Keto Bagels: Delicious Low-Carb Recipes Without Cheese

For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, bagels might seem like a distant memory. Traditional bagels are high in carbohydrates, mainly due to their wheat flour content. However, with the rise in popularity of keto-friendly alternatives, it's now possible to enjoy a bagel without derailing your dietary goals. This article explores several keto bagel recipes that exclude cheese, offering a variety of options to satisfy your bagel cravings.

Understanding Keto Bagels and Their Ingredients

Traditional bagels are off-limits on a keto diet due to their high carbohydrate content. Keto bagels replace high-carb ingredients like wheat flour with low-carb alternatives. Common ingredients include almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk, and flaxseed meal. These ingredients provide structure, bind the dough, and contribute to the bagel's texture.

Key Ingredients in Cheese-Free Keto Bagels

Almond Flour

Almond flour is a popular choice for keto baking due to its low carbohydrate content and slightly nutty flavor. Blanched almond flour, which is finely ground, is generally preferred for a lighter and fluffier texture. It serves as the base for many keto bagel recipes.

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is another low-carb alternative to wheat flour. It's highly absorbent, so recipes using coconut flour typically require more liquid. Coconut flour can add a slightly sweet taste to the bagels.

Psyllium Husk Powder

Psyllium husk powder is a soluble fiber that acts as a binding agent in keto baking, similar to how gluten functions in traditional baking. It helps to create a chewy texture and prevent the bagels from being too crumbly.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Flaxseed Meal

Flaxseed meal, made from ground flax seeds, adds fiber and healthy fats to keto bagels. It also contributes to the bagel's structure and helps to bind the ingredients together.

Greek Yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt can be used in some keto bagel recipes to add moisture and protein. It also acts as a binding agent. Whole-fat, low-fat, or nonfat plain Greek yogurt can be used.

Eggs

Eggs are a common ingredient in keto bagels, providing structure and binding the ingredients. They also add moisture and richness to the dough.

Yeast

Some keto bagel recipes incorporate yeast to achieve a more traditional bagel texture and flavor. Yeast helps the bagels rise, resulting in a lighter and airier crumb.

Recipe Variations: Almond Flour Bagels

These almond flour bagels are easy to make and yield chewy, flavorful, low-carb bagels that are also gluten-free.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Ingredients:

• Almond flour
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Egg (for egg wash)
• Everything bagel seasoning (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine almond flour, Greek yogurt, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Knead the dough on a well-floured surface for 1-2 minutes until it becomes less sticky.
3. Divide the dough into equal pieces and form each into a ball.
4. Flatten each ball into a circle and create a hole in the center to form a bagel shape.
5. Place the bagels on a lined baking sheet.
6. Brush the tops and sides of each bagel with egg wash.
7. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, if desired.
8. Bake until golden brown.
9. Let cool on a cooling rack before slicing and serving.

Recipe Variations: Keto Bagels with Psyllium Husk

This recipe uses psyllium husk powder instead of cheese for elasticity and as a binder.

Ingredients

• Almond flour
• Psyllium husk powder
• Granular sweetener
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Eggs
• Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
3. Divide the dough into equal portions.
4. Shape each portion into a bagel.
5. Bake until golden brown.

Recipe Variations: Coconut Flour Bagels

This recipe uses coconut flour and requires no cheese.

Ingredients:

• Coconut flour
• Eggs
• Butter (or dairy-free substitute)
• Baking powder
• Garlic powder (or other seasonings)
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Blend together eggs, butter, salt, and garlic powder.
2. Combine coconut flour with baking powder and xanthan gum (if using).
3. Whisk coconut flour mixture into batter until there are no lumps.
4. Spoon into a greased donut pan.
5. Bake until browned on top and set in the middle.
6. Cool on rack 10-15 minutes then remove from pan.

Tips for Perfect Keto Bagels

• Use finely ground almond flour: This will help to create a lighter and less grainy texture.
• Don't skip the cooling time: Cooling allows the bagels to set properly and prevents them from being too soft or sticky.
• Adjust the flour as needed: If the dough is too sticky, add more almond flour or coconut flour in small increments until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Use wet hands when shaping: This will prevent the dough from sticking to your hands and make it easier to form the bagels.
• Experiment with flavors: Add different seasonings and toppings to customize your bagels to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Keto bagels can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With cream cheese: A classic bagel topping that's also keto-friendly.
• With butter: Another simple and satisfying option.
• As a sandwich: Use keto bagels as bread for sandwiches with your favorite fillings.
• As a base for bagel pizzas: Top keto bagels with sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Toasted: Toasting keto bagels can improve their texture and enhance their flavor.

Storing Keto Bagels

Leftover keto bagels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage, but they may become dry and crumbly when thawed. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer until warmed through.

Buying Keto Bagels

If you don't have time to bake your own keto bagels, there are several commercially available options. Some popular brands include Sola Bagels, Thin Slim Foods, and Carbonaut Low Carb Bagels. These bagels are typically cheese-free and come in a variety of flavors.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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