These Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels are a fun twist on the classic bagel! They are soft, fluffy, and made with healthy ingredients, bringing together the goodness of cottage cheese and almond flour.
Making these bagels is so easy! You just mix, shape, and bake. I’m always excited to team them with cream cheese or your favorite spread. Who can resist fresh bagels right out of the oven? 😋
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Choose well-drained cottage cheese for the best texture. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt if you want a tangy flavor and creaminess.
Almond Flour: Blanched almond flour is ideal, as it gives a lighter texture. If you don’t have almond flour, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the consistency may vary.
Eggs: These add structure to the bagels. If you’re vegan or allergic, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tbsp meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) as a substitute.
Baking Powder: This helps the bagels rise. Make sure it’s fresh; if not, you can combine half a teaspoon of cream of tartar with a quarter teaspoon of baking soda as a replacement.
Seasonings: The garlic and onion powders are optional but add great flavor. Feel free to adjust or omit these based on your taste. Alternatively, try herbs like dried basil or oregano.
How Do I Form Bagels Properly?
Forming bagels might seem tricky, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it! Here’s the step-by-step:
- After rolling the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly with your hand.
- Use your finger to poke a hole through the center. Make sure the hole is about 1-1.5 inches wide; this will help keep the shape as they bake.
- Gently stretch the dough around the hole to form a ring. This part is crucial; gentle touch prevents tearing.
Remember, practice makes perfect! If they don’t look perfect, that’s okay; they’ll still taste amazing.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (well drained)
- 1 ½ cups almond flour (blanched is preferable)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional, for savory flavor)
- 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
For Topping:
- Everything bagel seasoning (a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt)
- Optional: 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes to bake. All in all, you’ll need around 35-40 minutes before your delicious bagels are ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. You’re setting the stage for some yummy bagels!
2. Mix the Dough
In a food processor or a large mixing bowl, combine the well-drained cottage cheese, eggs, and almond flour. If using a food processor, blend everything until a smooth dough forms. If mixing by hand, be sure to combine the ingredients thoroughly with a spatula or spoon until you get a smooth consistency.
3. Add Seasonings
Next, add the baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mixture. Give it another good mix until everything is evenly incorporated. This is where the flavor starts to come to life!
4. Rest the Dough
Let the dough rest for about 5 minutes. This little break helps thicken the mixture, making it easier to shape into bagels later. Grab your favorite coffee or tea while you wait!
5. Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten them with your hand. Now, using your finger, poke a hole through the center of each dough piece and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape. Don’t worry if they don’t look perfect; bagels can be rustic and still taste amazing!
6. Prepare for Baking
Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet. If you’d like some extra flavor, brush the tops lightly with olive oil or melted butter. This step is optional but adds a nice touch. Don’t forget to sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning—this is the fun part!
7. Bake Those Bagels
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels turn a lovely golden brown and are firm to the touch. The smell in your kitchen will be irresistible!
8. Cool and Serve
Once they’re done baking, carefully remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. After a short wait, they’re ready to serve! Enjoy them plain or with your favorite toppings like cream cheese, smoked salmon, or avocado.
These bagels are sure to impress with their soft, tender texture and crispy, flavorful exterior. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Flours Instead of Almond Flour?
While almond flour provides a great texture and is gluten-free, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. However, be aware that the bagels might not have the same lightness and may require slight adjustments in liquid.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast directly from frozen.
Can I Add Other Toppings or Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding fresh herbs, such as chives or dill, to the dough. You can also mix in cheese (like shredded cheddar or feta) for a flavorful twist or top them with seeds of your choice for variety.
What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Cottage Cheese?
If you don’t have cottage cheese, Greek yogurt is a great alternative. It adds creaminess and a slight tang, similar to cottage cheese. It’s best to use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for the best results.