Ingredients
Method
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend: Place cottage cheese in a blender and process until completely smooth.
- Mix Dough: In a bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Add the blended cottage cheese and one egg. Stir until a dough forms.
- Shape: Divide dough into 4 balls. Roll into ropes and loop into bagel shapes. Place on the baking sheet.
- Season: Brush with the second egg (beaten) and sprinkle with Everything Bagel Seasoning.
- Bake: Bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Assemble: Slice the bagels. Top with spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta. Drizzle with olive oil and herbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- The Texture Secret: You must blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth. If you skip this, the bagels will have visible white curds and an uneven texture.
- Dough Management: The dough is naturally stickier than traditional yeast dough. Lightly flour your hands or use a small amount of water on your palms to shape the ropes without sticking.
- The "Set" Time: Do not slice the bagels immediately after baking. Let them rest for 10–15 minutes on a cooling rack; this allows the internal crumb to finish setting so they aren't "gummy" inside.
- Fat Content: For the best flavor and a texture that mimics real bread, use 4% (Full-Fat) cottage cheese. Fat-free versions can result in a flatter, drier bagel.
- Air Fryer Hack: If using an air fryer, cook at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Flip them halfway through if your air fryer doesn't have good bottom airflow.
- Crispiness: If you prefer a crunchier exterior, toast the sliced bagel before adding your Mediterranean toppings. The moisture from the veggies can soften the bagel over time.
