I know, I know, I am not supposed to eat dairy but I recently found out through a blood test that I am VERY low in B12. Cottage cheese has a good amount of B12, which is how this whole thing came about in my kitchen.
Cottage Cheese is so ewie by itself, but putting these two ingredients together was delightful. Cottage cheese does have it’s benefits though so once in a while, I think it is something I will continue to make. It literally took two minutes to make and then 30 minutes to bake.
Cottage cheese is a tasty and nutritious food that comes with a bunch of great benefits! Here’s why you might want to consider adding it to your meals:
- Packed with Protein: Cottage cheese is a fantastic source of protein, which is super important for building and repairing muscles. Whether you’re hitting the gym or just looking to stay fit, it’s a delicious way to get your protein fix!
- Light on Calories: If you’re watching your calorie intake, cottage cheese is a great option. It’s low in calories, so you can enjoy it without worrying too much about your waistline.
- Calcium Boost: This dairy delight is rich in calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Regularly enjoying cottage cheese can help keep your bones strong as you age.
- B Vitamins Galore: Cottage cheese is loaded with B vitamins like B12 and riboflavin, which help give you energy and keep your metabolism running smoothly. It’s a little energy booster in a bowl!
- Gut-Friendly: It contains probiotics that can be great for your digestive health. A happy gut can make a big difference in how you feel overall!
- Super Versatile: You can eat cottage cheese by itself, mix it into salads, whip it into smoothies, or use it in various recipes. It’s so easy to fit into your favorite meals!
- Keeps You Full: Thanks to its high protein content, cottage cheese can help keep you feeling satisfied for longer. It’s perfect for curbing those pesky snack cravings!
- Low Carb Option: If you’re trying to reduce carbs, cottage cheese is a great choice as it’s lower in carbs compared to many other dairy options.
PS: In my opinion, these are best when eaten on the same day. They tend to dry out in the refrigerator.
Cottage Cheese Bagel
Give it a try. :-)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese Aldi has the best price and each container is one cup
- 1 cup gluten-free self rising flour see recipe notes if you do not have self-rising flour
- 4 tbsp toppings I used everything but the bagel but your do YOU
- 1 whole egg for egg wash, optional
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 F ( 176 Celsius) and position the rack to the top position. ( not the top top but the one right below it. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or use a nonstick mat.
- Place the cottage cheese in the food processor or blender and pulse or blend on high until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. You want to try and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Transfer the cottage cheese mixture to a bowl and add your flour and baking soda. Mix until thoroughly combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Additionally, you can kneed this by hand. Just place the dough on some parchment paper. You might need to add some water to your hands so it does not stick and a little flour to the parchment paper. You want to achieve a smooth ball that is not sticky.
- Divide the ball into four equal balls. This next part is not an exact science. I stick my finger in the middle and move it around making a circle in the middle. Honestly, you could skip this part and just make a flatbread. I do this often because it is easier. I take one of the balls and just smoosh it down with the palm of my hand. Resist the urge to flatten the bagels or the flatbreads too much. There is no gluten in these so they will not have a rise.
- Once the bagels are on the parchment paper/nonstick mat you can top them with your favorite topping. Everything but the bagel seasoning works great here. See the recipe notes for some other options. If you want to use an egg wash just whip one egg in a bowl, then brush on the bagels. I have made these with and without the egg wash. The egg wash gives it a shiny crunch texture. You do YOU.
- Bake in the oven until they are golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Do watch them to make sure they do not get too brown. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. YES you must wait. Remember, if you cut into anything gluten-free right out of the oven you will get a dense goey product.
Notes
Gluten Free Self-rising flour ( I use Dove Farms FREE ) is a thing here in Portugal but I did not see it often in the States. Here is a way to make your own. There are various ways to do it but I think this is the best. Mix 1 cup of a quality gluten-free flour blend with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Bagel topping suggestions:
- Sesame Seeds
- Cinnamon
- Jalapeños
- Dried cranberries
- Poppy seeds
- Peanut butter and apple slices
- Hummus
