Here are my everything bagel cottage cheese crackers, with just cottage cheese, onion and garlic powder, and a generous sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for that classic deli flavor we all love.
These crackers have become my go-to snack when I’m craving something crunchy and savory but don’t want to reach for the chip bag. I love making a big batch on Sunday and keeping them in an airtight container for easy snacking throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love These Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Crackers
- High-protein snack – These crackers are packed with protein from the cottage cheese, making them a satisfying option that’ll keep you full between meals.
- Only 3 ingredients – You just need cottage cheese, onion powder, and everything bagel seasoning to whip up a batch of these crispy crackers.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under an hour, these crackers come together with minimal effort and no complicated steps.
- Healthier alternative – Skip the store-bought crackers loaded with preservatives and make your own with real, wholesome ingredients you can actually pronounce.
- Perfect for meal prep – Make a big batch on the weekend and you’ll have a crunchy, protein-rich snack ready to grab all week long.
What Kind of Cottage Cheese Should I Use?
Any type of cottage cheese will work great for these crackers, whether you go with small curd, large curd, or even whipped cottage cheese. Full-fat cottage cheese tends to give you a richer flavor and crispier texture, but low-fat or fat-free versions work just fine too if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re using large curd cottage cheese and want a smoother cracker, you can give it a quick blend before mixing in your seasonings. The moisture content is what really matters here – you want to make sure you spread the mixture thin enough on your baking sheet so it can crisp up properly in the oven.
Options for Substitutions
This simple recipe has room for a few tweaks if you need to make substitutions:
- Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is really the star here and gives these crackers their unique texture, so I’d recommend sticking with it. If you absolutely need an alternative, ricotta cheese can work, but drain it well first by pressing it through cheesecloth for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Everything bagel seasoning: No store-bought blend? Make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse salt. You can also use other seasonings like ranch seasoning, Italian herbs, or just plain sesame seeds for a simpler version.
- Onion powder: Garlic powder works as a straight swap here, or you can use a combination of both. In a pinch, a small amount of finely minced fresh onion will work too, though it may add a bit more moisture to the dough.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake people make with cottage cheese crackers is not spreading the mixture thin enough, which results in chewy, rubbery crackers instead of crispy ones – aim for about 1/8 inch thickness or thinner for that satisfying crunch.
Another common error is removing them from the oven too early when they still look pale, but these crackers need those golden-brown edges to achieve the right texture, so don’t be afraid to let them go a bit longer if needed.
Trying to peel the crackers off the parchment paper while they’re still warm will cause them to stick and tear, so patience is key – wait until they’ve completely cooled and they’ll lift right off.
For extra crispy results, try patting your cottage cheese with paper towels before mixing to remove excess moisture, which helps the crackers crisp up faster and more evenly.
What to Serve With Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Crackers?
These crackers are perfect for snacking on their own, but they really shine when you pair them with your favorite dips and spreads. I love serving them with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs, hummus, or even a simple spinach artichoke dip for game day. They also work great on a cheese board alongside sliced cheddar, salami, and some fresh grapes or apple slices. If you’re looking for something lighter, try them with smoked salmon and a squeeze of lemon, or just keep it simple with some good quality butter.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep your crackers crispy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If they start to lose their crunch, just pop them back in the oven at 250°F for about 5 minutes to crisp them right back up.
Freeze: These crackers freeze really well if you want to make a big batch. Layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes before snacking.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 24 crackers |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 200-220
- Protein: 24-28 g
- Fat: 5-7 g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12 g
Ingredients
For the cracker base:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (I prefer Good Culture for a thicker consistency)
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
For the topping:
- 2.5 tsp everything bagel seasoning (I use Trader Joe’s for the best ratio of seeds to salt)
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
This gives the oven time to reach temperature while you prepare the mixture, and parchment prevents sticking without requiring oil or butter.
Step 2: Mix the Cottage Cheese Base
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the onion powder and garlic powder, stirring until evenly distributed.
I prefer using thicker cottage cheese varieties like Good Culture because they hold their shape better during baking and create crispier edges.
The powdered seasonings will distribute more evenly when mixed into the cottage cheese before baking rather than sprinkled on top.
Step 3: Shape and Season the Crackers
- cottage cheese mixture from Step 2
- 2.5 tsp everything bagel seasoning
Drop spoonfuls of the seasoned cottage cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Gently flatten each dollop into an even, thin circle using the back of a spoon or your fingers—aim for roughly ¼ inch thickness so they’ll crisp up properly.
Sprinkle each cracker generously with the everything bagel seasoning, pressing it lightly so it adheres.
I like using Trader Joe’s everything bagel seasoning specifically because it has the best ratio of seeds to salt compared to other brands.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crisp
Bake for 30-40 minutes, checking around the 25-minute mark.
The crackers are done when the edges are deeply browned and the centers have set and begun to dry out.
The exact time depends on how thin you made them and your oven’s temperature accuracy, so watch for visual cues rather than relying solely on the timer.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on the parchment paper for at least 10-15 minutes.
They’ll continue to crisp as they cool.
Once cooled, gently peel them away from the parchment and serve with your favorite dip or enjoyed on their own.
Gluten-Free Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
For the cracker base::
- 1 cup cottage cheese (I prefer Good Culture for a thicker consistency)
- 1.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
For the topping::
- 2.5 tsp everything bagel seasoning (I use Trader Joe's for the best ratio of seeds to salt)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This gives the oven time to reach temperature while you prepare the mixture, and parchment prevents sticking without requiring oil or butter.
- In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the onion powder and garlic powder, stirring until evenly distributed. I prefer using thicker cottage cheese varieties like Good Culture because they hold their shape better during baking and create crispier edges. The powdered seasonings will distribute more evenly when mixed into the cottage cheese before baking rather than sprinkled on top.
- Drop spoonfuls of the seasoned cottage cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Gently flatten each dollop into an even, thin circle using the back of a spoon or your fingers—aim for roughly ¼ inch thickness so they'll crisp up properly. Sprinkle each cracker generously with the everything bagel seasoning, pressing it lightly so it adheres. I like using Trader Joe's everything bagel seasoning specifically because it has the best ratio of seeds to salt compared to other brands.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, checking around the 25-minute mark. The crackers are done when the edges are deeply browned and the centers have set and begun to dry out. The exact time depends on how thin you made them and your oven's temperature accuracy, so watch for visual cues rather than relying solely on the timer.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the crackers cool completely on the parchment paper for at least 10-15 minutes. They'll continue to crisp as they cool. Once cooled, gently peel them away from the parchment and serve with your favorite dip or enjoyed on their own.
