These gluten-free cottage cheese bagels are soft, chewy, and oh-so-easy to make! With just a few ingredients, you’ll have fresh bagels ready in no time!
I love how simple they are to whip up on a lazy Sunday. Perfect with cream cheese or just a sprinkle of salt. Trust me, you won’t believe they’re gluten-free! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your bagels. If you can’t find a pre-made blend, you can create your own using a mix of almond flour, rice flour, and tapioca flour for a different flavor and texture.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives a rich flavor and texture. If you’re watching calories, low-fat works too. You can also try ricotta cheese for a creamier option, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist!
Xanthan Gum: This ingredient helps give structure to the bagels. If your gluten-free flour mix already has it, you can skip this. In a pinch, ground chia seeds or flaxseeds can be used instead to help bind the dough.
Sesame Seeds: These seeds are essential for topping. You can use poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even a sprinkle of coarse salt if you prefer a different flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Bagels Have the Right Consistency?
Getting the right dough consistency is crucial for bagels. When mixing, the dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape. If it’s too dry, add a splash of water or another egg as needed. Make sure to mix thoroughly but avoid overworking it. To shape, lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking; this will make the process easier!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bagels:
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional, to balance flavors)
- 1 tsp xanthan gum (if not included in gluten-free flour blend)
For Topping:
- Sesame seeds and black sesame seeds
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and another 25-30 minutes for baking. You’ll have delicious bagels ready in about 45 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when your bagels go in. Also, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and xanthan gum (if your flour blend doesn’t already contain it). If you’re using sugar or honey, add that too. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a food processor or with a hand mixer, blend the cottage cheese and eggs together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want it to be free of large curds for a nice texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the cottage cheese and egg mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix well until a dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but firm enough to shape into bagels.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Dust your hands with a little gluten-free flour to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then use your thumb to press a hole in the center to create the bagel shape.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Beat the additional egg in a small bowl and brush it generously over the top of each bagel for a beautiful glossy finish. Sprinkle the sesame seeds and black sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
7. Bake the Bagels:
Put your bagels in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. They’ll smell amazing too!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This helps them stay soft. Enjoy your warm, gluten-free cottage cheese bagels for breakfast or as a delicious snack!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cottage cheese is ideal for its creaminess, you can substitute ricotta for a richer flavor or even Greek yogurt for a tangy touch. Just make sure any alternative maintains a similar consistency!
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 wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or toast them directly from the freezer.
Can I Omit the Xanthan Gum?
If your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum, you can skip this ingredient. If not, it’s best not to omit it entirely as it helps bind the ingredients together. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground chia or flaxseed can also work.
Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
Definitely! To make the bagels vegan, replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, let it sit until gelatinous). Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative or a thick plant-based yogurt as a substitute!
