Garlic Herb Protein Bagels (Printable View)

Soft, garlic-infused bagels with herbs and a creamy cottage cheese topping, rich in protein and flavor.

# What You’ll Need:

→ For the Bagels

01 - 2 cups bread flour
02 - 1 cup unflavored whey protein powder
03 - 2¼ teaspoons instant yeast
04 - 1 tablespoon sugar
05 - 1½ teaspoons salt
06 - 1 tablespoon dried mixed herbs (oregano, basil, parsley)
07 - 2 teaspoons garlic powder
08 - 1 cup warm water (110°F)
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ For Boiling

10 - 2 quarts water
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon baking soda

→ For the Cottage Cheese Spread

13 - 1 cup cottage cheese
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
15 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
16 - 1 garlic clove, minced
17 - ½ teaspoon lemon zest
18 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, protein powder, yeast, sugar, salt, dried herbs, and garlic powder.
02 - Add warm water and olive oil to the dry mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for approximately 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
04 - Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
06 - Punch down dough and divide into 6 equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center to form bagel shapes.
07 - Bring 2 quarts of water to a gentle boil. Add honey or sugar and baking soda.
08 - Boil each bagel for 45 seconds per side, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet using a slotted spoon.
09 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cool on a wire rack.
10 - In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, chives, parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
11 - Slice cooled bagels and serve with a generous layer of cottage cheese spread.

# Best Practices:

01 -
  • They're filling enough to keep you satisfied through a busy morning without that sluggish, overstuffed feeling.
  • The garlic and herb flavors mean you don't need heavy toppings—just that creamy cottage cheese spread and you're done.
  • One bagel has nearly 20 grams of protein, which still surprises people who expect bagels to be nutritionally empty.
02 -
  • Don't skip the boiling step thinking you'll just bake them—that water bath is what creates the chewy texture and distinctive bagel crust that separates them from regular bread rolls.
  • The dough will feel strange because of the protein powder, but that's normal; it won't be as silky as traditional bagel dough, and that's exactly what you want.
03 -
  • Room temperature matters more than you think—if your kitchen is cold, your dough will rise slowly, so give it extra time rather than rushing it.
  • The moment you hear the water boil with the baking soda, you'll notice a slight sulfurous smell; that's not a problem, that's bagel magic happening.
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