Cottage Cheese and Olive Bagels
Highlighted under: Quick Prep Recipes
I love starting my day with a satisfying and delicious breakfast, and these Cottage Cheese and Olive Bagels never disappoint. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and briny olives creates a flavor explosion that elevates your morning routine. With their unique taste and appealing texture, these bagels are perfect for those who want something beyond the ordinary. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, meaning I can whip them up on busy mornings without sacrificing flavor. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
When I first decided to combine cottage cheese and olives into a bagel recipe, I wasn't sure how it would turn out. I tried several variations, adjusting the amount of cheese and olives until I found the perfect balance! The result was a deeply satisfying breakfast bagel that adds a gourmet touch to my morning routine.
One tip I learned is to use high-quality olives; they make all the difference in flavor. I also love baking these bagels fresh, as nothing compares to their warm, fluffy texture straight from the oven. Give them a try—I'm sure you’ll love them as much as I do!
Why You Will Love These Bagels
- Creamy cottage cheese adds a rich texture and protein boost
- Briny olives provide a flavor punch that awakens your palate
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light snack
Understanding the Ingredients
The star ingredients of these Cottage Cheese and Olive Bagels are the cottage cheese and olives. The cottage cheese contributes a creamy texture, making them denser than regular bagels while also providing a protein boost that keeps you full longer. When choosing cottage cheese, opt for a medium or large curd variety for a delightful bite. The olives add a briny flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the cheese, enhancing the overall taste experience.
Using different types of olives can dramatically alter the flavor profile of your bagels. Green olives lend a more tangy punch, while black olives provide a subtle sweetness. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with stuffed olives or even add herbs to your dough for extra flavor. Just be sure to chop the olives finely to ensure they’re evenly distributed throughout the bagel.
Perfecting Your Dough Technique
Kneading is crucial for developing gluten in your bagel dough, which contributes to their characteristic chewiness. When kneading by hand, aim for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back slightly when poked. If you're mixing by stand mixer, use the dough hook attachment at medium speed to achieve the same texture.
If your dough seems sticky, you can add a sprinkle of flour, but be cautious not to overdo it; too much flour can lead to dry bagels. Not rising as expected? Ensure your yeast is active—this can be checked by dissolving it in warm water (100°F to 110°F) with a pinch of sugar and waiting for it to froth. If it doesn’t, it’s time to get a new packet.
Baking to Perfection
Boiling the bagels is a critical step that gives them a unique texture with a shiny crust. Make sure your water is at a rolling boil before adding the bagels, and don’t overcrowd the pot; boiling two at a time helps maintain a steady temperature. After boiling for two minutes on each side, you should notice a slight swell in the bagels—this is a sign they’re ready to go into the oven.
Baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes will yield golden-brown bagels. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes; remove them from the oven when they're deeply golden, as this ensures a perfect crust while keeping the interior soft. If you prefer a softer bagel, reduce baking time by 5 minutes; for extra crunch, leave them in an additional 3 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Bagels
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
Mix all ingredients until a dough forms. Let it rise before shaping into bagels.
Instructions
Prepare the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sliced olives, olive oil, honey, warm water, and yeast. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Knead and Rise
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
Shape the Bagels
After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and use your thumb to make a hole in the center, forming the bagel shape.
Boil and Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and boil each bagel for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from water, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Allow the bagels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as is or spread with cream cheese!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs or spices to the dough, such as garlic powder or dried oregano.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Cottage Cheese and Olive Bagels can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them after they cool completely. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm them in a toaster or oven until heated through.
For a quick breakfast option, consider slicing and toasting the bagels before freezing. This ensures they are ready to eat with minimal prep in the mornings. They can be served with a smear of cream cheese or topped with fresh tomato slices and a sprinkle of herbs for a delightful and nutritious meal.
Serving Suggestions
These bagels are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways beyond breakfast. They make a fantastic base for a sandwich, especially with smoked salmon, capers, and herbed cream cheese. Alternatively, slice and serve them with your favorite dips, like hummus or pesto, for a savory snack or appetizer at your next gathering.
For a fun twist, you can also use these bagels as a base for a mini brunch spread. Top them with poached eggs, arugula, and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce for a bagel Benedict that will impress guests. Pair them with a refreshing salad or a creamy soup to round out the meal.
Variations to Try
Feel free to customize the flavor of your bagels! For an herbed variation, mix in chopped fresh herbs such as dill, chives, or thyme along with the olives. You can also add grated cheese to the dough for a cheesy bagel experience. Experimenting with spices like garlic powder or onion powder can also contribute a unique twist to the flavor profile.
If you're looking for a lower-carb option, consider using almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour. The texture will change slightly, so adjust the liquid content as necessary to achieve the right dough consistency. Just remember, when altering the ingredients, the baking time may also need adjustments for the perfect outcome.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture slightly. Adjust the water content if necessary.
→ How do I store leftover bagels?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.
→ Can I add other toppings to the bagels?
Absolutely! Feel free to add seeds, spices, or even a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking.
→ What can I serve with these bagels?
They pair wonderfully with cream cheese, hummus, or even a fresh egg to create a delicious breakfast sandwich.
Cottage Cheese and Olive Bagels
I love starting my day with a satisfying and delicious breakfast, and these Cottage Cheese and Olive Bagels never disappoint. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and briny olives creates a flavor explosion that elevates your morning routine. With their unique taste and appealing texture, these bagels are perfect for those who want something beyond the ordinary. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, meaning I can whip them up on busy mornings without sacrificing flavor. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Quick Prep Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 bagels
What You'll Need
For the Bagels
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 packet active dry yeast
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sliced olives, olive oil, honey, warm water, and yeast. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 5 minutes until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.
After rising, punch down the dough and divide it into 4 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and use your thumb to make a hole in the center, forming the bagel shape.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and boil each bagel for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from water, place on a baking sheet, and bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs or spices to the dough, such as garlic powder or dried oregano.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 10g