For those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, breakfast can often feel like a culinary challenge. Traditional breakfast staples like toast, cereal, and bagels are typically high in carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for keto lifestyles. However, with a little creativity, it’s entirely possible to enjoy satisfying and delicious low-carb alternatives. Enter the keto bagel - a cheesy, flavorful, and surprisingly authentic-tasting substitute that will banish breakfast boredom.
The Keto Bagel Revolution
The beauty of keto bagels lies in their ingenious use of alternative ingredients to mimic the texture and taste of traditional bagels, without the carb overload. These recipes typically rely on cheeses, eggs, and almond flour to create a dough that can be shaped and baked into a bagel form. The result is a chewy, dense, and incredibly satisfying breakfast option that fits perfectly within a ketogenic diet.
Keto Everything Bagels Recipe
This recipe focuses on creating cheesy keto everything bagels, packed with flavor and easy to make.
Ingredients
- Shredded cheese
- Grated parmesan (½ cup) - Adds a salty, nutty bite and helps the bagels hold their structure. Asiago or Pecorino Romano can also be used.
- 1 Egg
- Everything bagel seasoning
Equipment
- Donut baking pan (silicone recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the dough: Combine the shredded cheese, grated parmesan, and egg in a bowl and mix it until the ingredients are fully combined.
- Shape the bagels: Divide the mixture equally into six parts and press into well greased donut pan.
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the tops of the egg and cheese mixture.
- Bake: Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese has fully melted and created a slight brown crust.
- Cool: Let the bagels cool for about 30 seconds/1 minute after removing them from the oven, then turn them out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Keto Bagels
- Silicone donut pan: To avoid sticking, use a silicone donut pan.
- Cheese selection: Experiment with different cheeses like asiago or Pecorino Romano for varied flavor profiles.
- Doneness: Keto bagels are done baking when they are light, puffy, and lightly browned around the edges.
Keto Asiago Bagels
Another variation of the keto bagel utilizes Asiago cheese to create a sharp, nutty flavor. These bagels are made with fathead dough, a popular keto dough alternative.
Ingredients
- Almond flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Asiago cheese (¾ cup + for topping)
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, salt, and ¾ cup of the asiago cheese. Set aside.
- Melt the cheeses: Place the cream cheese and mozzarella cheese in a microwave safe bowl and cook on high for 1 to 1-½ minutes, or until the cheese is smooth when stirred.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the almond flour and egg mixture to the hot cheese mixture and stir until combined well and all dough is well blended.
- Shape the bagels: Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll into a smooth ball and shape the dough by pressing your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon in the center of the dough ball, making a hole in the center of the bagel.
- Add topping: Sprinkle remaining Asiago cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake until golden brown.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
The basic keto bagel recipe can be customized with various flavors and toppings. Here are a few ideas:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Poppy seed: Add poppy seeds to the dough or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Cinnamon Raisin: Incorporate cinnamon and a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol, along with a few raisins (in moderation).
- Sesame: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a nutty flavor and added texture.
- Onion bagels: Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and add onion powder and onion flakes to it.
- Everything: Use an everything bagel seasoning blend for the classic flavor.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Why does the dough feel oily or sticky? If your melted cheese mixture is too warm, it will feel oily and sticky as you shape the dough. Cooling it slightly will make it easier to handle.
- Why did my bagels turn out dense? If your bagels turned out dense, it’s because the dough was undermixed or the cheese was cooled too much. You can reheat the dough briefly and shape it again.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover bagels are best stored in the refrigerator, in a sealed container. To reheat, you can bake them on a sheet pan in the oven from the fridge.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto