I still remember the moment I nailed my very first batch of Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels — and honestly, it felt like winning the baking lottery. I’d been hunting for a savory bagel recipe that was as easy as it was flavorful, something with that perfect mix of garlic parmesan flavors and a little something unexpected in the dough. When I discovered this gem with cottage cheese bagel dough, I knew it was going to be a game-changer for my kitchen.
This recipe quickly wove itself into my weekly cooking rhythm. Shelves of fancy bread mixes can pile up, but these homemade bagels? They’re straightforward, comfy, and utterly satisfying. The cheesy garlic breakfast bread vibe is real here — soft, tender inside with a delightful chewy crust, all kissed by garlic and Parmesan that make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery. I’ve shared these with friends during casual brunches and even mid-week dinners, and the reaction is always the same — a chorus of “Wow, what is this magic?”
The joy of this Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels is how it combines everyday ingredients with a little twist that makes them feel special. Plus, it’s a recipe where beginners can get great results and confident hands can experiment with tweaks. Whether you’re a seasoned flour-and-water wielder or a newbie looking for an inviting homemade bagel experience, this recipe hits all the right savory notes without fuss.
I’m so excited to pass this along to you — because good food is about sharing those moments where flavor and comfort meet, without the guesswork. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get these Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels in your oven? Let’s dive in and make some magic happen together.
What You’ll Need:
This Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels keeps the ingredient list totally approachable — because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat is best, but low-fat works too)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (you can swap half for bread flour if you want extra chew)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder (helps your bagels puff just right)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic for punchier garlic parmesan flavors)
- ½ teaspoon salt (balances everything out)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (freshly grated if possible, but the pre-grated stuff works fine too)
- 1 large egg (for the dough)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter, if you like a richer taste)
- Extra Parmesan and garlic powder for sprinkling (I always add a little extra on top before baking — this Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels LOVES it)

You can grab these at any regular grocery store, and they’re budget-friendly too. Cottage cheese is an affordable way to add moisture and richness to the dough without turning your wallet upside down.
If you’re out of Parmesan, no problem — Pecorino Romano or even a sharp shredded cheddar can change things up nicely in this savory bagel recipe. And if garlic powder isn’t in your spice cabinet, fresh minced garlic is a quick swap, just crush and toss it into the dough.
Quick prep tip: Make sure your cottage cheese is well-drained if it’s too watery — this keeps the cottage cheese bagel dough from being too sticky and helps your Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels hold their shape better.
Leftovers? These bagels keep well stored airtight at room temp for a day or two, or wrapped tightly and frozen for up to a month. Just toast to reheat and bring that cheesy garlic breakfast bread magic right back!
Let’s Cook This Together:
Making Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels is one of those satisfying kitchen projects that feels like a mini celebration. Start to finish, this savory bagel recipe comes together in about 1.5 hours — perfect for a weekend morning or a relaxed afternoon.
- Mix your dry ingredients first. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and Parmesan cheese. Give it a good mix so those garlic parmesan flavors are spread evenly in the flour.
- Add your wet ingredients next. Toss in the cottage cheese, egg, and olive oil. At first, it might feel a little weird combining wet cheese into your flour, but trust me — that cottage cheese bagel dough will come together beautifully.
- Knead the dough. Flour your surface and knead for about 8 minutes. The dough will start sticky but firm up as you knead. If it feels too wet, add a sprinkle of flour, but keep it soft. This is where I realized patience is key with Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels — too stiff and it won’t be as fluffy; too loose, and they’ll spread out.
- Divide and shape. Divide your dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each one into a ball then poke a hole through the center with your finger, stretching to create your bagel shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect — homemade bagels have character.
- Prep for baking. Place them on a lined baking tray, sprinkle extra Parmesan and a pinch of garlic powder on top. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like the best garlic parmesan breakfast bread ever — embrace it!
- Bake! Pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes until golden and slightly firm on top.
While your Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels are baking, you can start prepping a quick side or pour yourself a cup of coffee — you deserve it. If your bagels look a bit uneven or puff differently, that’s totally okay. They’ll still taste amazing.
For a shortcut, if you’re short on time, you can shape and bake smaller bagels — they bake quicker, about 15–18 minutes, making a fun snack-sized treat. And if you’re curious about other cheesy savory bread projects, check out my cream cheese sausage balls recipe or dig into this garlic parmesan chicken pasta for more flavor inspiration.
