These gluten-free cottage cheese bagels are a tasty treat, easy to make and perfect for breakfast! With creamy cottage cheese and a chewy texture, they’ll brighten your mornings.
Trust me, they are so good that you might find yourself sneaking one before breakfast! I love topping mine with cream cheese and a sprinkle of chives for extra flavor—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the recipe! It adds protein and moisture. You can use full-fat for a richer flavor or low-fat if you’re looking to cut calories. If you need a dairy-free option, try silken tofu blended until smooth.
Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Make sure your blend has xanthan gum for the right texture. If not, adding 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum is a must. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour, but adjust the liquid since they absorb more moisture.
Eggs: They’re essential for binding the dough together. If you want a vegan option, consider using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, let it sit until gelatinous).
Seeds: I love using sesame seeds for a nutty crunch, but poppy seeds work well too. If you’re looking for a twist, try everything bagel seasoning as a topping!
How Can I Shape My Bagels Without Making a Mess?
Shaping the bagels can be tricky, but here’s the easy way to do it. After dividing the dough, work with lightly floured hands. This helps prevent sticking. The dough will be a bit sticky, so don’t worry about it being perfect!
- Roll each portion into a ball, then press your thumb through the center.
- Gently stretch the hole while keeping the dough’s shape. Make sure the hole is big enough because it will shrink during baking.
- Place them on the baking sheet with enough space between them so they can expand without touching.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Enjoy making those perfect bagels!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 1/2 cups (340g) cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (240g) gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum, or add 1 tsp xanthan gum if needed)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional, for slight sweetness and better browning)
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
- Sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and/or poppy seeds for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to bake. So in total, plan for about 45 minutes to enjoy fresh, homemade gluten-free bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so that your bagels won’t stick.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese and eggs. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your bagel dough.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if you’re using it). This helps to get rid of any lumps and ensures everything is mixed well.
4. Make the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl with the cottage cheese and eggs. Stir using a spoon or spatula until a soft dough forms. It will be slightly sticky, but that’s just right!
5. Shape the Bagels:
Lightly flour your hands and a clean surface with gluten-free flour. Divide the dough into about 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Then, use your thumb to poke a hole in the center of each ball and stretch gently to form a bagel shape. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect—homemade is best!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. They will expand while baking.
7. Add the Egg Wash & Toppings:
Beat the egg white lightly and brush it over the tops of the bagels for a nice golden finish. Then sprinkle your choice of sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, or poppy seeds on top.
8. Bake the Bagels:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and cooked through. The lovely aroma will fill your kitchen!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve them warm with butter, jam, or any spread you love!
Enjoy your delicious, soft gluten-free cottage cheese bagels that are perfect for any time of the day!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. If you’re using a flour that doesn’t have xanthan gum, add 1 teaspoon for the best texture. Almond or coconut flour can also work but may require adjustments in the liquid used.
Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these bagels vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg, left to sit until it thickens). For the cottage cheese, use blended silken tofu as a substitute for a similar texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, just toast them straight from the freezer or let them thaw at room temperature.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with toppings. Besides sesame and poppy seeds, you can use grated cheese, everything bagel seasoning, or even spices like garlic powder for an extra flavor kick. Get creative!