# What you’ll need:
→ For the Bagels
01 - 1 cup cottage cheese
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 tablespoon honey, optional for sweetness
→ For Topping and Assembly
07 - 4 ounces smoked salmon, sliced
08 - 3.5 ounces cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
10 - 1 tablespoon capers, drained
11 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
12 - Fresh dill for garnish
13 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese and egg. Mix until smooth consistency is achieved.
03 - Add flour, baking powder, salt, and honey if using. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
04 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for 1 to 2 minutes until just combined and slightly tacky.
05 - Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center and shape into bagel form.
06 - Place shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Cool on a wire rack.
08 - Once cooled, slice bagels horizontally. Toast lightly if desired.
09 - Spread cream cheese on each bagel half. Layer with smoked salmon, cucumber slices, red onion, and capers.
10 - Top with fresh dill and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.
