These Cottage Cheese Veggie Bagels are a fun and tasty choice for any meal! With creamy cottage cheese and colorful veggies, they pack a nutritious punch that brightens your day.
I love making these for breakfast! They’re super easy to put together, and you can mix and match veggies based on what you have. Plus, they keep me full longer—win-win!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Bagels: I love using everything bagels for a flavor punch, but you can pick any type you like—plain, sesame, or even whole grain! If you want to make them gluten-free, look for gluten-free bagels available in many stores.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese is a great choice for a lighter version, but feel free to use regular or even ricotta for a creamier texture. Just note that ricotta will be a bit softer in consistency.
Vegetables: Sun-dried tomatoes add a nice tang, but you could swap them for fresh tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand. For greens, spinach and basil are my favorites, but kale or arugula work well too!
Spices: Dried oregano is fantastic, but you can also try Italian seasoning or even fresh herbs if you prefer. Don’t forget, you can adjust the garlic powder level based on your taste!
How Do I Toast Bagels Perfectly Without Burning Them?
Toasting bagels can be tricky if you want them crispy but not burnt. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the bagels in half and brush the cut sides with olive oil or melted butter for extra flavor.
- Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet to ensure even toasting.
- Keep a close eye while they toast for 5-7 minutes. You want them lightly golden, so it’s a good idea to check halfway through.
By monitoring them, you’ll achieve that perfect level of crunch without the risk of burning! Enjoy your perfectly toasted bagels!
Cottage Cheese Veggie Bagels Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 4 plain or herb-flavored bagels (like everything or sun-dried tomato herb)
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (preferably low-fat or regular)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach or basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, finely diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
For Brushing:
- Olive oil or melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 5-7 minutes to toast the bagels. In no time, you’ll have a tasty, healthy meal ready to go!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bagels:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, take each bagel and slice it in half horizontally. Lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil or melted butter to make them extra tasty when toasted.
2. Toast the Bagels:
Next, place the bagel halves cut side up on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and toast for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
3. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture:
While the bagels are toasting, grab a medium bowl. Combine the cottage cheese with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped spinach or basil, and diced tomato. If you like a bit of onion, add the finely chopped red onion as well. Sprinkle in the black pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano (or Italian seasoning), and a little salt to taste. Carefully mix everything together until it’s well combined.
4. Assemble the Bagels:
Once the bagels are toasted and a bit warm, it’s time to assemble! Generously spread the cottage cheese and veggie mixture onto the bottom halves of each toasted bagel. Make sure to pile it on, so every bite is packed with flavor!
5. Top and Serve:
Finally, place the top halves of the bagels over the filling. These are now ready to eat—serve immediately as a healthy breakfast or snack. If you want to add a little something extra, drizzle some balsamic glaze on top or sprinkle with crushed red pepper for a kick!
Enjoy your fresh cottage cheese veggie bagels!
Can I Use Different Types of Bagels?
Absolutely! You can choose any flavor of bagel you like, whether it’s plain, sesame, or even whole grain. Just pick a bagel that complements the filling, like everything bagels for a flavor boost!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cottage cheese mixture a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the bagels and toast them.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
If you have any leftover assembled bagels, it’s best to eat them the same day for optimal taste. However, you can store the cottage cheese mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat the bagels before topping them again!
What Else Can I Add to the Filling?
Feel free to get creative! You can add other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even shredded carrots. For added protein, consider mixing in some chopped cooked chicken or turkey!
