These Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels are soft and chewy with a nice golden crust. They’re packed with protein and have a delightful flavor, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Who knew bagels could be so easy to make gluten-free? I love spreading a little cream cheese on mine—it’s a simple way to jazz them up! You’ll want to try this yummy treat! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese is my favorite for this recipe as it adds a creamy texture and richness. If you’re watching calories, low-fat cottage cheese can work, but the consistency may change slightly.
Gluten-Free Flour: I used a gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum. If your blend doesn’t include it, just add 1 tsp as mentioned. You can also try almond flour or coconut flour, but you might need to adjust liquid amounts.
Eggs: They help bind the ingredients together and add moisture. For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) for similar binding.
Toppings: Sesame seeds give a great crunch and flavor. Feel free to swap them with everything bagel seasoning or even poppy seeds to mix it up based on your preference!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Bagel Shape?
Shaping the bagels properly is crucial for the right texture. Here’s how to do it:
- After dividing the dough, wet your hands lightly to prevent sticking.
- Shape each dough piece into a ball gently to avoid overworking the dough.
- To create the hole, use your fingers to poke a hole in the center and then gently stretch it, making the hole wider than you think. They don’t expand much while baking!
This method keeps the bagels soft and chewy, which is just what you want. Enjoy creating the perfect gluten-free bagels!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat for better texture)
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (make sure it contains xanthan gum or add 1 tsp separately)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- Sesame seeds and black sesame seeds for topping (or other desired toppings like everything bagel seasoning)
- Optional: 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (to help with texture and rise)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let the bagels cool for a few minutes before slicing. In total, you can have warm, delicious bagels in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This will make cleanup easier too!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and apple cider vinegar if you’re using it. Use a spoon or a hand mixer to mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will ensure a creamy texture in your bagels.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder and salt evenly throughout your dough.
4. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir it all together until a dough forms. It should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape. If your dough feels too sticky, just sprinkle in a bit more gluten-free flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 5-6 equal pieces. With wet hands or lightly floured hands, roll each piece into a ball. Use your fingers to poke a hole in the center of each ball, then stretch it gently to form the bagel shape. Remember, the hole should be fairly wide because these bagels won’t expand much during baking!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet. If you’d like, brush the tops with water or an egg wash for a nice glaze. This step is optional but adds a lovely shine!
7. Add the Toppings:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and black sesame seeds evenly over the tops. You can also use other toppings like everything bagel seasoning if you prefer something different!
8. Bake the Bagels:
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for a nice golden brown color and a cooked-through texture.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to slice.
10. Enjoy:
Slice them up and enjoy your gluten-free cottage cheese bagels plain, toasted, or with your favorite spreads and toppings! They’re soft and have a delightful hint of creaminess from the cottage cheese.
These bagels are perfect for a gluten-free breakfast or snack, and you’ll love how quick and simple they are to make!
Can I Use Non-Dairy Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use a non-dairy cottage cheese alternative. Look for a soy or nut-based option to maintain a similar texture. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, but it should still create delicious bagels!
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, simply add more gluten-free flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s firm enough to handle. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much flour can make the bagels dense.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Just wrap the bagels in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or lightly toast them straight from the freezer.
Can I Flavor the Dough?
Absolutely! You can mix in finely chopped herbs, garlic powder, or even shredded cheese to the dough for additional flavor. Experimenting with spices and toppings can make each batch uniquely delicious!
