Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Snack Jar with Bell Peppers & Chickpeas

This Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Snack Jar is just like your favorite bagel, but with a high-protein twist! It starts with a base of protein-packed cottage cheese flavored with everything bagel seasoning. Then come the layers of crunchy bell peppers and crispy roasted chickpeas. The chickpeas bring not only crunch, but also a boost of plant-based protein and fiber to help keep your gut happy and healthy. And the best part? It takes only 10 minutes to make and the jar is easy to grab and go on your way out the door. Ready to try it for yourself? Read on for our best tips and tricks for making this snack jar part of your regular rotation.

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

• You can buy everything bagel seasoning, or make your own. To make your own, combine equal parts poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic and dried onion. Add flaky salt to taste.
• We recommend no-salt-added cottage cheese for this recipe to keep sodium in check. If you use regular cottage cheese, add half the amount of everything bagel seasoning—this helps maintain a balanced flavor without going overboard on salt.
• If you plan on multiplying this recipe to make several jars to enjoy throughout the week, keep the crispy chickpeas separate until you’re ready to enjoy them to preserve their crunch.

Nutrition Notes

• Cottage cheese is one of the best cheeses for weight loss, thanks to its high protein content. Eating enough protein can help you feel satiated for longer, which can help with weight-loss efforts. Plus, cottage cheese also provides calcium and phosphorus, two nutrients that support strong bones. 
• Chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. The combination of protein and fiber can help with weight management, while fiber also supports gut health. Chickpeas contain iron, a mineral that delivers oxygen to our brain and muscles. 
• The plant compounds found in bell peppers have been shown to reduce inflammation as well as lower the risk of it developing altogether. Bell peppers are also rich in vitamin C, which can help support a healthy immune system.