These gluten-free cottage cheese bagels are light, chewy, and packed with delicious flavor. They’re super quick to whip up and make a great breakfast or snack!
Honestly, who knew bagels could be this easy? I love munching on these warm with a little cream cheese. Perfect for those busy mornings when you want something tasty and quick!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This is key to making the bagels gluten-free. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur’s provide good textures. If you have a favorite blend, feel free to use it! You could also mix your own by using a combination of almond flour and tapioca flour.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best creamy texture, but low-fat is okay too. If you want a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative made from nuts.
Eggs: The eggs help bind the ingredients together. If you’re vegan or egg-free, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
Sugar or Honey: This is optional but adds a slight sweetness and helps with browning. If you prefer a sugar-free option, you can skip it or use a sugar substitute like maple syrup or agave.
Toppings: Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning bring extra flavor. You could also use poppy seeds, dried herbs, or even cheese sprinkles for added uniqueness!
How Do You Knead the Dough Correctly?
Kneading is an important step for developing the structure of your bagels. Here’s how to do it right:
- Flour your surface lightly to prevent sticking.
- Turn the dough onto the floured surface and gently press it down with your palms.
- Fold the dough over itself and push down, rotating it a quarter turn each time.
- Keep doing this until the dough is smooth, about 1-2 minutes is all you need!
Don’t over-knead; gluten-free dough doesn’t need as much attention as traditional dough. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat recommended)
- 2 large eggs (1 for the dough, 1 for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, for slight sweetness and browning)
Toppings:
- Sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, or everything bagel seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your bagels don’t stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the cottage cheese and one egg into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Mix everything well using a spoon or spatula until you form a soft dough. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle in a little more gluten-free flour until it becomes manageable.
4. Knead the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface, then turn your dough out onto it. Knead it gently for a minute or two to bring everything together. You don’t need to overdo it—just enough to make sure it’s smooth!
5. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger. Gently stretch the hole to about 1.5 inches in diameter to form a bagel shape.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the bagels on the prepared baking sheet, giving them space to rise a little. In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg and brush the tops of each bagel with the egg wash for that golden finish.
7. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle the tops generously with sesame seeds or your choice of bagel seasoning. Get creative with it!
8. Bake the Bagels:
Pop the bagels into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once they’re done baking, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy them fresh, or toast them up with your favorite spreads!
Happy baking, and enjoy your delicious gluten-free cottage cheese bagels! 🥯
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Yes! While cottage cheese is recommended for its creaminess, you could substitute it with ricotta or cream cheese for a different flavor and texture, keeping in mind that this may change the moisture content, so adjust flour as needed.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle a little more gluten-free all-purpose flour into the mix until it reaches a manageable consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as it can dry out the bagels.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just toast or warm them up before serving!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in herbs, spices, or even cheese bits for added flavor. Just be cautious with the amount you add so that it doesn’t alter the dough consistency too much.
