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Light, fluffy, and under 150 calories!
If you’ve been craving a fresh, warm bagel without the heavy calories, this low-calorie bagel is about to become your new kitchen favorite. It’s soft, slightly chewy, and made with simple ingredients that keep things light without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for busy mornings, post-workout snacks, or healthy on-the-go lunches, this recipe leans into the magic of high-protein cottage cheese to add delicious richness while keeping calories down. With just a few minutes of prep and no complicated techniques, you can bake a healthier bagel that feels bakery-fresh, only lighter, leaner, and totally guilt-free. Ideal for anyone craving healthy bagels, high-protein snacks, or quick meal prep winners.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 low-calorie bagels
Ingredients List
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush (for egg wash)
- Knife or bench scraper
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
Blend the cottage cheese until smooth for the best texture.
Combine flour and cottage cheese in a bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
Lightly flour your hands, then knead the dough for 1 minute until soft and workable.
Divide into 4 equal pieces and shape each into a small rope.
Form a circle and pinch the ends together to create a classic bagel shape.
Brush with beaten egg to help them turn golden.
Sprinkle toppings if desired.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and slightly puffed.
Let cool 5 minutes-your kitchen will smell amazing
Slice and enjoy with your favorite healthy spreads!
Pro Tips
- Storage: Keep bagels in an airtight container for 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
- Make it even lighter: Swap egg wash for spray oil to reduce calories.
- Boost protein: Use high-protein cottage cheese and add 1 tbsp whey protein to the dough.
- Serving idea: Spread with Greek yogurt cream cheese for a lighter twist.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bagel | 150 | 10g | 23g | 2g | 1g | 2g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
These low-calorie bagels prove that healthy eating can still feel warm, cozy, and truly satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and under 30 minutes of effort, you get a bakery-style treat that fits perfectly into a balanced, high-protein lifestyle. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, post-workout fuel, or as a light midday bite, they’re soft, delicious, and easy enough to make every week. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime and share it with another busy mom or friend who loves healthier homemade baking.
FAQ’s
Can I make these bagels gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it to ensure the dough holds together.
Do I need to blend the cottage cheese?
Blending creates a smoother, bakery-style texture, but you can mix it as-is if you prefer a more rustic, slightly denser bagel. Both options work well.
Can I freeze these low-calorie bagels?
Absolutely. Freeze once fully cooled, up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 3–5 minutes for a fresh, warm result.
Low-Calorie Bagel Recipe
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Baking sheet
- parchment paper
- pastry brush for egg wash
- Knife or bench scraper
Ingredients
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or 1 cup all-purpose flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds
Instructions
- Blend the cottage cheese until smooth for the best texture.
- Combine flour and cottage cheese in a bowl. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Lightly flour your hands, then knead the dough for 1 minute until soft and workable.
- Divide into 4 equal pieces and shape each into a small rope.
- Form a circle and pinch the ends together to create a classic bagel shape.
- Brush with beaten egg to help them turn golden.
- Sprinkle toppings if desired.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and slightly puffed.
- Let cool 5 minutes—your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Slice and enjoy with your favorite healthy spreads!
