Homemade Stuffed Bagel Bites are Easier Than You Think!

bowl of turkey teriyaki vegetables and rice on a counter and then a close up of ground turkey teriyaki rice bowl

If you love bagels, and want something quick, easy, and high-protein, this recipe is for you! Made with just three simple ingredients for the dough, they come together fast—no yeast or rising required.

The chewy bagel dough is based off of my viral cottage cheese bagels recipe. You get a perfectly chewy, golden-brown bite filled with creamy, melty cream cheese. Whether you bake or air fry them, they turn out delicious every time.

They’re healthier (and cheaper) than Dunkin Donuts bagel minis and perfect for meal prep, a grab-and-go breakfast, or easy snack.

How to Make Stuffed Bagel Bites

cottage cheese blended smooth in a vitamix
  1. Blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
cottage cheese and self rising flour in a bowl
  1. Combine cottage cheese with flour and baking powder.
bagel bite dough divided and flattened into discs.
  1. Divide into 8 equal parts and flatten into discs.
cream cheese inside bagel dough.
  1. Add cream cheese to the center, fold the dough around it, and pinch the seems.
stuffed bagel bites covered in everything bagel seasoning.
  1. Brush the tops with an egg wash and sprinkle with everything but the bagel seasoning.
cream cheese stuffed bagel bites cooked in an air fryer basket.
  1. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or air fryer for 13-15 minutes.

Recipe Tips

  • Sticky Dough – Dust your hands and work surface with flour. Knead 1 Tbsp of flour into the dough at a time until it’s dry enough to handle. Letting the dough rest for 5 minutes can also help it firm up.
  • Seal the Dough Properly – Pinch the seams tightly to prevent the cream cheese from leaking out. Wet your fingertips slightly to help seal the dough.
  • Try a Stand Mixer – you can also knead the dough in the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment.
  • Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the side of a bagel bite—if it comes out clean and there’s no raw dough, they’re ready!
  • Adjust Browning – you want a crispy golden brown crust, but tent with foil if they brown too quickly before the inside is fully cooked.
cream cheese stuffed bagel bites in a serving bowl with a bite missing from one.

More Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love

Feels like Breakfast on the Beach!

bowl of turkey teriyaki vegetables and rice on a counter and then a close up of ground turkey teriyaki rice bowl
  • Thick and delicious with tons of coconut flavor
  • Takes 5 minutes to make
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
  • Full of healthy fats
  • Add protein powder for a complete breakfast
  • Sweet tropical flavors

Love refreshing smoothies? Try this pitaya smoothie bowl, blueberry raspberry smoothie, or tropical kale smoothie next!

spoon dipped into a coconut smoothie bowl topped with kiwi, banana, and mango slices

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie Bowl

  • Thick enough to scoop with a spoon. Not a drink.
  • 5 minutes from freezer to bowl.
  • One blender, no extra dishes.
  • Add 25g of protein with a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Full breakfast, full morning.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free, Paleo, Dairy-Free, and Vegan. No swaps needed.
  • Pre-portion the fruit ahead so weekday mornings are zero decisions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

coconut smoothie ingredients laid out on a counter
  • Frozen banana. One whole. Banana is the texture anchor; don’t skip.
  • Frozen pineapple. ¾ cup. Pre-cut from the freezer aisle works.
  • Frozen mango. ½ cup. Same rule.
  • Full-fat coconut milk. ⅓ cup, from the can. Shake the can well before measuring or you’ll pour off only the watery part.
  • Coconut extract. Optional, ¼ teaspoon. Boosts the coconut flavor without making it taste like sunscreen. A little goes a long way.
  • Vanilla protein powder. Optional, one 25g scoop. I use Be Well by Kelly because the ingredient list is short. If you add protein powder, add an extra splash of coconut milk to keep it blendable.
  • Toppings. Whatever’s in the kitchen: shredded coconut, chia seeds, fresh fruit, granola, nut butter.

