These Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels are a fun twist on a classic breakfast treat! They are chewy, tasty, and perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Baking them fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting smell. I love topping mine with cream cheese and fresh veggies—so yummy! It’s a great way to enjoy a bagel that’s lower in carbs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese adds great moisture and a creamy texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using lactose-free cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar consistency.
Almond Flour: Blanched almond flour works best in this recipe, giving a finer texture. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed flour or ground oats can be good alternatives.
Eggs: I always use large eggs for the right binding. If you want a vegan option, you can substitute two tablespoons of flaxseed meal mixed with six tablespoons of water per egg.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang and helps the bagels rise. You can use lemon juice if you don’t have it on hand. It works well too!
Toppings (Sesame & Poppy Seeds): These add crunch and flavor! Feel free to get creative with toppings like everything bagel seasoning, cheese, or even herbs like dried basil for a twist.
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping bagels can be tricky, but with these steps, you’ll master it! After dividing the dough, lightly dust your hands and surface with almond flour to avoid stickiness. Here’s how:
- Form a ball with each dough portion.
- Poke your finger through the center of the ball gently.
- Carefully stretch the hole while rotating the dough, aiming for a bagel shape.
- The hole should be about 1-2 inches wide, as it will shrink during baking.
This technique ensures a nice, even bake while giving that classic bagel shape. Happy baking!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat, well-drained)
- 1 ½ cups almond flour (blanched is preferred)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for slight tang and better rise)
For the Topping:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tbsp dried minced onion or onion flakes
- 1 tbsp garlic powder or minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black sesame seeds (optional, for added color and flavor)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Extra egg for egg wash (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have delicious bagels ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent the bagels from sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, almond flour, eggs, baking powder, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Stir well until a thick dough forms. For a smoother texture, you can use a hand mixer or food processor.
3. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, black sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create a flavorful topping for your bagels.
4. Shape the Bagels:
Lightly dust a clean surface or a piece of parchment paper with almond flour. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and make a hole in the center of each ball with your finger, gently stretching it to form the traditional bagel shape.
5. Arrange and Top the Bagels:
Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. If you’d like, beat one egg and brush it over the tops of the bagels for a shiny finish. Then, generously sprinkle the seed and seasoning mixture over each bagel, pressing lightly to help it stick.
6. Bake the Bagels:
Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The aroma will surely fill your kitchen!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving. Slice them and enjoy with cream cheese, smoked salmon, or your favorite toppings!
These bagels are not only easy to make but are also packed with protein and are low in carbs, thanks to the almond flour and cottage cheese. Enjoy your freshly made bagels!
Can I Use Non-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead of Full-Fat?
Yes, you can use non-fat cottage cheese, but it may result in a slightly drier texture. If you go this route, you might want to add a little extra moisture by incorporating a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or just a bit more cottage cheese.
Can I Bake These Bagels in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the bagels, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just take them out, let them sit for about 15 minutes to come to room temperature, and pop them in the oven!
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just remember to slice them before freezing for easy toasting later!
What Can I Substitute for Almond Flour?
If you need to replace almond flour due to nut allergies, sunflower seed flour is a great alternative. You can also use coconut flour, but reduce the amount to about 1/3 of the almond flour and increase the liquid ingredients slightly, as coconut flour absorbs more moisture.
