Garlic Herb Protein Bagels (View Print Version)

Soft bagels boosted with garlic, herbs, and protein, served alongside a smooth cottage cheese spread.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Bagels

01 - 2 cups bread flour
02 - 1 cup unflavored whey protein powder
03 - 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
04 - 1 tablespoon sugar
05 - 1 1/2 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 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

# Method:

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. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
03 - Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 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, or until doubled in size.
05 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
06 - Punch down the dough and divide into 6 equal portions. Shape each into a ball, then poke a hole in the center of each to form bagels.
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.
09 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Cool on a rack.
10 - In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, chives, parsley, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth.
11 - Slice bagels and serve with a generous layer of cottage cheese spread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • High in protein thanks to whey protein powder and cottage cheese
  • Soft and chewy texture with authentic bagel flavor
  • Infused with aromatic garlic and herbs for savory goodness
  • Perfect for meal prep—store and enjoy throughout the week
  • Customizable with your favorite seeds and toppings
  • Balanced nutrition ideal for breakfast or post-workout fuel
02 -
  • Use instant yeast for more reliable rising—it doesn't need to be proofed separately
  • Don't skip the boiling step; it's essential for authentic bagel texture
  • Make sure the water is at a gentle boil, not a rolling boil, to prevent the bagels from breaking apart
  • Cool bagels completely before slicing to prevent them from becoming gummy
  • Toast leftover bagels to revive their fresh-baked texture
  • Blend the cottage cheese spread for a smoother, more uniform consistency
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