For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying breakfast options can sometimes feel limiting. While bacon, sausage, and eggs are staples, monotony can set in. These keto blueberry bagels offer a delightful solution, breaking up the routine with a sweet and fruity twist, ready in under 40 minutes. These bagels are not only easy to make but also align with dietary goals, being high in protein, lower in carbs, and refined sugar-free.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Freezer-friendly: Prepare a batch, freeze, and toast whenever you crave a quick breakfast or snack.
- Higher in protein: Each bagel contains approximately ten grams of protein, contributing to a filling and satisfying meal.
- Customizable base: The foundation of this recipe consists of just three ingredients: almond flour, all-purpose flour, and Greek yogurt, allowing for versatile add-ins.
- Dietary friendly: These bagels cater to various dietary needs, being high in protein, lower in carbs, refined sugar-free, and easily adaptable to be gluten-free.
Ingredients
For the Keto Blueberry Bagels:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 tablespoon Swerve granular sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ⅓ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- Olive oil (for brushing)
Alternative Ingredients
- Greek yogurt: Adds protein and a light, chewy texture.
- Almond flour: Provides a keto-friendly base. Kirkland Almond Flour from Costco is a recommended option. Coconut flour can be used as a substitute at a 1:3 ratio due to its higher moisture absorption.
- Organic flour: Bob’s Red Mill Organic All Purpose Flour is a suitable choice. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 Gluten Free All Purpose Flour.
- Blueberries: Use fresh or frozen blueberries, or experiment with other berries, nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips. Dried blueberries can be used, but soaking them in warm water beforehand is recommended to prevent them from drying out the dough.
- Egg: Used for the egg wash, contributing to the bagels' golden color and outside crunch.
Optional Ingredients
- Yeast: Active dry yeast or instant yeast can be added to help the dough rise and create a more traditional bagel texture. If using active dry yeast, proof it in warm water with a pinch of sugar before adding it to the dough.
- Buttermilk/Kefir: Adding buttermilk or kefir to the dough can provide a moist crumb and subtle tanginess.
- Self-rising flour: An alternative to all-purpose flour, simplifying the recipe. If using all-purpose flour, combine it with baking powder and salt.
How to Make Keto Blueberry Bagels
Step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Melt cheeses: In a microwave, melt the mozzarella and cream cheese together in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Combine wet ingredients: After mixing the mozzarella and cream cheese, incorporate the eggs.
- Add dry ingredients: Add the almond flour, Swerve granular sugar, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix using your hands until fully combined to form a dough ball.
- Incorporate blueberries: Slowly fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
- Divide and shape: Divide the dough into equal pieces (6-8 bagels). Poke a hole in the center of each piece and round them out to form bagel shapes.
- Brush with oil: Brush each bagel with a little olive oil. Alternatively, use an egg wash (beaten egg with a little water) for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye on them starting at 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Cool: Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving, as the blueberries will be hot.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and line the basket with parchment paper.
- Mix all dry ingredients together, except blueberries and egg, until a dough forms.
- Stir in blueberries.
- Roll into 4 balls and then slightly flatten and form a hole in the middle of each dough ball.
- Place in the air fryer basket.
- Make the egg wash by whisking 1 egg in a small bowl and lightly brush on top of each bagel.
- Air fry for 30-35 minutes or until golden.
Tips for Success
- Kneading: Ensure the dough is kneaded well to achieve a uniform consistency. If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Baking: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even baking. The bagels should not be touching each other.
- Cooling: Allowing the bagels to cool on a wire rack is ideal.
Variations and Add-ins
- Savory bagels: Add shredded cheese and herbs for a savory twist.
- Sweet bagels: Incorporate chocolate chips or a cinnamon swirl.
- Everything bagels: Experiment with everything bagel seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
These blueberry bagels can be enjoyed in numerous ways:
- Topped with butter, honey butter, or nut butter.
- With a swipe of cream cheese.
- As a sandwich with your favorite fillings.
- Paired with a side of chicken sausage, bone broth, or protein coffee for a balanced meal.
- Served with cream cheese, olive tapenade, any fruit preserves, nut butter like peanut butter, and eggs and avocado.
Storing and Freezing
- Storing: Place the bagels in an airtight container. They can be stored on the counter for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Bagels freeze exceptionally well. Cut them in half and store them in Ziploc bags or wrap them in aluminum foil before freezing. They can last up to eight months in the freezer.
Troubleshooting
- Dough too sticky: If the dough is too sticky to handle, refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
- Bagels not rising: Ensure the yeast is active by proofing it in warm water with a pinch of sugar. Also, provide a warm, draft-free environment for the dough to rise.
- Bagels browning too quickly: Cover the bagels with aluminum foil during baking if they start to brown too quickly.
- Bagels not cooking through: Ensure the bagels cook through, as the blueberries will release some liquid during baking.
Keto-Friendly Considerations
- Almond flour: Using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour makes these bagels keto-friendly.
- Swerve: Swerve granular sugar is a keto-friendly sweetener option.
- Carb count: The yeast feeds on the maple syrup and emits carbon dioxide, so it doesn’t affect the carb count.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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