Are you craving something savory, cheesy, and absolutely delicious but don’t want to derail your healthy eating goals? These Garlic & Herb Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites are about to become your new obsession! Packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and incredibly easy to make, these little gems prove that healthy snacking doesn’t have to be boring.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a party, or simply need a quick afternoon pick-me-up, these low-carb bagel bites deliver all the satisfaction of traditional bagels without the guilt. With just 140 calories per serving and an impressive 10 grams of protein, they’re the perfect way to fuel your body while satisfying those savory cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Simple: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have these golden, fluffy bites ready in under 30 minutes. No complicated techniques or special equipment required – just mix, pour, and bake!
Protein Powerhouse: Thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs, each serving delivers a whopping 10 grams of protein. These bites will keep you satisfied and energized, making them perfect for post-workout snacks or busy mornings when you need sustained energy.
Low-Carb Friendly: At only 3 grams of net carbs per serving, these bagel bites fit seamlessly into ketogenic, low-carb, and gluten-free lifestyles. You can indulge without worrying about blood sugar spikes or breaking your macros.
Incredibly Versatile: The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Love extra garlic? Add more! Prefer Italian herbs? Go for it! Want to make them spicier? A pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders. These bites are your blank canvas for flavor experimentation.
Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, these bagel bites store beautifully and reheat like a dream. Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ll have grab-and-go snacks all week long.
Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love these cheesy, bite-sized treats. They’re perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or getting kids to eat more protein without them even realizing it.
Ingredients
Makes approximately 12 bagel bites
- 1 cup cottage cheese – The star ingredient that provides creaminess, protein, and helps bind everything together
- 2 large eggs – Essential for structure and additional protein
- ½ cup almond flour – Adds nutty flavor and keeps the carbs low while providing texture
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour – Helps absorb moisture and creates the perfect chewy consistency
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – For that perfect light, fluffy texture
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic delivers the most aromatic flavor, but garlic powder works too
- 1 teaspoon dried mixed herbs – Try oregano, thyme, rosemary, or your favorite Italian seasoning blend
- Pinch of salt and black pepper – Essential for enhancing all the other flavors
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – For extra cheesy goodness
- Sesame seeds – Adds a delightful crunch and authentic bagel flavor
- Everything bagel seasoning – The ultimate topping for bagel lovers
Directions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. Line a mini muffin pan or specialized bagel bite pan with parchment paper, or lightly grease each cavity with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a high-speed blender or large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, minced garlic, and dried herbs. If using a blender, pulse until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If mixing by hand, use a whisk and mix vigorously until well combined – a few small lumps of cottage cheese are perfectly fine and add texture.
Next, add the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper to your cottage cheese mixture. Gently fold or mix until a thick, cohesive batter forms. The consistency should be similar to thick pancake batter – not too thin, but not so thick that it won’t pour easily.
Step 3: Fill the Pan
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, divide the batter evenly among the prepared pan cavities. Fill each one about ¾ full – this allows room for the bites to rise without overflowing. Don’t worry about making them perfectly smooth on top; a little texture adds to their rustic, homemade charm.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Bake
If using optional toppings, now’s the time to sprinkle them on! A light dusting of shredded mozzarella creates an irresistibly golden top, while sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning add authentic bagel flavor and visual appeal.
Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set. They should spring back lightly when touched. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Allow the bagel bites to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before gently removing them. This cooling time prevents them from falling apart and makes handling much easier. Serve warm for the best experience – they’re absolutely divine when still slightly warm from the oven!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions: These versatile bites pair beautifully with so many accompaniments! Try them with:
- Cream cheese or herb-infused cream cheese
- Avocado slices or guacamole
- Hummus or tzatziki
- A simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip
- Your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick
Storage: Store leftover bagel bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They maintain their texture beautifully and actually develop even more flavor overnight!
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or pop them in the toaster oven until warmed through. While you can use the microwave, the oven method helps maintain that lovely crispy exterior.
Freezing: These freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months! Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the warming time.
Helpful Notes
Cottage Cheese Consistency: For the smoothest texture, use full-fat cottage cheese and blend well. If you prefer a slightly more textured bite, low-fat cottage cheese works too – just expect a slightly different mouthfeel.
Flour Substitutions: While almond and coconut flour work best for texture and flavor, you can experiment with other low-carb flours. Just keep in mind that different flours absorb moisture differently, so you may need to adjust quantities.
Herb Variations: Fresh herbs work beautifully in this recipe – use about 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs instead of dried. Try fresh chives, dill, basil, or parsley for different flavor profiles.
Size Variations: Don’t have a mini muffin pan? No problem! You can make regular-sized muffins (bake for 25-30 minutes) or even use a regular baking sheet to make free-form bagel bites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these dairy-free? A: While cottage cheese is essential to this recipe’s texture and protein content, you might try substituting with a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative, though results may vary.
Q: How can I make these even lower in carbs? A: You can reduce the coconut flour slightly or add more cheese for binding. Each modification will slightly change the texture, so experiment to find your perfect balance.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the batter? A: Absolutely! Finely diced bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions. Just make sure any vegetables are well-drained to avoid making the batter too wet.
Q: Why are my bagel bites dense instead of fluffy? A: This usually happens from overmixing the batter or using expired baking powder. Mix just until combined, and make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
Q: Can I make these in advance for a party? A: Yes! These are perfect for entertaining. Make them a day ahead and reheat just before serving. They’re also delicious at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic & Herb Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites prove that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. They’re the perfect solution when you’re craving something savory and satisfying but want to stick to your nutritional goals. With their impressive protein content, low-carb profile, and absolutely delicious taste, they’re bound to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Whether you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, trying to increase your protein intake, or simply looking for a wholesome snack that the whole family will love, these bagel bites deliver on all fronts. The best part? They’re so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping up batches whenever the craving strikes.
So go ahead, give them a try – your taste buds (and your body) will thank you! Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and toppings to make them uniquely yours. Happy baking!