How to Make a Coconut Smoothie Bowl

Vanilla protein powder and frozen fruit in a blender
  1. Add the Frozen Fruit First. Dump all the frozen into a high-speed blender. Don’t add the liquid yet. Start dry.
coconut smoothie ingredients combined in a blender
  1. Add the Liquid Slowly. Add the coconut milk, coconut extract, and protein powder if using. Blend on low first, then high. Stop and stir or tamp down as needed. If the blender stalls, add coconut milk one tablespoon at a time until it moves. Don’t drown it.
  1. Pour and Top. Pile the toppings on, hit it with a drizzle of nut butter or honey if you want, and serve immediately. Smoothie bowls melt fast.

How to Get the Texture Right

The whole thing comes down to ratio: 2 parts frozen fruit to 1 part liquid, give or take. If your bowl is:

  • Not sweet enough (off-season fruit can taste flat): add half a frozen banana or a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup.nt
  • Too thin to scoop: add a few more chunks of frozen fruit and blend again.
  • Too thick to blend: add coconut milk one tablespoon at a time. Not all at once.
  • Stalling the blender: scrape down the sides, tamp the fruit down toward the blades, or pulse instead of run.

Coconut Smoothie Bowl Toppings

The toppings are where you make it yours. A few that work:

  • Chia seeds: crunch and fiber. Half a tablespoon goes a long way.
  • Granola: crunch. Use one with chunky clusters.
  • Shredded coconut or coconut flakes: doubles down on the coconut.
  • Nut butter: coconut almond butter, macadamia butter, or cashew butter for a tropical feel. Warm it slightly so it drizzles.
  • Extra fruit: kiwi, banana slices, mango, fresh pineapple. Sparingly, because there’s already a lot of fruit in the bowl.
  • Bee pollen, hemp hearts, or cacao nibs if you want to lean health-y.

FAQS

Why is my smoothie bowl too thin?

Too much liquid. Add more frozen fruit a handful at a time and blend until it thickens. Or remember the rule for next time: 2 parts frozen fruit to 1 part liquid, max.

Why won’t my blender blend it?

Not enough liquid, fruit not chopped small enough, or the blender isn’t powerful enough. Stop, scrape the sides, tamp the fruit toward the blades, and pulse instead of running on high.

Can I make this without protein powder?

Yes. The recipe works as-is without protein powder. If you do add protein, add an extra splash of coconut milk so it blends.

Is this smoothie bowl dairy-free and vegan?

Yes. With coconut milk and a plant-based protein powder, it’s naturally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Paleo, and Vegan.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes. Pre-portion the frozen fruit into individual zip-top bags. In the morning, dump one bag in the blender, add coconut milk and protein powder, and blend.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the smoothie base (without toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. After that, it separates and loses creaminess. Give it a stir or a quick re-blend before serving.

coconut smoothie bowl with toppings on a counter next to a peeled banana and bowl of toasted coconut
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4.34 from 24 votes

Coconut Smoothie Bowl

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Thick, scoopable, and the closest thing to breakfast on the beach you can pull off in five minutes. Frozen pineapple, mango, and banana blended with full-fat coconut milk and a splash of coconut extract. Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder if you want a full breakfast. The whole thing takes one blender and four ingredients you already have if you keep frozen fruit in the freezer.

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Servings: 1 smoothie bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 3/4 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/2 cup frozen mango
  • 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk shaken
  • 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract optional
  • 1 scoop (25g) vanilla protein powder optional
  • Toppings: mango, banana, granola, chia seeds, cherries, nut butter, or coconut

Instructions 

  • Add all ingredients to a highs-speed blender. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until a smooth and thick consistency. If you don't have a high powered blender it may take a little longer or you may need to add another splash of coconut milk.
    1 frozen banana, 3/4 cup frozen pineapple, 1/2 cup frozen mango, 1/3 cup full fat coconut milk, 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract, 1 scoop (25g) vanilla protein powder
  • Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings
    Toppings: mango, banana, granola, chia seeds, cherries, nut butter, or coconut
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

 
Protein. My absolute favorite protein is Be Well By Kelly protein powder because of the quality of ingredients. It only has 3 ingredients and not added sugars. 
Tips for Thick Smoothie Bowls
  • Use frozen fruit as the base.
  • Start with less liquid and add more as needed to get the desired texture.
  • Use a high-speed blender for best results.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 216kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 2.6g | Fat: 6.1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 3.2mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 37.9g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tips for Thick Smoothie Bowls

  • Use frozen fruit as the base.
  • Start with less liquid and add more as needed.
  • Use a high-speed blender for best results.

