Are you craving something warm, comforting, and healthy… but also easy to whip up? Let me introduce you to your next favorite snack: Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites. With only five simple ingredients, no kneading, and just 10 minutes of cooking time, these little protein-packed wonders are about to become your go-to treat — whether it’s for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or a cozy snack in the evening.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💛
Picture this: You’re standing in your kitchen, wondering what you can make that’s not boring, not loaded with sugar, and doesn’t take forever to prepare. That’s exactly where I was when I first stumbled upon the idea of Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites.
They’re warm, chewy, and satisfying—kind of like your favorite bakery bagel, only mini, faster, and way more nutritious. Plus, these bites are:
- High in protein thanks to the cottage cheese and egg
- Low in carbs (only 2g net per 2 bites!)
- Naturally gluten-free if you use almond flour
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- And best of all? Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly 🙌
Whether you’re watching carbs, trying to get more protein, or just want a smarter snack option, these bagel bites will have you hooked.
Ingredients 🧺
You only need 5 base ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat works)
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup almond flour (or substitute with oat flour for a nut-free version)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings (totally customizable):
- Everything bagel seasoning
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded cheese
- Dried herbs or garlic powder
Step-by-Step Directions 🔪
1. Prep Your Cooking Method
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C)
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper
Tip: If using an air fryer, give the basket a light spray of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Blend & Mix
- In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese and egg until smooth and creamy.
- In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese mixture with almond flour, baking powder, and salt until a sticky dough forms.
Don’t worry if it’s soft – that’s what gives it that airy, chewy texture after baking!
3. Shape the Bites
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls.
- Gently flatten each ball and place them onto your prepared tray or air fryer basket.
- Sprinkle your chosen toppings generously.
4. Bake or Air Fry
- Air Fryer: Cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and slightly puffed.
- Oven: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the tops are lightly golden.
Watch closely near the end — each air fryer/oven is a little different.
5. Cool & Serve
- Let them cool for a few minutes so they firm up.
- Serve warm as-is or with a side of cream cheese, Greek yogurt dip, or avocado mash.
Serving & Storage Tips 🥡
- Serving ideas:
- Dip in marinara or spicy hummus
- Pair with eggs or turkey slices for breakfast
- Use them as mini bagel sliders filled with avocado, tuna salad, or cheese
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months – just reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven
They’re perfect for meal prep or packing into lunchboxes!
Helpful Notes & Variations 🧂
Want to personalize your Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites? Here are some easy swaps and pro tips:
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cottage cheese and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- Nut-free: Swap almond flour for oat flour
- Boost the flavor: Add 1 tsp garlic powder, onion flakes, or Italian seasoning into the dough
- Cheesy twist: Fold in shredded mozzarella or cheddar into the dough
These are so versatile—you can make them sweet too by skipping the salt and adding a touch of cinnamon and stevia!
Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites – High-Protein, 5-Ingredient Snack (Air Fryer or Oven!)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 bagel bites
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites made with just 5 ingredients. Easy, low-carb, gluten-free snack baked or air-fried in under 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
1 large egg
¾ cup almond flour (or oat flour)
1 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
Everything bagel seasoning
Sesame seeds
Shredded cheese
Fresh herbs (chives, dill, parsley)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Method
For Air Fryer: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
For Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Blend & Mix
Blend cottage cheese and egg until smooth (a blender or food processor works best).
In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese mixture with almond flour, baking powder, and salt until a sticky dough forms.
Step 3: Shape the Bites
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into small balls.
Flatten slightly and place on the prepared tray or air fryer basket.
Sprinkle with desired toppings.
Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Air Fryer: Cook for 8–10 minutes until golden and puffed.
Oven: Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden on top.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them warm with cream cheese, dip, or plain!
Notes
These freeze well—just reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven.
Swap in shredded cheese or herbs for a savory twist.
Make mini sandwiches by slicing and filling them with turkey, egg, or avocado.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Snack / Breakfast
- Method: Baking / Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
1. Can I make these with Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Greek yogurt works, though the texture may be a little denser. Use the same amount and strain if it’s very watery.
2. Are Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Just flash-freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven at 350°F until warm.
3. How many bites does this recipe make?
You’ll get about 10–12 bites, depending on how large you make them.
4. Can I use coconut flour instead of almond?
Not directly. Coconut flour is much more absorbent, so if using it, reduce the amount to about ¼ cup and adjust until the dough holds together.
5. Do they taste like cottage cheese?
Not really! Once baked, the cottage cheese melts into the dough, leaving behind a soft, cheesy texture without a strong flavor.
Nutritional Insight 🥗
Each serving (2 bites) contains approximately:
- 90 calories
- 6g protein
- 6g fat
- 2g net carbs
These Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites are perfect for low-carb diets, gluten-free lifestyles, or anyone looking to up their protein without added sugars or processed ingredients.
Compared to store-bought bagels or crackers, these offer better macros and real ingredients you can trust.
Reader Favorites: Similar Recipes You’ll Also Love
If you loved these Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other easy, high-protein recipes that are perfect for your snack and breakfast rotation:
Looking for a quick breakfast muffin that’s blender-friendly and macro-balanced?
➡️ Protein Boost Banana Blender Muffins
In the mood for a sweet-meets-savory treat in minutes?
➡️ Gooey Chocolate Pistachio Cottage Cheese Mug Cake
Craving a light, fruit-filled snack you can make in the air fryer?
➡️ Air Fryer Cottage Cheese Apple Fritters
Want more healthy, protein-packed recipes like this?
➡️ Follow me on Facebook for daily cooking inspo, kitchen hacks, and feel-good food ideas!
Final Thoughts 🌟
Snacking smart doesn’t have to mean bland rice cakes or dry protein bars. With these Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites, you get the comfort of a warm, bakery-style snack without the guilt — and without turning your kitchen into a war zone.
They’re quick, customizable, and family-approved. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.
👉 Now it’s your turn!
Try making a batch this week — and don’t forget to share your version in the comments or tag your creations online. Got a favorite dip or flavor combo? I’d love to hear it.
My mixture was wayyy to runny 🙁
I follow all the steps. Don’t know what went wrong 😕. I was so excited for these. Can you give any advice for next time. Thank you
Hi! 😊 Thank you so much for trying the recipe and for taking the time to leave a comment.
I’m so sorry your mixture turned out too runny — that can definitely be frustrating, especially when you’re excited to try something new! 🙁
Here are a few tips for next time:
Check the cottage cheese texture – Some brands are more liquidy than others. Try using full-fat cottage cheese and drain off any excess liquid before blending. You can even blot it gently with a paper towel if it seems very wet.
Adjust the flour – If the dough still feels runny, try adding 1–2 extra tablespoons of almond flour gradually until it forms a sticky (but not pourable) dough. Letting the dough sit for 5 minutes can also help it firm up slightly.
Chilling the dough – If it’s still soft, popping it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before shaping can help make it easier to work with.
Thanks again for your feedback — I really appreciate it and hope these tweaks help next time! 💛 Let me know if you give it another try!