These Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels are a tasty treat, fluffy on the inside with a nice crust on the outside. Plus, they are low in carbs and high in protein, making them a smart choice!
Making bagels at home is so fun, and these come together quickly. I love to top mine with cream cheese and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. Yum! Can’t resist that combo! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Flour: This is the base for these bagels and gives them a nutty flavor. If you need a nut-free option, you can use sunflower seed flour instead. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it might differ slightly.
Cottage Cheese: The cottage cheese adds moisture and a unique tangy flavor. If you want it creamier, use ricotta cheese instead. For a dairy-free version, try a plant-based yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the dough together. If you’re avoiding eggs, consider using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This seasoning blend is great for flavor. If you don’t have it, you can create your own mix with equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, onion flakes, and garlic flakes.
What’s the Best Way to Shape These Bagels?
Shaping the bagels can be tricky, but here’s how to do it smoothly. Start with wet hands to prevent sticking. Here’s a quick guide:
- Take a portion of dough and roll it into a ball.
- Press your thumb into the middle to create a hole. Ensure the hole is about the size of a quarter.
- Gently stretch the dough around the hole to form the bagel shape.
- Repeat for each portion and place them on the baking sheet.
This method helps keep the bagels uniform and ensures they cook evenly. Remember, if the dough feels too sticky, just add a bit more almond flour as needed.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (finely ground)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (drained if very watery)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme or oregano)
For Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (or a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, garlic flakes, and salt)
- Extra cottage cheese for topping (optional)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll be looking at about 35-40 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. This will keep your bagels from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder (if using), and dried herbs. Give everything a good stir with a spoon to make sure it’s all mixed smoothly.
3. Blend Wet Ingredients:
Next, grab a blender or food processor and blend the cottage cheese and eggs together until you have a smooth mixture. This step is important because it will help create a nice dough consistency later.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Pour the wet ingredients into your bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together until you have a sticky dough. Don’t worry if it’s a little tacky; that’s perfectly fine!
5. Shape the Bagels:
Now it’s time to shape your bagels! Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. With wet hands (to prevent sticking), roll each portion into a ball and then poke a hole through the middle to form a bagel shape. Make sure the hole is big enough—about the size of a quarter works well.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped bagels onto your lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning generously over the tops of each bagel. If you want, you can add a few dollops of cottage cheese on top for extra flavor!
7. Bake the Bagels:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the bagels to be golden brown and firm to the touch. The lovely aroma will fill your kitchen!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a rack for 10-15 minutes. This cooling time helps them set. After that, they are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them plain, toasted, or with your favorite spreads and toppings.
These Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels are not only low-carb and gluten-free but also deliciously soft with a savory seasoning and a hint of tanginess from the cottage cheese. Enjoy your homemade bagels!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes! While almond flour is the star here for its low-carb properties, you can substitute it with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, and you may need to adjust the baking time.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels too sticky to handle, you can add a little more almond flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable. Wet hands also help a lot when shaping the dough into bagels!
Can I Freeze These Bagels?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bagels after they’ve cooled completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight freezer bag. They should stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw and toast when you’re ready to enjoy them!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the toaster or oven to bring back their lovely texture before serving!
