These fluffy bagels made with cottage cheese and almond flour are a great low-carb treat! They’re easy to make and have a nice chewy texture that you’ll love.
Honestly, they’re perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. I like to top mine with cream cheese or avocado—delicious! You might want to make a double batch because they’ll disappear fast.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese based on your preference. A full-fat option gives a creamier texture, but if you’re watching calories, low-fat works perfectly. I like to drain it a bit to avoid excess moisture!
Almond Flour: This flour is key for a low-carb bagel. If you don’t have almond flour, you could try a gluten-free flour blend (though results may vary). I find blanched almond flour creates a better texture than unblanched.
Eggs: The eggs help bind everything together. For a vegan option, you can try using flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg). It’s a nice alternative, but the texture may slightly change!
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder are optional but punch up the flavor. If you don’t have them, consider fresh herbs like chives or parsley to keep it fresh and tasty!
How Do You Shape the Bagels Without Them Falling Apart?
Shaping the bagels is a fun part of the process! This dough can be a bit sticky, so here are some tips:
- Keep your hands wet to prevent the dough from sticking to you.
- Start with balls and gently poke a hole in the center. Use your thumb to stretch the hole wider as you shape.
- Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; they’ll look great after baking!
By following these simple steps, you’ll have fluffy and delicious bagels that are both satisfying and guilt-free. Enjoy your baking!
Fluffy Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagel
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 ½ cups low-fat cottage cheese (or full-fat, drained)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ½ cups almond flour (blanched, finely ground)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)
- 1 egg white, beaten (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then another 22-25 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying these fluffy bagels in around 35-40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important for ensuring the bagels bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Base Mixture:
In a food processor or a blender, combine the low-fat cottage cheese and eggs. Blend them together until they are nice and smooth, creating a creamy mixture that will be the base of your bagels.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate large bowl, mix together the almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder (if using), onion powder (if using), and salt. This is where all the wonderful flavors come together!
4. Mix the Dough:
Pour the creamy cottage cheese mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir everything together until a dough forms. It will be a little sticky, but manageable with wet hands!
5. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. With wet hands, shape each portion into a ball. Then, gently press a hole in the center of each ball and stretch to form a bagel shape. They don’t have to be perfect; just be gentle!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place your shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg white—this helps the toppings adhere and gives the bagels a nice glossy finish.
7. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and/or everything bagel seasoning on top of each bagel for that added flavor and crunch. Be generous with the sprinkles!
8. Bake:
Pop the bagels in the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. The delightful aroma will surely fill your kitchen!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This helps them set perfectly. Slice them when they’re cool enough to handle, and serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings like cream cheese, butter, or even smoked salmon!
Enjoy your homemade fluffy, low-carb cottage cheese almond flour bagels! They are sure to delight you and anyone you share them with!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese in This Recipe?
Yes! While cottage cheese gives a unique texture, you could substitute it with ricotta cheese for a different flavor and creaminess. Just keep in mind that the moisture content may vary, so adjust the almond flour accordingly if needed.
Can I Freeze These Bagels?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or pop them straight in the toaster when you’re ready to enjoy!
What If I Don’t Have Almond Flour?
If you don’t have almond flour, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture will differ slightly. If you’re not concerned about being gluten-free, regular all-purpose flour would work, but it won’t be low-carb.
Can I Add More Flavor to the Bagels?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding herbs like dill or spices like paprika to the dough. You could also mix in sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a savory twist. Just remember to keep the total volume of dry ingredients in balance!
