These fluffy bagels made with cottage cheese and almond flour are not only tasty but also super easy to whip up! They have a wonderful texture that feels light and satisfying.
They make a great breakfast or snack. I love to top mine with cream cheese and some chives. Give them a try, and you might just want to eat them every day! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese offers a creamy texture, making your bagels fluffy. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, low-fat cottage cheese will still work well, though the texture may be slightly different.
Almond Flour: Blanched almond flour is fine for a smooth texture. You can substitute with another nut flour like sunflower seed flour if nut-free. Keep in mind, results may vary slightly in flavor and texture.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the dough and provide moisture. If you need a vegan option, consider using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) for similar binding.
Baking Powder: This gives your bagels a nice rise. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results. If you want a baking powder substitute, you can use baking soda with an acid like vinegar or lemon juice (use about 1/4 teaspoon of each).
Sesame Seeds: They add a lovely crunch and flavor. Feel free to use poppy seeds or everything bagel seasoning instead if you’d like to switch things up!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture When Making Bagels?
Getting the right texture is essential for these bagels. Here are some tips to make them fluffy and delicious:
- Blend the cottage cheese and eggs until smooth; this creates a creamy mix that helps the bagels rise.
- Mix the dough until just combined. Over-mixing can result in denser bagels, so blend until you see no dry almond flour.
- Use wet hands when shaping the bagels. This helps prevent sticking and makes shaping easier.
- Don’t skip the baking time! Make sure they’re golden brown to ensure a nice texture. Enjoy warm for the best taste.
Fluffy Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagel
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 2 cups almond flour (blanched almond flour works best)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (optional, for a light rise)
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon erythritol or sweetener (for a slightly sweet flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bagel recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and around 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll spend about 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 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Blend the Base:
In a food processor or blender, combine the cottage cheese and eggs. Blend them together until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. This helps create a fluffy texture for your bagels!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This will be the base of your dough.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour the cottage cheese and egg mixture into the bowl with the almond flour mixture. If you’re using vinegar, add that now too. Mix everything together until a dough forms; it should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then use your finger to poke a hole in the center of each ball, creating the traditional bagel shape. Ensure the hole is big enough, as it will shrink during baking.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet. To help the sesame seeds stick, brush the tops lightly with water or a little beaten egg if desired.
7. Sprinkle the Seeds:
Generously sprinkle sesame seeds over each bagel, giving them a lovely crunch and flavor.
8. Bake:
Put the bagels in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. They should be golden brown and firm to the touch when done.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This will help them set perfectly!
10. Enjoy:
Slice the bagels warm and top them with cream cheese, butter, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy these fluffy delights any time of day!
These bagels have a tender, fluffy texture and a slight crunch from the sesame seeds on top. They’re gluten-free and low-carb, making them the perfect nutritious breakfast or snack option!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead of Full-Fat?
Yes, you can! Low-fat cottage cheese will work, but your bagels may be slightly less rich and creamy. Just make sure to blend it well to achieve a smooth texture.
Can I Make These Bagels Without Eggs?
Absolutely! You can use flax eggs as a substitute—mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens before adding it to your dough.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them. Just wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Use Different Toppings Besides Sesame Seeds?
Definitely! Feel free to use poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or even a sprinkle of cheese on top for variation. Mix it up according to your preference!
