These gluten-free cottage cheese bagels are soft, cheesy, and so delicious! Made with simple ingredients, they make a great breakfast or snack option for everyone.
Honestly, nothing beats a warm bagel fresh out of the oven. I like to spread a little butter on mine, but you can top it how you love! It’s like a hug in every bite! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: This is crucial for the bagel’s structure. If you don’t have it on hand, a blend of almond flour and coconut flour can work, but you may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe to achieve the right dough consistency.
Cottage cheese: Full-fat gives the best moisture and richness. If you’re avoiding dairy, you could substitute with a plant-based yogurt or silken tofu, but the texture will differ a bit.
Apple cider vinegar: This ingredient helps with the dough’s rise and flavor. If you’re out of it, lemon juice is a great alternative to give a similar tang.
Eggs: Acts as a binder and adds fluffiness. For a vegan option, you could use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg), keeping in mind it may slightly change the texture.
How Do You Form Perfect Bagels?
Shaping the dough into bagels can be a little tricky, but it’s fun! Here’s how to get the best shape:
- Dust your hands and surface with gluten-free flour. This keeps the dough from sticking.
- Divide the dough into equal portions; 4-5 pieces usually work well.
- Roll each piece into a ball gently, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center. You want to stretch the hole to about 1.5-2 inches, so it doesn’t close up during baking.
- Remember, the dough will be sticky, so keep flour handy to help with shaping!
Taking your time to shape the bagels properly ensures a nice, even bake and a beautiful presentation. Enjoy your homemade gluten-free creation!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (plus extra for shaping)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat recommended for moisture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
For the Toppings:
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Dried minced onion
- Dried minced garlic
- Coarse salt
For the Egg Wash (optional):
- 1 egg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll have these yummy gluten-free bagels ready in about 40-45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, you can line a baking sheet with parchment paper, making cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder if you’re using it. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, eggs, and apple cider vinegar. You can blend this mixture in a food processor for a smoother consistency or use a fork to work the cottage cheese a bit.
4. Make the Dough:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too wet and doesn’t hold together, just sprinkle in a bit more flour until it’s manageable.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Dust your hands and work surface with gluten-free flour. Divide the dough into 4-5 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger to form the traditional bagel shape, stretching the hole gently to about 1.5-2 inches in diameter.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. If you’re using the egg wash, beat the remaining egg and brush the tops of the bagels lightly to give them a nice sheen.
7. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle your choice of toppings over the bagels. Feel free to be generous—this is where the flavor comes in!
8. Bake:
Pop the bagels in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool Before Slicing:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This step is important to ensure they hold their shape when sliced.
Enjoy these delightful bagels toasted with your favorite spreads. They’re soft on the inside with a lovely crust on the outside. Yum!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead of Full-Fat?
While you can use low-fat cottage cheese, it might result in drier bagels. Full-fat cottage cheese provides extra moisture, keeping the bagels soft and flavorful. If you’re using low-fat, consider adding a tablespoon of oil to retain moisture.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just slice before freezing and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, which will help preserve their freshness.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky, don’t worry! Simply add a little more gluten-free flour gradually until it firms up enough to handle. Remember to dust your hands and the work surface to prevent sticking as you shape the bagels.
Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
Yes! To make these bagels vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). You can also use a plant-based yogurt in place of cottage cheese for a dairy-free option!
