Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe became our go-to comfort food after my kids kept asking for “something crispy and warm” every afternoon. Armed with just cottage cheese, eggs, and a few pantry staples, I set out to create something special without breaking our tight grocery budget. What started as an experiment to recreate that viral TikTok trend turned into our family’s new obsession – and at less than $2 per serving, it’s become a regular in our weekly meal rotation.
I’ll never forget the first time I saw Bethenny’s cottage cheese bagel on social media. My daughter Emma was scrolling through her phone (as teenagers do) and suddenly gasped, “Mom, we HAVE to try this!” The simplicity was what caught my attention – just a few ingredients transformed into something that looked like it came from a fancy bakery. My grandmother always said the best recipes come from making the most of what you have, and this Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe embodies that philosophy perfectly.
Bethenny Frankel Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese and 1 egg until mostly smooth.
- Gradually fold in almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until mixture holds together.
- Divide mixture into 4 portions and shape into bagels on prepared baking sheet with wet hands.
- Beat remaining egg and brush over each bagel.
- Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake 25-30 minutes until golden brown and firm to touch.
Nutrition
Notes
Store in airtight container for up to 3 days
Can be frozen for up to 3 months
Reheat in toaster or 300°F oven for 5 minutes
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What You’ll Need
Ingredients (Cost Breakdown – Total: $7.50 for 4 servings)
- 1 cup cottage cheese – $1.25 (using store brand)
- 2 large eggs – $0.50
- 1 cup almond flour – $3.00 (buy in bulk for savings)
- 1 tsp baking powder – $0.05
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder – $0.10
- 1/2 tsp onion powder – $0.10
- 1 tsp salt – $0.05
- 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning – $0.35
- Cooking spray – $0.10
Total cost per serving: $1.88
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Wire whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl for egg wash
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature gives us that perfect golden crust while keeping the inside tender – just like my grandmother’s farmhouse biscuits.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese and 1 egg. Whisk until mostly smooth – don’t worry about a few lumps, they add character to your cottage cheese bagels!
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold in the almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. The mixture should hold together but still be slightly sticky – this is what gives us that authentic bagel texture.
Step 4: Shape Your Bagels
Divide the mixture into 4 portions. With wet hands, shape each portion into a bagel shape on your prepared baking sheet. Make the center hole larger than you think – it will shrink during baking.
Step 5: Create the Perfect Egg Wash
Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl and brush it over each Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel. This step is crucial for that beautiful golden color we’re after.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Don’t be shy – this is where all the flavor magic happens!
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch. The smell will have your family gathering in the kitchen before they’re even done!
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The genius of this Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe lies in the protein-packed cottage cheese acting as both moisture and structure. Unlike traditional bagels that require yeast and hours of waiting, these come together in minutes. The almond flour provides the perfect nutty flavor and helps create that satisfying chew we all love in a good bagel. At just under $2 per serving, it’s a fraction of what you’d pay at a coffee shop – and infinitely more satisfying because you made it yourself.
Make It Your Own
Sweet Variation: Replace the savory seasonings with 2 tablespoons of honey and add 1/2 cup of blueberries for a breakfast treat that rivals any bakery.
Pizza Bagel Style: Add 2 tablespoons of dried Italian herbs to the mix and top with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese before baking.
Herb Garden Fresh: Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs from your garden – dill, chives, and parsley work beautifully.
Cinnamon Sugar Delight: Skip the savory seasonings and roll the shaped bagels in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.
What to Serve With
These versatile cottage cheese bagels pair beautifully with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a fancy brunch, or keep it simple with butter and jam for the kids. I love serving them alongside our scrambled cookie dough for a fun weekend breakfast that has everyone asking for seconds. They’re also perfect with avocado and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a healthy lunch option.
Money-Saving Tips
Buy cottage cheese in larger containers – it’s often 30% cheaper per ounce than individual servings, and this recipe uses it up quickly.
Purchase almond flour in bulk from warehouse stores or online – I’ve found savings of up to 40% compared to small grocery store packages.
Make your own everything seasoning by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt – it costs half the price of store-bought versions.
Prep multiple batches and freeze the shaped bagels before baking – they go straight from freezer to oven with just 5 extra minutes of baking time.
Use this recipe as a base for other flavored “breads” – the same mixture works for dinner rolls or flatbread when shaped differently.
From My Family to Yours
Every time I make this Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe, I’m reminded why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. It’s not about having the fanciest ingredients or the most expensive equipment – it’s about bringing people together around food that nourishes both body and soul. My kids now request these bagels for their school lunches, and I love knowing they’re getting protein and nutrition in something they actually want to eat. When you can create something this delicious for under $2 per serving, you’re not just feeding your family – you’re showing them that good food doesn’t have to break the bank.
This recipe has become one of our most-requested weekend treats, right up there with our vegetarian taco skillet and easy summer lunch ideas. There’s something magical about creating bakery-quality cottage cheese bagels in your own kitchen, and I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family table as it has to ours.
FAQ Section
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
While almond flour provides the best texture and keeps the bagels gluten-free, you can substitute with 3/4 cup all-purpose flour. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I store leftover cottage cheese bagels?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Toast before serving for best texture.
Can I make these dairy-free?
You can substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative, though the texture may vary. Cashew-based cottage cheese works best as a substitute.
Why are my bagels too wet or not holding together?
Make sure you’re using full-fat cottage cheese and measuring the almond flour correctly. If the mixture is too wet, add almond flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it holds together.
For more information about the nutritional benefits of cottage cheese, the USDA notes that cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein with about 14 grams per half-cup serving. This makes our Bethenny Frankel cottage cheese bagel recipe not just delicious, but genuinely nutritious for growing families.
When it comes to food safety, always ensure your eggs are fresh and properly stored – the CDC recommends checking for cracks and keeping eggs refrigerated at 40°F or below.
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Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with friends looking for budget-friendly family breakfast ideas!
