These Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels are soft, chewy, and very easy to make! With just a few ingredients, they pack a protein punch and are gluten-free too.
I love how simple they are to whip up—no fancy techniques required! You can top them with your favorite spreads and you’re all set for a delicious breakfast. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This gives the bagels their unique texture and protein content. I recommend using full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier result. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try a cashew or almond-based yogurt, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Almond Flour: Essential for a gluten-free bagel, almond flour adds a wonderful nutty flavor. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can use sunflower seed flour or ground pumpkin seeds as substitutes. Just be cautious as their flavors differ a bit!
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients and add moisture. For a vegan alternative, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of mashed banana. This might change the flavor somewhat, so choose according to your taste preferences.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This mix is trusty for a reason! You can make your own blend with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. If you don’t have these, sprinkle on some herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different twist.
How Do I Keep My Dough from Being Too Sticky When Shaping?
Shaping the dough can be tricky since it’s sticky. To manage this, sprinkle some almond flour or finely ground almond meal on your hands before working with the dough. This will prevent it from sticking too much. It’s also helpful to work quickly to keep the dough from warming up and getting extra sticky.
- Always keep your hands and work surface lightly floured.
- Divide the dough carefully, so each bagel is about the same size for even baking.
- Remember, the bagels should hold together, but they may still be a little delicate when forming. Be gentle.
Taking these steps will help you shape your bagels easily, leading to the perfect texture when baked!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 ½ cups (340g) cottage cheese (full fat, well-drained)
- 1 ½ cups (150g) almond flour (blanched)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons finely ground almond meal or additional almond flour for coating (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 25-30 minutes for baking, so you can enjoy your delicious bagels in just about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a light grease or spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, almond flour, eggs, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix everything together well until a dough forms. It will be a bit sticky, but that’s okay!
3. Prepare Your Hands:
If you find the dough too sticky to work with, sprinkle some almond flour or almond meal on your hands. This will help you shape the bagels more easily.
4. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4-6 equal portions, depending on how big you want your bagels to be. Roll each portion into a ball, and then poke a hole in the center with your fingers to create the classic bagel shape.
5. Arrange and Brush:
Place the shaped bagels carefully onto the prepared baking sheet. To get that lovely golden color, brush each bagel lightly with a beaten egg.
6. Season and Bake:
Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning generously over each bagel—this is where the flavor really shines! Then, pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This will make them even better!
These low-carb bagels are fluffy on the inside with a nice crispy outside, topped perfectly with everything bagel seasoning. Enjoy them fresh or toasted with your favorite spread! Happy baking!
Can I Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese if you prefer. Use the same amount (1 ½ cups) and ensure it’s thick and creamy. This may give the bagels a slightly tangier flavor, but they will still be delicious!
What If My Dough Is Too Dry?
If your dough feels too dry and doesn’t hold together, try adding a splash of water or an extra egg until it reaches a more workable consistency. A little bit of added moisture can make a big difference and help form your bagels better!
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping each bagel individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They should keep well for about 2 months.
Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these bagels vegan, replace the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. This will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the bagels moist.
