Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine waking up on a busy weekday morning—no time to toast a bagel, and you’re craving something savory, warm, and comforting. That nostalgic everything bagel flavor hits just right. Now imagine it in a bite-sized, low-carb, protein-packed form—without dough and without guilt. That’s what these Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites – No Dough Needed! deliver.
These little bites are warm, toasty, cheesy, and just the right kind of satisfying. They’re gluten-free, keto-friendly, and so ridiculously easy that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, fixing a quick breakfast, or looking for a healthy snack, this one’s a game-changer.
Check out our favorite cottage cheese banana bread mug cake for another easy treat idea!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites – No Dough Needed!:
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup almond flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (divided)
Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella or cheddar (for extra cheesy goodness)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Cottage cheese
- Egg
- Almond flour
- Baking powder
- Garlic powder
- Half of the everything bagel seasoning
Mix until a thick, scoopable batter forms. The texture should be a bit chunky—don’t overmix. If adding cheese, fold it in gently.
2. Shape & Cook
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a mini muffin tin
- Spoon batter evenly into 8 mini muffin cups
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown and firm
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Scoop batter into small balls (hands or cookie scoop)
- Place on parchment in the air fryer
- Cook for 8–10 minutes until crispy and golden
3. Finish with Flavor
While the bites are still warm, sprinkle the remaining everything bagel seasoning over the top. Let them cool slightly—they firm up as they sit, making them perfect finger food.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Dip in cream cheese or Greek yogurt
- Pair with avocado slices or a soft-boiled egg
- Serve as part of a brunch spread
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Reheat in an air fryer or toaster oven for 3–4 minutes for best texture
Bonus Serving Suggestions & Flavor Pairings
Want to level up your Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites even more? These bites are versatile, which means you can pair them in tons of creative ways:
- Brunch Board: Add them to a low-carb brunch platter with hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, cucumber sticks, and mini cheese wheels.
- Snack Box for Meal Prep: Pack 3–4 bites with olives, a boiled egg, and sliced bell pepper for a perfect work snack.
- Dipping Sauce Pairings: Try them with whipped cream cheese, guacamole, or roasted red pepper hummus for added flavor.
They also make great appetizers—serve warm with toothpicks and a trio of dips for a protein-rich party snack!
Helpful Notes & Variations
Want to switch things up? You can turn Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites – No Dough Needed! into a cheesy breakfast sandwich alternative using egg wraps.
Substitutes:
- No almond flour? Use oat flour (not keto but still wholesome)
- Dairy-free? Swap cottage cheese with a thick dairy-free yogurt and skip cheese
Flavor Variations:
- Add finely chopped chives or green onion
- Use Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean twist
- Mix in cooked bacon bits for extra savory richness
Looking for inspiration? Try our fluffy cottage cheese cloud bread for another no-dough delight.
3 Irresistible Flavor Variations to Try
Craving a twist on the classic? Here are 3 crowd-pleasing spins on your Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites :
1. Spicy Jalapeño Cheddar
Add 1 tbsp finely diced jalapeños and 2 tbsp sharp cheddar to the batter. Top with extra cheddar before baking for a crispy cheese crown.
2. Italian Herb & Parmesan
Swap garlic powder for Italian seasoning and fold in 1 tbsp grated parmesan. Sprinkle dried basil on top before baking.
3. Vegan “Cheesy” Everything Bites
Use dairy-free cottage cheese and a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water). Add 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for that umami cheesy flavor.
These easy swaps make your kitchen the most exciting test kitchen on the block!
Print
Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites – No Dough Needed!
- Total Time: 15–20 minutes
Description
All the savory, toasty flavor of your favorite bagel—without the carbs or dough! These mini bites are packed with protein, super easy to make, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep on the go.
Ingredients
½ cup cottage cheese
1 egg
½ cup almond flour
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Batter
Combine cottage cheese, egg, almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and half the everything bagel seasoning. Stir until thick and scoopable.
Step 2: Shape & Cook
Option 1: Spoon into greased mini muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden.
Option 2: Shape into balls and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crisp and golden.
Step 3: Finish with Flavor
Sprinkle remaining everything bagel seasoning on top while warm. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Add 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesiness
Store in fridge; reheat in air fryer or toaster oven
Serve with cream cheese, avocado, or a soft-boiled egg
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Ricotta offers a smoother texture but will still bind well with the other ingredients. The taste will be slightly creamier.
How long do these stay fresh?
Up to 5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them for 2 months and reheat straight from frozen.
Are these bites kid-friendly?
Absolutely! They’re cheesy, soft, and savory—perfect for lunchboxes or picky eaters.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles or triples easily. Just use a larger mixing bowl and bake in batches.
Can I make them spicy?
Totally! Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the mix.
Don’t miss our triple berry cottage cheese oat muffins for a sweet twist on cottage cheese baking!
Nutritional Insight
Each serving (about 8 bites) contains:
- 220 kcal
- 15g protein
- 17g fat
- 4g net carbs
That’s a win for keto, gluten-free, and low-carb lifestyles. Cottage cheese is a powerhouse of protein and probiotics, while almond flour keeps things grain-free and nutrient-rich.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about these Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites – No Dough Needed!. They feel indulgent but keep your health goals on track. They’re satisfying, comforting, and just a little nostalgic—minus the carbs.
Go ahead—make a batch this week. You might never go back to bagels. Share the love, pin the recipe, or tell a friend who’s all about easy, healthy, protein-packed bites.
Don’t forget to check out our air fryer cottage cheese apple fritters—another fast and delicious recipe that fits your lifestyle.
So, what are you waiting for? These Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites – No Dough Needed! check all the boxes—easy, fast, flavorful, and low-carb. Try a batch of Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Bites – No Dough Needed! and bring joy back to snack time without compromising your goals.
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