sandwiches with your favorite deli fillings or even a scoop of berry jam and mascarpone for a dessert-like treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling completely, I wrap the leftover bagels tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, which is perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks midweek.

Freezing

I often freeze these bagels in a zip-top bag separated by parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They keep well for up to 2 months. Freezing is super handy if you want to batch-make and enjoy them anytime with minimal effort.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop frozen bagels directly into a toaster or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. This method keeps them from becoming soggy and brings back that fresh-baked texture I love.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe brings together the best of fruit sweetness and creamy texture without any fuss. When I first tried it, I was thrilled to discover how simple and fast it is—and how my whole family goes crazy for them! If you want a fun, fresh way to brighten up your mornings or impress at your next brunch, give these bagels a go. I promise you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!

Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagels Recipe

4.5 from 125 reviews

• Author: Jessica
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 bagels
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Delicious and fluffy Strawberry Cottage Cheese Bagels made with a blend of cottage cheese and freeze-dried strawberry powder, baked to perfection in an air fryer. These bagels have a subtle fruity sweetness and a soft texture, perfect for a tasty breakfast or snack.

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Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup blended cottage cheese
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 350℉ to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the bagels.
2. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, sea salt, freeze-dried strawberry powder, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly using a silicone or wooden spoon until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture starts to form a dough.
3. Form Dough Ball: Using your hands, press together the mixture to form a cohesive dough ball that holds together well.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface and knead it gently until smooth. If the dough is sticky, sprinkle additional flour on top and bottom as needed to prevent sticking.
5. Shape Bagels: Divide the kneaded dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then lightly flatten each ball. Use the end of a rounded spoon or your finger to poke a hole in the center, stretching it carefully so it doesn’t close while cooking.
6. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops and bottoms of each bagel lightly with the beaten egg to give them a golden finish after air frying.
7. Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
8. Air Fry Bagels: Place the bagels in the basket, air fry for 6 minutes, then carefully flip them over and air fry for another 6 minutes. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the bagels in two batches.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the bagels from the air fryer and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed plain or with your favorite toppings like cream cheese, butter, or fresh fruit.

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Notes

• Oven instructions: Preheat the oven to 400℉, follow steps 2 through 5, and bake the bagels for 12 minutes instead of air frying.
• Fresh or frozen strawberries can be used in place of freeze-dried strawberry powder—use 1 cup diced fresh or frozen strawberries.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing the amount of brown sugar according to your preference.
• To make freeze-dried strawberry powder, grind freeze-dried strawberries in a clean coffee grinder or a small food processor until fine.
• Substitute 1 cup of skyr yogurt for the blended cottage cheese as an alternative—it works great in the recipe.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bagel
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg