There’s something comforting about starting the day with warm, homemade bagels—especially when they’re quick, protein-rich, and inspired by a smart twist like the Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe. Discovered during a morning rush to whip up something light yet filling, this version became a go-to favorite in the kitchen. Unlike traditional bagels, it skips the long rise time and swaps in cottage cheese for a creamy, protein-packed dough.
Whether you’re focused on energy, ease, or just curious about healthier breakfast swaps, this recipe delivers in flavor and feel. Plus, it pairs perfectly with meals from our breakfast collection or even our pink salt recipe for weight loss for those watching wellness goals. If you’re curious why the Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe is trending, it’s more than a fad—it works.
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What Makes Bethenny Frankel Cottage Cheese Bagels So Special
Easy Homemade Bagels With Protein and Simplicity
The real beauty of the Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe lies in its simplicity. No yeast. No resting. Just cottage cheese, self-rising flour, and a bit of egg wash. This dough mixes up in minutes and bakes into golden, chewy bagels that feel indulgent—without the guilt. Thanks to full-fat cottage cheese, each bagel offers satisfying texture and natural protein, making it a smart alternative to store-bought versions. The recipe also works with Greek yogurt if needed, though the consistency varies slightly.
Whether you bake or air fry, this method consistently delivers. We recommend pairing it with spreads like avocado or even incorporating it into a high-protein breakfast routine for added variety. It’s flexible enough for busy mornings and filling enough to keep you going till lunch.
“This recipe eliminates all the complicated steps of traditional bagel-making while boosting nutrition—perfect for busy families.”
— Jamie C., Recipe Developer
Did You Know? Cottage cheese helps lower the glycemic load of these bagels, offering a better option for steady energy levels than white flour alone.
Customizable Flavors for Every Palate
You can top these bagels with everything seasoning, sesame, asiago, or even poppy seeds. Want something sweeter? Cinnamon and monk fruit blend beautifully into the dough. While the Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe keeps things minimal, the flavor possibilities are endless. Even the shape can be tweaked—flatten them for sandwich thins or roll them smaller for snack bites.
This recipe also fits well into wellness-centered routines. If you’re exploring healthy flavor boosts, consider pairing your bagel with our pink salt detox mix. It’s a great way to balance something savory with a hydration boost in the morning.
Almond Flour Swaps & Nutrition in Bethenny Frankel Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe
Almond Flour and Gluten-Free Options That Still Work
One reason the Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe stands out is its flexibility. You can easily adjust it for dietary needs without compromising texture. If you’re avoiding gluten, swap the self-rising flour for a blend of gluten-free flour with xanthan gum, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. For a low-carb twist, almond flour works surprisingly well—though the result is softer and less structured.
To adapt this recipe using almond flour:
- Use 1 cup almond flour
- Add 1 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp kosher salt
- Combine with blended full-fat cottage cheese until a soft dough forms
Because almond flour lacks gluten, the dough will be stickier and a bit more delicate. Add extra flour slowly until it’s manageable. Whether you bake or air fry, you’ll get a satisfying result that fits many wellness routines. Bagels made this way also pair beautifully with clean options like our pink salt recipe to support hydration and balance in the morning.
Mistake to Avoid: Using low-fat or dry cottage cheese can make the dough crumbly or difficult to knead. Stick with full-fat varieties like Good Culture for best results.
Bethenny Frankel Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe: Quick, Protein-Packed, and Easy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Description
This Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe is high in protein, easy to bake or air fry, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a light, filling breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
125 g self-rising flour (Note 1)
210 g full-fat cottage cheese (Note 2)
1 large egg beaten, for egg wash
Toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, shredded asiago cheese, or poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend cottage cheese: 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.
- Add flour: Transfer it to a medium bowl and add the flour. Mix until completely combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a generously floured work surface and knead the dough 8-10 times, until smooth. Add more flour to the work surface as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
- Shape and season: Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into 4 equal balls. If you want them to be the exact same size you can weigh out each piece of dough to approximately 80g. Roll each ball out into a 6-7-inch rope, about 1-inch thick. Join the ends to make a circle and pinch the seam tightly to seal. Brush the tops with a beaten egg and top with your seasoning of choice.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until puffed and golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Bagels stay fresh in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 350 for 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray and air fry for 12-14 minutes, until golden brown and no longer doughy in the center.
Notes
- Flour: For gluten-free bagels, use 1 cup of a quality gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. Mix it with 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Cottage Cheese: A full-fat cottage cheese is best. The dough consistency varies by brand.
- Regular Flour: Substitute with all-purpose flour if needed.
- Greek Yogurt: You can also use plain Greek yogurt successfully.
- Sticky Dough: Dough texture will depend on your cottage cheese brand and measuring method. Adjust with more flour as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 182mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Nutrition Breakdown: What’s Inside One Bagel?
Nutritionally, this Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe is a solid breakfast choice. Each bagel offers about 180 calories, 11g of protein, and 25g of carbs, depending on ingredients and toppings. If you’re monitoring macros, it fits well into a balanced plate. And for those exploring high-protein mornings, it’s far superior to traditional white flour bagels.
Here’s a closer look:
Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 182mg |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
This recipe keeps you full without weighing you down, especially when paired with meals from our breakfast archive. It also makes a great post-workout snack thanks to its protein content.
