Name: Herbed Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese — Creates moisture and richness while adding protein and helping produce a tender interior.; 1¾ cups self-rising flour — Provides structure and the leavening necessary for the bagels to puff without yeast.; ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese — Adds salty, nutty richness throughout the dough.; 1 large egg — Helps bind the ingredients together while contributing structure and richness.; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped — Adds freshness, color, and a mild herbal flavor.; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped — Bring a delicate onion-like flavor that pairs particularly well with Parmesan.; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — Adds a fragrant blend of classic herbs and gives the bagels additional savory depth.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder — Distributes garlic flavor evenly throughout the dough.; ½ teaspoon onion powder — Adds another layer of savory flavor that complements the herbs and cheese.; ¼ teaspoon black pepper — Provides subtle warmth and balances the richness of the Parmesan.; 1 teaspoon olive oil — Adds a touch of richness and helps keep the dough tender.; 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese — Creates a salty, cheesy, lightly golden surface.; 1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella, optional — Adds extra melted cheese and richness.; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional — Provides a subtle nutty flavor and delicate texture.; 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning, optional — Adds classic bagel flavor and extra texture.; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or chives — Gives the finished bagels a fresh, colorful garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these savory cottage cheese bagels and why each ingredient matters.

1 cup cottage cheese — Creates moisture and richness while adding protein and helping produce a tender interior.
1¾ cups self-rising flour — Provides structure and the leavening necessary for the bagels to puff without yeast.
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese — Adds salty, nutty richness throughout the dough.
1 large egg — Helps bind the ingredients together while contributing structure and richness.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped — Adds freshness, color, and a mild herbal flavor.
2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped — Bring a delicate onion-like flavor that pairs particularly well with Parmesan.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — Adds a fragrant blend of classic herbs and gives the bagels additional savory depth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder — Distributes garlic flavor evenly throughout the dough.
½ teaspoon onion powder — Adds another layer of savory flavor that complements the herbs and cheese.
¼ teaspoon black pepper — Provides subtle warmth and balances the richness of the Parmesan.
1 teaspoon olive oil — Adds a touch of richness and helps keep the dough tender.

For the Topping

2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese — Creates a salty, cheesy, lightly golden surface.
1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella, optional — Adds extra melted cheese and richness.
1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional — Provides a subtle nutty flavor and delicate texture.
1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning, optional — Adds classic bagel flavor and extra texture.
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or chives — Gives the finished bagels a fresh, colorful garnish.

Instructions

These bagels require no yeast or proofing, making the process much easier than traditional homemade bagels.

Step 1: Prepare the Cottage Cheese

Place the cottage cheese and egg in a large mixing bowl.

Stir until thoroughly combined.

For a smoother bagel interior, briefly blend the cottage cheese before combining it with the egg. This breaks down the curds and creates a more uniform dough.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the self-rising flour, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Stir gently until the ingredients begin coming together into a soft dough.

Avoid aggressively mixing or kneading the dough.

Step 3: Add the Fresh Herbs

Fold in the finely chopped parsley, chives, and olive oil.

Continue mixing just until the herbs are evenly distributed and a cohesive dough forms.

You should see small flecks of fresh green herbs throughout the dough.

Step 4: Adjust the Dough

Cottage cheese can vary in moisture content, so the exact consistency of your dough may vary slightly.

If the dough is too sticky to handle, add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time.

Stop adding flour as soon as the dough becomes soft and manageable. Adding too much can result in dense or dry bagels.

Step 5: Shape the Bagels

Divide the dough into 6 equal portions.

Lightly flour your hands and roll each portion into a smooth ball.

Press your thumb through the center of each ball and gently stretch the opening to create a traditional bagel shape.

Make the center holes large enough to account for some expansion during baking.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the six shaped bagels on top, leaving a little space between them.

Step 7: Add the Toppings

Sprinkle each bagel with finely grated Parmesan.

Add the optional mozzarella for an extra-cheesy finish.

Finish with sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or a combination of your favorite toppings.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 22–27 minutes, or until the bagels are puffed, cooked through, and beautifully golden brown.

The Parmesan and optional mozzarella should be melted with lightly golden edges.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Remove the bagels from the oven and allow them to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

This short cooling period helps the soft interior finish setting.

Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and enjoy while slightly warm, or slice and toast before adding your favorite toppings.