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- 2 whole grain mini bagels, cut in half - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons cherry tomatoes, diced - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients combine to create a tasty and healthy snack. Whole grain mini bagels give you fiber and texture. Low-fat cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess. Shredded cheddar cheese melts nicely, giving a rich flavor. The seasonings enhance the taste. Garlic powder adds a savory note. Onion powder gives warmth, while oregano brings a hint of earthiness. Salt and pepper balance all the flavors. For an extra pop, you can add diced cherry tomatoes. They add color and freshness. Fresh basil leaves finish the dish with a bright aroma. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a delightful snack that is both high in protein and full of flavor. Enjoy the process of creating these bagel bites! - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup shredded cheddar, and 1/4 cup cooked spinach. - Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, salt, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. - Stir the mixture until it’s creamy and smooth. - Take your whole grain mini bagels and cut them in half. - Place the bagel halves cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet. - Spoon the cottage cheese filling generously onto each bagel half. - Scatter diced cherry tomatoes over the filling for extra flavor. - Bake the bagel bites for 12-15 minutes. - Watch for golden edges and melted cheese. - Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about a minute. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch before serving. You can swap out cheese based on your taste. Here are some options: - Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, great for a soft texture. - Feta cheese: Add a tangy flavor that pairs well with spinach. For vegetables, consider these substitutes: - Kale: A firm option that adds more nutrients. - Roasted red peppers: Sweet and colorful, they enhance the flavor. To get your bagel bites crispy, adjust your baking time: - Crispier edges: Bake for the full 15 minutes. - Chewy texture: Bake closer to 12 minutes. Even distribution of filling is key. Here’s how: - Use a spoon: Spread the filling evenly on each bagel half. - Layer it well: Don’t rush; a thick layer adds more flavor. Pair these bagel bites for a balanced snack: - Fresh fruit: Serve with apple slices or berries for sweetness. - Yogurt: A side of yogurt adds creaminess and protein. Perfect accompaniments include: - Herbal tea: A light herbal tea enhances the flavors. - Crunchy salad: A crisp salad adds freshness and crunch. {{image_4}} You can make these bagel bites even tastier. Here are some ideas: - Add spices or herbs: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for heat. Fresh herbs like chives or dill can brighten the flavor. - Incorporate different cheeses: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese. Each cheese gives a unique taste. These bagel bites can fit different diets. Here’s how to adapt them: - Gluten-free variations: Use gluten-free mini bagels. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. - Vegan alternatives: Replace cottage cheese with tofu or a nut-based cheese. Use nutritional yeast to mimic cheesy flavor. You can change the bagel bites with the seasons. Here are some fresh ideas: - Incorporating seasonal vegetables: In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, try roasted pumpkin or sweet potatoes. - Adapting flavors to the time of year: Use fresh basil in summer and rosemary in winter. These herbs pair well with seasonal veggies. Experimenting with these variations keeps your bagel bites exciting and fun! To keep your bagel bites fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. They stay good for about 3 days. Make sure they cool before sealing. This helps keep moisture at bay. If you want to enjoy them later, just reheat. For longer storage, you can freeze the bagel bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just label the bag with the date. To reheat, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bagel bites on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. This way, they stay crispy on the outside. You can also use a microwave, but they might get soft. If you want to keep them crunchy, stick to the oven. These bagel bites are both tasty and healthy. Each serving has about 180 calories. You get around 12 grams of protein, which helps build muscles. The fat content is low, at just about 6 grams. The cottage cheese adds a lovely creaminess and boosts protein. Whole grain bagels offer fiber, helping with digestion. You can enjoy this snack without guilt! Yes, you can make these bagel bites ahead of time! Prepare the filling and spread it on the bagels. Then, store them in the fridge for up to one day. When you're ready to eat, just bake them. This saves time and ensures a quick snack. You can also freeze the assembled bites for later. Just remember to bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can have fun with this recipe! Here are some ideas to make it your own: - Cheese: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or feta for a different flavor. - Veggies: Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more color and taste. - Spices: Add chili flakes for heat or fresh herbs for a burst of freshness. - Meat: You could add cooked bacon bits or ham for extra protein. These simple swaps can change the flavor and keep things exciting! Watch for a few key signs! The bagel edges should turn a golden brown. The cheese needs to be melted and bubbly. A light touch can help too; they should feel firm but not hard. If they look inviting, they are ready to eat. Let them cool for a minute before serving. Enjoy the tasty crunch! These bagel bites are simple to make and full of flavor. You combine whole grain bagels, cottage cheese, and seasonings for a tasty snack. You learned how to prepare and bake them, along with tips for variations and storage. Experiment with garnishes and flavors to suit your tastes. Enjoy them fresh or save some for later. Making these bites can be fun and rewarding. I hope you try this recipe and make it your own!

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites

Satisfy your snack cravings with these delicious High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bagel Bites! Perfect for a quick meal or a nutritious appetizer, these bites are loaded with creamy cottage cheese, melted cheddar, and fresh spinach, all on whole grain bagels. Easy to make in just 25 minutes, they’re a healthy option for any time of day. Click through to discover how to create this tasty treat and elevate your snacking game!
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Ingredients
  

2 whole grain mini bagels, cut in half

1 cup cottage cheese, preferably low-fat

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or your favorite cheese

1/4 cup cooked spinach, finely chopped

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

2 tablespoons cherry tomatoes, diced

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking.

    Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, finely chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and creamy.

      Arrange the Bagels: Take the halved mini bagels and arrange them cut-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup easier.

        Top the Bagels: Using a spoon, generously spread the cottage cheese filling over each bagel half, ensuring an even distribution. Don’t skimp on the filling – the more, the merrier!

          Add a Fresh Touch: Scatter the diced cherry tomatoes evenly over the cottage cheese mixture on each bagel half, adding a burst of color and flavor.

            Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges of the bagels to turn golden brown, and the cheese to be slightly melted and inviting.

              Cool and Garnish: Once baked, remove the bagel bites from the oven and allow them to cool for about a minute. This helps you handle them without burning your fingers. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

                Serve and Enjoy: Serve the bagel bites warm and enjoy these delightful, high-protein snacks that are perfect for any time of day!

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 25 min | Servings: 4