Jalapeño Cheddar Cottage Cheese Bagels

If you loved our Cottage Cheese Everything Bagels, this spicy, cheesy twist might be even better. These Jalapeño Cheddar Cottage Cheese Bagels are soft, chewy, packed with protein, and loaded with sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños in every bite.

They’re perfect for breakfast sandwiches, meal prep, or simply toasted with butter. Best of all, they come together with just a handful of ingredients and deliver the same easy, homemade bagel texture that made the original recipe such a favourite.

Why You’ll Love It

• Packed with protein from cottage cheese.
• Loaded with sharp cheddar and fresh jalapeños.
• No yeast required.
• Great for meal prep.
• Perfect for breakfast sandwiches.
• Ready in under 30 minutes.

Recipe Summary

These Jalapeño Cheddar Cottage Cheese Bagels are made with cottage cheese, flour, cheddar cheese, and diced jalapeños for a high-protein bagel that’s soft on the inside and golden on the outside. Extra cheddar and jalapeños on top create the perfect cheesy crust.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 fresh jalapeño, finely diced
• ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

For Topping

• ¼ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ jalapeño, thinly sliced

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

• Full-fat cottage cheese provides the best texture and flavour.
• Sharp cheddar adds a rich, savoury flavour that pairs perfectly with the jalapeño.
• Remove the jalapeño seeds for a milder bagel.
• Old cheddar works well if you prefer a stronger cheese flavour.
• For extra heat, add an additional jalapeño to the dough.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Add the cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Add the blended cottage cheese, diced jalapeño, and grated cheddar.

Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3: Knead and Shape

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.

Knead for 1-2 minutes until smooth.

Divide into 4 equal portions.

Roll each piece into a rope and connect the ends to form a bagel shape.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush with beaten egg.

Top each bagel with grated cheddar and sliced jalapeños.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Allow the bagels to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Toast and spread with cream cheese.
• Use for breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon.
• Serve alongside soup or chili.
• Enjoy with smashed avocado and a fried egg.
• Pair with whipped cottage cheese for even more protein.

Pro Tips

• Finely dice the jalapeño so it distributes evenly throughout the dough.
• Freshly grate the cheddar for the best texture and melt.
• Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth for the best bagel texture.
• Let the bagels cool slightly before slicing.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Toast directly from the refrigerator or thaw overnight before serving.

FAQs

Are these spicy?

They have a mild kick from the jalapeños. Remove the seeds for less heat.

Can I use another cheese?

Yes. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack all work well.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, although the texture may vary slightly.

Do I need a food processor?

No, but blending the cottage cheese creates a smoother dough and more traditional bagel texture.