These fluffy bagels made with cottage cheese and almond flour are a tasty treat! They are low-carb and easy to whip up, perfect for breakfast or snacking any time of the day.
Making bagels is usually a challenge, but this recipe keeps it simple! I love to top mine with cream cheese and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Flour: This is the base for our bagels. Blanched almond flour gives a lighter texture, but you can use regular almond flour too. If nut allergies are a concern, try coconut flour, but note that you’ll need to adjust the liquid.
Cottage Cheese: A key ingredient for moisture and protein. Make sure it’s well-drained for the perfect texture. If you’d like a dairy-free version, look for a plant-based cottage cheese alternative, though the flavor may differ.
Eggs: They help bind the dough. I recommend using large eggs for the right consistency. If you’re vegan, use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute for each egg.
Herbs and Spices: Garlic and onion powders add flavor. You can adjust them based on your taste or even use fresh minced for stronger flavors. If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper!
How Do I Shape Bagels Without Them Falling Apart?
Shaping bagels can be tricky, but it’s easier with practice. After rolling your dough into a ball, wet your hands to prevent sticking. Gently poke a hole in the center with your finger, then expand it carefully while rotating the bagel to keep the shape even.
- Make sure the hole is big enough; it can close up during baking.
- Consider letting the formed bagels rest for a few minutes before baking to help them firm up.
How to Make Fluffy Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour (blanched or regular)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (well-drained or pressed to remove excess moisture)
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For Topping:
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 tablespoon dried minced garlic
- Optional: 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of black sesame seeds, sea salt flakes, red pepper flakes)
- Feta or cream cheese for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 25-30 minutes of baking. In total, you should expect around 45 minutes until your fluffy cottage cheese almond flour bagels are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed to ensure the flavors are distributed.
3. Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In a larger bowl, mix the cottage cheese and eggs together until smooth. A blender or food processor can help you achieve a creamy texture, making it easier to incorporate into the dry ingredients.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cottage cheese mixture. Stir gently, mixing until a dough forms. If it feels too sticky at first, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken up.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. With wet hands to prevent sticking, shape each portion into a ball. Then, carefully poke a hole through the center to create a bagel shape, widening it a bit as needed.
6. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried onion, dried garlic, and optional everything bagel seasoning. This is going to give your bagels a delicious, speckled appearance!
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the seed and seasoning mixture generously over the tops of each bagel. This will not only add flavor but also a beautiful texture.
8. Bake the Bagels:
Place your bagels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. They’re ready when they’re golden brown and cooked through!
9. Optional Creamy Filling:
Once the bagels are slightly cooled, feel free to spread a bit of feta or cream cheese in the center for added creaminess and flavor.
10. Cool and Serve:
Allow the bagels to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them plain or with your favorite toppings—these bagels are delightful!
Happy eating with your fluffy, grain-free, protein-rich cottage cheese almond flour bagels!
Can I Use Different Flours for This Recipe?
While almond flour is the star here, you could try using coconut flour instead. However, keep in mind that coconut flour absorbs more moisture, so you’ll need to adjust the liquids accordingly—approximately 1/4 cup of coconut flour for every cup of almond flour, plus extra liquids.
What Should I Do if the Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the almond flour to absorb more moisture. If it’s still sticky after resting, you can gradually add a little more almond flour until it’s manageable.
How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about a month! Just thaw and toast when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I Customize the Seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix up the seasonings in the topping to suit your tastes. Add herbs like dried rosemary or thyme, or include spices such as paprika or nutritional yeast for added flavor. Get creative!