Prep and Storage Tips

Prep ahead: Pre-portion the frozen fruit into individual zip-top bags so weekday mornings are just dump-and-blend.

Storage: Store the smoothie base in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. It separates after that.

Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, give it a stir, and pour into the bowl.

coconut smoothie bowl with all of the toppings and a spoon dipped into it

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5 from 2 votes

Stuffed Bagel Bites

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Mini stuffed bagel bites are quick and easy to make with a 3-ingredient dough and a rich cream cheese filling. They’re soft, slightly chewy, and packed with protein—all without the need for yeast or boiling! Bake or air fry them until golden brown, then enjoy warm as a snack or meal prep breakfast.

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Servings: 8 stuffed bagel bites

Ingredients

  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free flour if needed
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 4 oz block cream cheese cut into 8 cubes
  • 1 large egg beaten, for egg wash
  • Everything bagel seasoning to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven or air fryer to 350°F. If baking in the oven, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Add the cottage cheese to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Skip this step if using Greek yogurt. Transfer the blended cottage cheese to a large mixing bowl.
    1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
  • Add the flour and baking powder and stir with a spoon or rubber spatula until mostly combined. Switch to your hands to mix and fold as needed until a sticky dough forms. It’s ready when the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Turn the dough out onto a generously floured work surface. Knead the dough for 1-2 minutes, until it’s mostly smooth. Add 1 Tablespoon of flour as needed until it’s no longer sticky.
  • Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and flatten the dough pieces into a flat discs about 4 inches in diameter. Place a cube of cottage cheese in the center and fold the sides of though around the cream cheese to seal it. Pinch the seams and double check the dough didn’t break anywhere to prevent any cream cheese bursts out. Wet your fingertips with warm water to help pinch the seams as needed.
    4 oz block cream cheese
  • Place the bagel bites seam side down and brush the tops with the beaten egg. Sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
    1 large egg, Everything bagel seasoning

Bake

  • Place the stuffed bagel bites on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the centers are cooked through and no longer doughy. Tent with foil if the tops are too brown before the inside is cooked. Cool slightly and serve warm.

Air Fryer

  • Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. Place the bagel bites in the basket and air fryer at 350°F for 13-15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through and no longer doughy. Cool slightly and serve warm.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

Greek Yogurt vs. Cottage Cheese. I’ve tested these with both plain Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. The cottage cheese has a slightly richer chewier texture in my opinion, but there is less prep work (and washing) if you use Greek yogurt. I recommend either, so use what you have on hand!
Gluten-Free. Use a 1:1 baking flour replacement, like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s Measure for Measure flour.
Flour. You can swap the flour for bread flour or self rising flour (omit the baking powder). While I haven’t tested this, I’ve seen others have success with almond flour for a low carb option.
Sticky Dough.The texture of the dough can vary based on the type of flour you use and the brand and type of cottage cheese you use. Continue to knead and add a sprinkle of flour at a time until it’s dry enough to work with.
More Flavors. Brush them with melted butter and toss them with cinnamon sugar. You could also sprinkle asiago cheese on top before baking.
DIY Everything Bagel Seasoning. Combine 2 Tbsp sesame seeds, 1 Tbsp poppy seeds, 1 Tbsp dried minced garlic, 1 Tbsp dried minced onion, 1 Tbsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp black sesame seeds.
Store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freeze. Freeze unbaked bagel bites on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. You can also freeze baked bagel bites, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat.
Reheat. Bake in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes or in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes until warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bagel mini | Calories: 106kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 243mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 from 2 votes

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Recipe Rating




4 Comments

  1. Heather R Walker says:

    5 stars
    My kids love this recipe! I have found that I can prep and par-bake for 15 minutes the night before and cook in the air fryer the next morning for 5-7 minutes and they are perfect!

    1. Molly T says:

      Love this. Thank you Heather!!

  2. Allison says:

    5 stars
    Wow! I’m impressed! Delicious and so easy for a quick breakfast or snack!

    1. Molly says:

      Thank you Allison! So glad you love them.