These Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels are fluffy and delicious! They have a lovely nutty flavor and are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Making them is a breeze! Just mix the ingredients, shape them, and bake. I often add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a tasty twist. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese is my go-to for the creamy texture it provides. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat cottage cheese works too, but it may alter the texture slightly.
Almond Flour: Blanched, finely ground almond flour is best for a smooth dough. If you’re allergic or need a nut-free option, try using sunflower seed flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend—though keep in mind the flavor will shift a bit.
Eggs: Eggs play a crucial role in binding the dough. If you’re vegan or avoiding eggs, you can use a flaxseed egg as a substitute. Just mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it thicken for 5 minutes.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This blend adds great flavor! If you don’t have it on hand, you can make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt to taste.
Optional Chopped Almonds: Chopped almonds add extra crunch and flavor, but feel free to skip them if you want a simpler version or are allergic to nuts!
How Do I Shape the Bagels Well?
Shaping bagels can be tricky, but with a little patience, you’ll get it right! The dough will be a bit sticky, so keep your hands lightly floured to handle it easily.
- Start by dividing the dough into 4 equal portions, rolling each into a ball.
- To shape, use your finger to poke a hole in the center of the ball, then slowly widen the hole as you rotate the dough.
- Aim for rings about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they are imperfect—everyone loves a rustic look!
Once shaped, placing them on the tray and generously sprinkling toppings takes them to the next level! Happy baking!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Almond Flour Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Dough:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat recommended)
- 1 ¾ cups almond flour (blanched, finely ground)
- 2 large eggs (divided, 1 for dough, 1 for egg wash)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Toppings:
- Everything bagel seasoning (a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt)
- Optional: chopped almonds for extra topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at roughly 40-45 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have delicious, homemade bagels ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Dough:
In a food processor or a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, one egg, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix or blend this until you achieve a smooth dough. If using a bowl, a sturdy spatula or spoon works well to mix everything together.
3. Shape the Bagels:
Now, using your hands, divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball. Next, poke a hole in the center of each ball and gently widen it to form a bagel shape, aiming for rings about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Don’t stress about perfection; rustic is great!
4. Arrange and Prepare for Baking:
Place your shaped bagels on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Beat the second egg in a small bowl and brush it over each bagel to give them a lovely, glossy finish.
5. Add Seasoning and Bake:
Generously sprinkle everything bagel seasoning and optional chopped almonds over the egg-washed bagels. They’re going to taste amazing! Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cool and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. They will be soft on the inside, crunchy outside, and are perfect as a snack or part of breakfast. Enjoy them plain, toasted, or with your favorite spread like cream cheese!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour for This Recipe?
While almond flour is key for the texture and flavor of these bagels, you can substitute it with a gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed. Just keep in mind that this might change the bagel’s final texture slightly, so adjust baking time as needed.
What Should I Do If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is sticky, try adding a little more almond flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency. Just be cautious not to overdo it, as too much flour can make the bagels dense.
Can I Make These Bagels in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and shape the bagels, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before baking for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they freeze well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.