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels truly shines when you serve it with creamy spreads that balance its savory richness. My favorite pairing? A smear of herby cream cheese or even a quick drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil.
These homemade bagels are perfect for breakfast or brunch but also make a solid base for snack-time sandwiches. Pair them with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies for a light lunch that hits all the right notes.
Presentation-wise, a little sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives on top adds a pop of color and freshness — simple touches that make dinners or brunch spreads look intentional without the stress.
Leftovers? Try slicing and toasting leftover Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels, then topping them with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a quick, tasty snack. Or go creative with a cheesy garlic breakfast bread twist: add scrambled eggs and sautéed mushrooms to make it a hearty breakfast sandwich.
Seasonal twists are fun here — in fall I’ve added roasted pumpkin seeds on top before baking, and in spring, fresh herbs like rosemary blend beautifully with the garlic parmesan flavors.
Friends and family always ask for seconds whenever this bagel comes out. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special but isn’t a fuss.

Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels ahead?
Absolutely! You can make the dough the night before and refrigerate it wrapped tightly. Just take it out 30 minutes before shaping to take the chill off, then proceed. This little kitchen nugget keeps your morning stress-free but still tasty.
What’s a good swap for cottage cheese in this recipe?
If cottage cheese isn’t your jam, ricotta cheese works beautifully to keep that creamy moisture in the bagel dough. You might want to drain it a bit before mixing to avoid soggy dough.
How do I make this Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels with fewer or more servings?
Easy! Just scale the ingredients up or down in the same proportions. If you want to double or triple, a stand mixer with a dough hook can save your wrists.
Can I add other cheese to this cheesy garlic breakfast bread?
Definitely. Sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or even mozzarella add different dimensions of flavor. I’ve tried swapping half the Parmesan for cheddar—super tasty and melty.
What if I don’t have garlic powder?
Fresh garlic works fine! Mince 2 large cloves and mix into the dough. Just know the flavor will be a bit punchier and more distinct.
How long will leftover Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels keep?
Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, wrap and freeze. Toast before eating to bring back that fresh-baked vibe.
Is this recipe gluten-free or adaptable?
This one relies on wheat flour for structure, so it’s not a direct gluten-free swap. But if you want to experiment, some foodies have used a gluten-free all-purpose blend — just expect a different texture and be generous on the cheese for moisture.
Do the bagels need to be boiled before baking?
Nope! This recipe skips boiling to save time, making it a quicker homemade bagel option. The baking powder helps them puff up and keep that chewy texture.
For more handmade bread adventures, check out this easy homemade bagel recipe with cheddar cheese or get inspired by other Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels twists on Cooking With Karli’s version too.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels holds a special spot in my kitchen heart because it’s that perfect balance of cozy, simple, and surprisingly rich. It’s proof that homemade bagels don’t have to be complicated to feel and taste like a treat.
My Top Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels Tips
- Always drain the cottage cheese well to avoid soggy dough.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan and garlic on top for that wow factor.
- Don’t rush the kneading step; gentle patience yields the best texture.
I’ve loved mixing in herbs like thyme or substituting cheeses for a twist, but the classic with good Parmesan shines the brightest and gets requested most by my crew.
Remember, this savory bagel recipe is yours to make your own — tweak the garlic levels, swap cheeses, add seeds, or even turn it into a sandwich base for midday meals. I hope you love the warm, garlicky, cheesy hug these Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels bring to your table.
Give this recipe a try, invite friends over or pack some for a picnic, and enjoy all those joyful food moments that remind us why cooking is so rewarding. Happy baking, friends.
If you’re loving this, you might also enjoy the garlic parmesan chicken pasta or the hearty garlic parmesan chicken stew I’ve shared. And for a fun cheesy twist, check out my cream cheese sausage balls — they all bring that garlic parmesan vibes we crave.
For more on viral stuffed bagels, here’s a great take on the cream cheese stuffed bagel that you’ll want to save for next time. Dig in, share, and enjoy!
Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels
These Garlic-Parmesan Cottage Cheese Bagels offer a savory twist on a classic favorite, combining creamy cottage cheese and rich Parmesan for a delicious, protein-packed snack or light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 bagels
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, and olive oil until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cottage cheese mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Divide dough into 6 equal portions; roll each into a ball and then shape into bagels by poking a hole in the center with your finger and stretching slightly.
- Place bagels on the prepared baking sheet and brush tops lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For an extra crispy crust, brush the bagels with a little melted butter immediately after baking.

