These Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels are soft, chewy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Packed with protein from the cottage cheese, they are also grain-free!
Who knew bagels could be so healthy? I love topping them with cream cheese or avocado. It’s a simple, tasty way to start the day—and my tummy always thanks me!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese is ideal for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use low-fat cottage cheese. For dairy-free, use silken tofu blended until smooth as a substitute.
Almond Flour: Blanched almond flour gives these bagels the best texture. If you don’t have it, you could use almond meal, but the texture may be coarser. For nut allergies, sunflower seed flour or oat flour can work in a pinch.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients. If you need an egg-free version, try using chia seeds or flax seeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon seeds with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit until gel-like). It works surprisingly well!
Garlic & Onion Powder: These are optional for flavor, but I strongly recommend them for extra taste! You can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor or substitute with other spices like smoked paprika for a unique twist.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: While store-bought is convenient, you can easily make your own! Mix equal parts of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for a fresh blend.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping the bagels is a fun part of the process, but it can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. The goal is to create a uniform shape that bakes evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- After dividing the dough, keep your hands floured to prevent sticking. This makes it easier to handle.
- Roll each portion into a smooth ball first before flattening slightly. This helps keep the shape together.
- For the hole in the center, use your finger to poke through. Don’t worry if it looks a bit irregular; they will bake into a nice shape!
- Ensure the hole is large enough, as it may close while baking.
Taking care on these steps will help your bagels rise and develop that classic bagel look and texture. Enjoy the baking adventure!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat, well-drained)
- 1 3/4 cups almond flour (blanched is best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and sea salt)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in about 45 minutes, you can have fresh, delicious bagels ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bagels bake evenly. While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a food processor, add the cottage cheese, almond flour, eggs, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Blend everything together until the mixture forms a sticky dough. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix it by hand, but a food processor helps to get a smoother texture.
3. Shape the Bagels:
Now it’s time to shape your bagels! Lightly flour your hands with almond flour to avoid sticking. Divide the dough into 5-6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten it. Use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball, shaping them into bagels.
4. Prepare for Baking:
Place your bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning generously over the tops, and press it lightly to help it stick.
5. Bake the Bagels:
Pop them in the preheated oven and let them bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when they turn a lovely golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. This is the perfect time to get out your favorite toppings like cream cheese or avocado. Enjoy your delicious, low-carb bagels!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a non-dairy cottage cheese alternative made from tofu or cashews. Just make sure it has a similar consistency to regular cottage cheese for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them! Just wrap each bagel in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Definitely! You can mix in herbs like dill or spices like chili powder for added flavor. Just keep in mind that adding too many ingredients may affect the texture of the dough, so use them sparingly!
What If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels excessively sticky, try adding a little more almond flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much; you don’t want to make the bagels dry!
