For those following a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a high-protein, low-carb alternative to traditional bagels, this keto cottage cheese bagel recipe is a game-changer. It's surprisingly simple, customizable, and delivers a satisfying taste and texture that will curb those carb cravings.
Why Cottage Cheese Bagels?
These bagels offer several advantages:
Low Carb and Keto-Friendly: Significantly lower in carbohydrates compared to traditional bagels, making them suitable for ketogenic diets. Each bagel contains approximately 6g of net carbs.
High Protein: Packed with protein from cottage cheese, helping you feel full and energized. Some variations boast as much as 18 grams of protein per bagel.
Easy to Make: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or as a bread replacement for sandwiches.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with various seasonings and toppings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
The basic recipe requires just a few key ingredients:
Cottage Cheese: The star of the show, providing moisture, protein, and a slight tang. Full-fat cottage cheese is generally recommended for the best results. High-protein cottage cheese like Good Culture brand is also a great choice. Blended cottage cheese (blended until smooth and creamy in a food processor or blender) can also be used.
Almond Flour: A low-carb flour alternative that provides structure to the bagels. Superfine blanched almond flour is preferred for a finer texture.
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Egg: Acts as a binder and helps the bagels rise. Flax or chia egg substitutes can be used, but may alter the texture.
Optional ingredients for flavor and texture:
- Keto self-rising flour: Can be used in place of almond flour and baking powder for a simpler recipe.
- Everything bagel seasoning: A popular choice for adding savory flavor.
- Egg wash: (1 egg and 1 tbsp water, whisked) Brushed over the bagels before baking for a golden-brown crust.
- Other seasonings: Cinnamon sugar, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic flakes, or hot honey.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are a few variations of the recipe, combining the details provided:
Recipe 1: Almond Flour and Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Preheat the oven: to 375°F (191°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add almond flour and cottage cheese.
- Mix and knead: Stir with a spatula until the cottage cheese is fully incorporated into the almond flour. Knead the mixture by hand for a minute or two until you have a cohesive and malleable dough. If the dough feels too wet, add 1 tablespoon of almond flour at a time until it firms up.
- Shape the bagels: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured (using almond flour) surface. Divide the dough into six equal portions (using a scale is recommended for even sizes). Take each piece of dough and roll into a 6.5 inch rope. Take the two ends of a rope to form a circle, pinching the edges to seal the circle. If the dough is breaking, knead it a few times in your palm to make it more malleable.
- Prepare for baking: Place bagels onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
- Add egg wash and toppings (optional): In a small bowl, add 1 egg and 1 tbsp water and whisk. Then brush the beaten egg mixture over the surface of each of the bagels. Sprinkle with your choice of seasonings or toppings. Everything bagel seasoning is a great option.
- Bake: for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked.
- Cool and serve: Let the bagels cool slightly before serving.
Recipe 2: Keto Self-Rising Flour and Cottage Cheese Bagels
- Preheat the oven: to 375 degrees F.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the smooth cottage cheese with keto self-rising flour. Mix until a dough forms.
- Prepare egg wash (optional): In a small bowl, whisk the egg.
- Top and bake: Top with desired amount of everything bagel seasoning. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Recipe 3: Using a Blender and Donut Pan
- Preheat oven: to 350 degrees F. Place your silicone standard donut pan onto a baking sheet pan.
- Blend ingredients: Place all the ingredients into a food processor or large bowl using an electric mixer to blend until smooth.
- Prepare the pan: Sprinkle everything but the bagel seasoning into the donut mold. Pour batter into mold.
- Bake: for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool 5 minutes then remove. Slice and toast. Store: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Recipe 4: Gluten-Free Option
- Preheat the oven to 375 and position the rack to the top position. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Blend cottage cheese: Place the cottage cheese in the food processor or blender and pulse or blend on high until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add flour: Transfer it to a medium bowl and add the flour. Mix until completely combined and the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
- Transfer the dough to a generously floured work surface and knead the dough 8-10 times, until smooth. Add more flour to the work surface as needed until the dough is no longer sticky.
- Shape and season: Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into 4 equal balls. If you want them to be the exact same size you can weigh out each piece of dough to approximately 80g. Roll each ball out into a 6-7-inch rope, about 1-inch thick. Join the ends to make a circle and pinch the seam tightly to seal. Brush the tops with a beaten egg and top with your seasoning of choice.
- Bake in the preheated oven until puffed and golden brown, 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Considerations
Almond Flour vs. Coconut Flour: If you have a nut allergy or prefer to use coconut flour, replace every 1 cup of almond flour with ¼ cup of coconut flour. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Sticky Dough: The consistency of the dough can vary depending on the type of cottage cheese used and how the flour is measured. If the dough is too sticky, add more almond flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes easier to handle.
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Bagel Size: These bagels are typically smaller than traditional bagels, often compared to the size of baked donuts.
Freezing: These bagels are freezer-friendly. Freeze them on a sheet pan, then transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy these bagels with cream cheese, as a base for sandwiches, or alongside breakfast dishes like Keto Sausage and Zucchini Breakfast Hash or Low-Carb Breakfast Casserole.
Variations and Topping Ideas
- Everything Bagel: The classic topping, providing a savory and crunchy flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweeter option, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Jalapeño: Mix in finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Sesame or Poppy Seeds: Add a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Garlic Flakes: For a savory garlic flavor.
- Hot Honey: Drizzle with hot honey after baking for a sweet and spicy combination.
- Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese: A luxurious and flavorful topping.
- Caviar Butter: For an extravagant treat.
- Chicken Salad or Avocado with TRUFF Hot Sauce: Great for lunch or a savory snack.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. A typical cottage cheese bagel contains approximately:
- Net Carbs: 6g