Is cottage cheese the healthiest cheese?

Cottage cheese ranks among the healthiest cheeses due to its high protein and low fat content. It’s rich in casein, a slow-digesting protein that supports muscle repair and satiety. Unlike aged cheeses, it’s typically lower in sodium and calories, making it a great option for weight loss, fitness, or heart-conscious diets. Its mild flavor also makes it easy to incorporate into both savory and sweet recipes like these cottage cheese spinach bagels.

Is cottage cheese anti-inflammatory?

Yes, in many cases it can be. Cottage cheese contains probiotics when made with live cultures, which support gut health and reduce inflammation. It’s also high in calcium and B vitamins, both linked to reduced inflammatory markers. Choosing low-sodium or organic varieties can help minimize processed additives that may otherwise trigger inflammation.

What should not be mixed with spinach?

Avoid consuming spinach with excessive calcium supplements or iron-blocking substances like large amounts of tea or coffee right after eating. Spinach is high in oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption. However, pairing spinach with vitamin C-rich foods (like tomatoes or lemon juice) actually enhances its nutrient bioavailability no concerns when it’s baked into balanced recipes like this one.

Why do people eat cottage cheese for breakfast?

Because it’s fast, filling, and supports muscle health. Cottage cheese offers slow-digesting protein, making it perfect for stabilizing blood sugar and supporting metabolism after overnight fasting. It also pairs well with both sweet (fruit, honey) and savory (eggs, herbs) flavors. In bagels, it brings creaminess and added protein, creating a breakfast option that sticks with you longer.

Cottage Cheese Spinach Bagels Recipe

Name: Spinach Cottage Cheese Bagels
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Yield: 6 bagels
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (300g) bread flour; 2 tsp (7g) instant yeast; 1 Tbsp (12g) sugar; 1 tsp (6g) fine sea salt; 1 cup (240g) blended cottage cheese; 2 oz (60g) minced baby spinach; ½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella; 1 Tbsp (15ml) olive oil; ¾ cup (180ml) warm water; 1 Tbsp (15ml) barley malt syrup or honey; 1 tsp (5g) baking soda (optional); 1 egg + 1 tsp water (egg wash)

Description

Fluffy, chewy spinach cottage cheese bagels packed with protein. A hearty, nourishing way to start your day.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups (300g) bread flour

2 tsp (7g) instant yeast

1 Tbsp (12g) sugar

1 tsp (6g) fine sea salt

1 cup (240g) blended cottage cheese

2 oz (60g) minced baby spinach

½ cup (50g) shredded mozzarella

1 Tbsp (15ml) olive oil

¾ cup (180ml) warm water

1 Tbsp (15ml) barley malt syrup or honey

1 tsp (5g) baking soda (optional)

1 egg + 1 tsp water (egg wash)

Instructions

1. Purée cottage cheese until smooth.

2. Mix warm water, sugar, and yeast; let sit 5 min.

3. Add cottage cheese, oil, spinach, mozzarella, salt, and most of the flour.

4. Knead 8–10 minutes until elastic.

5. Let rise 1 hour until doubled.

6. Divide dough into 6, roll and shape bagels.

7. Rest 15 minutes, prepare boiling bath.

8. Boil bagels 30 seconds per side.

9. Brush with egg wash, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes.

10. Cool 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Swap in whole wheat flour for extra fiber.

Freeze sliced bagels for quick breakfasts.

Top with sesame seeds or more cheese.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bagel
Calories: 309
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 45mg