If you’re wondering, “How many calories are in a cottage cheese bagel?”—the answer is: about 180, with satisfying fuel to start your day.
Bake or Air Fry? Best Method for Bethenny Frankel Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe
Oven vs. Air Fryer: Which Cooks It Better?
The Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe offers flexibility, but choosing between the oven or air fryer depends on your time and texture preferences. Both methods produce golden, chewy bagels—but they differ slightly in finish and time.
In the oven, bagels come out puffier with an even crust. The air fryer, on the other hand, delivers a slightly crispier outside with a soft center—perfect if you enjoy a toasted feel. Air frying is also faster, which makes it a top choice for busy mornings.
Comparison Table
| Method | Time | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 25–30 mins @ 375°F | Fluffy, golden, evenly baked |
| Air Fryer | 12–14 mins @ 350°F | Crispy edge, soft center, faster cook |
Pro Tip: Preheat the air fryer for at least 5 minutes and spray the basket lightly with oil to avoid sticking and ensure even browning.
The Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe performs well in both methods, but if you want a faster prep and crispier finish, the air fryer is your best friend. Still, many stick with the oven for its batch-baking ability—ideal when doubling the recipe for the week.
For those already meal-prepping with smart habits like our pink salt weight loss recipe, these bagels slot in beautifully as part of a balanced routine.
Step-by-Step Cooking Time Breakdown
No need to overthink this recipe. Once you’ve got your cottage cheese and flour ready, you’re 30 minutes from fresh, homemade bagels. Here’s the timeline:
Prep & Cooking Breakdown
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Blending cottage cheese | 2 minutes |
| Mixing dough | 5 minutes |
| Kneading + shaping | 5 minutes |
| Baking (oven) | 25–30 mins |
| Air frying | 12–14 mins |
Whether you’re air frying or baking, give them a 15-minute rest before slicing. The inside continues to set as they cool—part of what makes the Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe such a foolproof method.
If you’re looking to simplify breakfast prep while keeping it nourishing, this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. It fits right alongside staples like our classic cottage cheese bagel version and brings versatility to your home kitchen.
oppings, Storage & Creative Spins on Bethenny Frankel Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe
Best Toppings for the Bethenny Frankel Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe
The Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe is the perfect blank canvas for flavor. Whether you’re going savory or sweet, it holds up beautifully. For classic crunch, go with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds. Prefer something bold? Try shredded asiago, chili flakes, or even smoked paprika for heat. Sweet fans can blend cinnamon and stevia into the dough, then top with a light drizzle of almond butter post-bake.
These bagels also make great mini sandwiches. Fill them with egg salad, turkey and avocado, or Greek yogurt and berries for a high-protein snack. They even pair well with wellness-focused recipes like our pink salt morning drink for a balanced start.
“Bagels like this are proof that healthy food can be creative, easy, and crave-worthy. The structure from cottage cheese gives you versatility most doughs can’t.”
— Lila K., Holistic Nutrition Coach
Pro Tip: Toast bagels before topping to enhance texture, especially if storing them overnight.
How to Store and Customize Bethenny Frankel Cottage Cheese Bagels
This Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe stays fresh up to 4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, slice and freeze them. Just reheat in the toaster or air fryer when ready to eat.
Want to elevate the recipe further? Add flax or chia seeds to boost fiber, or sub in half almond flour for a denser, low-carb variation. You can also turn the dough into flatbreads or rolls—ideal for sliders or quick pizzas.
Need inspiration beyond breakfast? Browse our full breakfast category or explore how these bagels fit into everyday family meals. From busy weekdays to Sunday brunches, they offer a balance of taste and nutrition.
FAQs About Bethenny Frankel Cottage Cheese Bagel Recipe
Is cottage cheese good for bagels?
Yes. Cottage cheese creates a tender, protein-rich dough that holds shape without yeast. In the Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe, it also adds moisture, reducing the need for added fats or oils. The result is a fluffy, nutritious bagel with better macros than most store-bought options.
How long to cook Bethenny Frankel bagels?
If you’re baking, cook for 25–30 minutes at 375°F. In an air fryer, they’re done in just 12–14 minutes at 350°F. Let them cool for 15 minutes before slicing. The bethenny frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe works well in both methods, giving you flexibility based on your kitchen setup.
Can you use almond flour for cottage cheese bagels?
Yes, you can. Almond flour creates a softer, denser dough. Use 1 cup almond flour plus 1 tsp baking powder and ½ tsp kosher salt. It’s an easy swap that keeps the Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe low in carbs and gluten-free friendly.
How many calories are in a cottage cheese bagel?
On average, one bagel from the bethenny frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe has about 180 calories, 11g of protein, and 25g of carbs. If you’re using almond flour or additional toppings, adjust for those changes.
Conclusion: Why This Bagel Recipe Is Worth Repeating
The Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe combines speed, nutrition, and versatility in one delicious package. Whether you bake or air fry, top with cheese or go light with herbs, this recipe fits into real-life routines without the need for specialty tools or hours of prep. It’s perfect for meal prepping, family breakfasts, or healthy snacking throughout the week.
Already popular in homes focused on wellness, it joins the ranks of practical, reliable staples like our original cottage cheese bagel version and protein-forward options from our breakfast archives.
Keep a batch ready—you’ll thank yourself tomorrow.