The Best Macro-Friendly Bagels (No Greek Yogurt, Real Yeast)

If you’ve ever tried a “healthy” bagel and been disappointed, this recipe is about to change that.

These are real yeast bagels with a chewy interior and golden, bakery-style crust — made lighter by using fat-free cottage cheese instead of oil or butter. No Greek yogurt, no boiling, no weird texture.

I egg-washed them, baked them, and they were honestly the best bagels I’ve ever had.

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Ingredients (Makes 6 Bagels)

• 200g fat-free (0%) cottage cheese, blended completely smooth

• 360g all-purpose flour

• 2¼ tsp rapid-rise yeast (1 packet)

• 1½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp honey or sugar (needed to activate yeast)

• ¾ cup warm water (105–110°F)

Optional

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Everything bagel seasoning or toppings of choice

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Instructions

1. Activate the yeast
   In a small bowl, mix warm water, honey (or sugar), and yeast.
   Let sit for 5 minutes, until foamy.

2. Make the dough
   In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine flour and salt.
   Add the yeast mixture and blended cottage cheese.
   Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead
   Knead until smooth and elastic:

   • 5–6 minutes in a stand mixer

   • 8–10 minutes by hand
     Dough should be soft and slightly tacky, not sticky.

4. First rise
   Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 45–60 minutes, until doubled in size.

5. Shape the bagels
   Divide dough into 6 equal pieces (about 110–115g each).
   Roll into balls, poke a hole through the center, and gently stretch into bagel shapes.

6. Second rest
   Place bagels on a lined baking sheet and let rest for 15 minutes.

7. Bake
   Brush with egg wash if using and add seasoning.
   Bake at 400°F for 18–22 minutes, until golden brown.

Let cool slightly, slice, and enjoy.

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Macros (Per Bagel – Approximate)

Using fat-free cottage cheese and no toppings:

• Calories: ~215–220

• Protein: ~11–12g

• Carbs: ~42g

• Fat: ~0.5–1g

For a real yeast bagel, these macros are incredible.

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Tips for Best Results

• Fully blending the cottage cheese is key for smooth dough

• Egg wash gives the best golden, bakery-style crust

• Skip boiling to keep things simple and macro-friendly

• For smaller bagels, divide into 8 instead of 6

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Why You’ll Love These

• No Greek yogurt required

• Real chew, not gummy

• High protein without protein powder

• Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep

Toast them, sandwich them, or eat them plain — they don’t last long.

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