Can I make the yogurt spread ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and hot sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What happens if I skip toasting the bagel?
Toasting prevents the bagel from becoming soggy when topped with the wet spread and pickles. It also improves texture and flavor.
Can I use cream cheese instead of the yogurt spread?
You can, but the yogurt-cottage cheese base is higher in protein and lower in calories. For similar texture, use 2 tbsp cream cheese thinned with 1 tbsp Greek yogurt.
Is this sandwich suitable for meal prep?
Assemble just before eating. The spread and pickles will soften the bagel if held longer than 30 minutes.
What type of bagel works best?
Thinner low-calorie bagels (around 100 calories) work best to keep the sandwich light. Standard bagels will increase calories significantly.