These Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels are a tasty twist on the classic! Made with protein-packed cottage cheese and nutty almond flour, they’re super easy to whip up.
They’re chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for breakfast or a snack. I love topping mine with cream cheese and fresh veggies. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Flour: Blanched almond flour gives the bagels a light texture. You can also use regular almond flour, but they might be a bit denser. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seed flour works well, just be aware of the green hue it might take on.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese adds creaminess. You can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer, but keep in mind it might not be as rich. Greek yogurt or ricotta can also substitute, giving a slightly different flavor and texture.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together. You could replace them with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan option, but this can slightly change the texture of the bagels.
Seasoning: The garlic and onion powders are optional but add great flavor. If you don’t have them, you can skip or use fresh garlic/onion. Italian seasoning can be swapped with any mixed herbs you like, such as thyme or basil.
How Do You Get the Best Bagel Shape?
Shaping the bagels can be tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll have it down! After forming your dough balls, here are some tips to perfect the shape:
- Make sure your hands are slightly wet to prevent sticking.
- Poke a hole through the center with your finger, gradually enlarging it while gently stretching the dough around the hole.
- Aim for about a 2-inch opening in the center, as it closes up a bit when baking.
Taking your time at this step will ensure that your bagels bake evenly and achieve that classic bagel look!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour (preferably blanched)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat, drained slightly)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Optional Flavorings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
Topping:
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning (poppy seeds, sesame seeds, onion flakes, garlic flakes, salt)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. In total, plan for around 40-45 minutes to create these delicious bagels from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bagels bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Blend Cottage Cheese and Eggs:
In a food processor or blender, add the cottage cheese and eggs. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If you don’t have a blender, you can mix everything thoroughly by hand, breaking down the curds as much as you can to achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Transfer the blended mixture into a mixing bowl. Now, add the almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano (if using), and a pinch of salt. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until a dough forms. Don’t worry if the dough feels a bit sticky; that’s perfectly fine!
4. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4-6 equal parts. Roll each part into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger. Gently stretch and shape the dough to create a bagel-like form. Place each shaped bagel on the prepared baking sheet. Give them some space as they will rise a little while baking.
5. Add Seasoning:
For extra flavor, brush the top of each bagel with a little water or beaten egg. This helps the everything bagel seasoning stick. Generously sprinkle the seasoning over the tops of the bagels for that delicious crunchy topping.
6. Bake the Bagels:
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the bagels for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The outside should have a nice firm crust while the inside remains soft.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This will allow the steam to escape and prevent sogginess. Enjoy your bagels warm on their own or with your favorite spreads!
These bagels are a fantastic low-carb and gluten-free option, delivering a delightful texture and flavor with the almond and cottage cheese base. Enjoy your delicious homemade bagels!
Can I Use Different Flours Instead of Almond Flour?
Yes, you can try using coconut flour, but you’ll need significantly less (about 1/3 of the amount) since it absorbs more moisture. Alternatively, a gluten-free all-purpose flour may also work, but the texture might differ from almond flour.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge or a microwave.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to The Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to add in other ingredients like shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Just make sure not to add too much liquid, as it could affect the dough consistency.
Why Did My Bagels Not Rise Properly?
If your bagels didn’t rise as expected, it could be due to the baking powder being old or not mixing it well enough in the dough. Ensure that your baking powder is fresh, and mix it thoroughly with the other dry ingredients for the best lift!
