These Keto Cottage Cheese Bagels are soft, fluffy, and tasty! Made with cottage cheese, almond flour, and eggs, they’re perfect for anyone on a low-carb diet.
Believe me, they make breakfast feel fancy without the carbs! I love to add some cream cheese and smoked salmon on top—delicious and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese adds moisture and a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use low-fat cottage cheese but expect a slightly different consistency. Not a fan? Greek yogurt can be an alternative, though it will change the flavor a bit.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese helps create that chewy bagel texture. If you can’t find mozzarella, you can use shredded provolone or a blend of other melting cheeses. Just make sure they melt well!
Almond Flour: Almond flour keeps these bagels low-carb and adds a lovely nutty flavor. In a pinch, you can substitute with coconut flour, but you’ll need less (about 1/4 cup) since it absorbs more moisture.
Eggs: The eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness. If you need a vegan option, try using plain unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) as a replacement.
Sesame Seeds: These seeds add a nice crunch and flavor on top. For variety, try poppy seeds or even everything bagel seasoning! It’s fun to experiment with different toppings.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping the dough into real bagel forms can be tricky, but here’s how to do it smoothly:
- After dividing the dough, flour your hands lightly to keep it from sticking.
- Roll each dough piece into a ball and then gently poke your finger through the center. Rotate the dough to create a hole.
- Make the hole larger as the bagel will puff up while baking. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; they’ll still taste great!
Once shaped, it’s important to bake them until they’re golden brown. This not only enhances the flavor but also ensures they’re cooked through!
How to Make Keto Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Bagel Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds and/or black sesame seeds for topping
For Serving:
- Cream cheese or additional cottage cheese for filling or spreading
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, so you’ll have delicious bagels ready in about 30-35 minutes total! Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bagels from sticking.
2. Melt the Cheese:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese. Microwave them together for about 1 to 1.5 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and slightly melted. This softening is key for mixing everything smoothly!
3. Mix the Cheese:
After microwaving, stir the melted cheese and cottage cheese mixture until it becomes smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool down slightly before going to the next step.
4. Prepare the Dough:
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the 2 large eggs. Then add the almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder (if you’re using it), and salt. Mix everything together well so it’s nice and combined.
5. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the slightly cooled cheese mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until it forms a soft dough. It might be a bit sticky—that’s okay!
6. Shape the Bagels:
Lightly flour your hands with a bit of almond flour to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into 4 or 5 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole in the center with your finger to shape them into bagels. Make sure the hole is wide enough since the bagels will puff up while baking.
7. Bake the Bagels:
Place the shaped bagels onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds and/or black sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, carefully remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. When they’re cool enough to handle, slice them in half and spread with cream cheese or more cottage cheese as you like. Enjoy your fluffy, flavorful Keto Cottage Cheese Bagels!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but it may result in a slight change in texture and moisture. Full-fat cottage cheese typically provides the best results for achieving fluffy bagels!
What If I Don’t Have Almond Flour?
If almond flour isn’t available, you can substitute it with coconut flour, but remember to use only about 1/4 cup, as it absorbs more moisture. You can also try using a store-bought low-carb flour blend.
Can I Freeze the Bagels?
Absolutely! Once cooled, store the bagels in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat in the toaster or oven.
What Are Some Topping Variations?
For a twist, try topping your bagels with everything bagel seasoning, poppy seeds, or dried herbs before baking. You can also mix in spices like onion powder into the dough for added flavor!