These Keto Cottage Cheese Bagels are a tasty and low-carb twist on a breakfast favorite! Made with cottage cheese, cheese, and simple spices, they come together quickly.
They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for a quick meal. I love to add cream cheese and smoked salmon on top—talk about a delicious combo! 🥑
Making these bagels is so easy. Just mix, shape, and bake. Plus, they are a great way to enjoy a classic while sticking to your diet. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best texture and flavor for these bagels. If you prefer a lower fat option, low-fat cottage cheese works too, but it may alter the creaminess. I enjoy using it for extra protein in my diet.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, making it perfect for creating that bagel-like texture. If mozzarella isn’t available, try using provolone or Monterey Jack cheese. They provide a similar melt and taste.
Almond Flour: Almond flour keeps these bagels low-carb. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed flour is a good alternative, although it may change the flavor slightly. Be sure to check if any other flour you may choose has gluten or carbs if you’re sticking to keto.
Eggs: Eggs add structure and moisture to the dough. If you want to make these vegan, you can use flax eggs instead. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg and let it sit until thickened.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This blend is fantastic on top of the bagels, adding tons of flavor. If you can’t find it, you can easily make your own with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, mixing them to taste.
How Do I Get the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Forming the perfect bagel shape is a key step in this recipe. Here’s how to do it:
- Once your dough is mixed, divide it into 6 equal balls. This ensures all bagels cook evenly.
- Lightly dust your fingers with flour to prevent sticking. Poke your finger through the center of each dough ball to create the bagel hole.
- Gently stretch the hole a bit bigger but avoid tearing the dough. You want a well-defined hole to help the bagel cook through.
Be patient here; a nice, even bagel shape contributes to better texture and appearance when baked!
How to Make Keto Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 ½ cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (or a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt)
For the Filling:
- Cream cheese or ricotta cheese (to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and another 15-20 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll be looking at around 30-35 minutes to enjoy your delicious, low-carb cottage cheese bagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bagels from sticking.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and cottage cheese. Microwave for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese is soft and melty. Give it a good stir until it’s smooth. If you have a hand mixer, it works great for making sure everything is evenly blended.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, if you’re using it. This will give your bagels their flavor and texture.
4. Combine Everything Together:
Add the eggs into the cheese mixture and mix until combined. Slowly stir in the dry ingredients until a slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it feels a bit sticky; that’s just how it should be!
5. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball. Now here’s the fun part—poke a hole right through the center of each ball with your finger to shape them like bagels. Place your formed bagels onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Season and Bake:
Sprinkle the tops of your bagels generously with everything bagel seasoning. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and look delicious.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. Slice each bagel in half horizontally—from there, it’s time to spread on some cream cheese or ricotta cheese! Sandwich the two halves together and enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your tasty, low-carb, keto-friendly cottage cheese bagels!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is recommended for its melting properties, you can substitute it with other cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture might slightly change.
Can I Make These Bagels Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can replace the cottage cheese and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives, such as almond or cashew cream cheese. Just make sure that they have a similar texture to maintain the bagel’s structure.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh them, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes or toast them for a warm, crispy texture.
Can I Freeze These Bagels?
Yes! You can freeze the bagels once they’ve cooled completely. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container, and they’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving for the best results.