These gluten-free cottage cheese bagels are soft, tasty, and super easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a breakfast treat that’s perfect for everyone.
Who knew bagels could be this easy? I love slathering mine with cream cheese or jam for a delicious start to the day. You might want to make a double batch—they disappear fast! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives richness and moisture. Blending it smooth helps create a better dough. If you prefer a lactose-free option, consider using dairy-free cottage cheese or even Greek yogurt as an alternative.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This is key for structure. Make sure it includes xanthan gum, which helps mimic the elasticity of gluten. If you don’t have it, you could use a homemade blend of almond flour, tapioca, and rice flour, but the texture may differ slightly.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder and helps the bagels rise. If you’re vegan or allergic, a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water, mixed and set for 5 minutes) works well.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice: These are optional but they increase the rise and flavor. If you don’t have these, a splash of white vinegar or even a bit of yogurt can do the trick.
How Do I Form Bagels Without Making a Mess?
Creating the perfect bagel shape can feel tricky! Keeping your hands slightly damp helps reduce stickiness. Here’s an easy way to form them:
- After dividing the dough, roll each piece into a ball gently.
- Use your thumb to poke a hole in the center, then stretch it to achieve that classic bagel shape.
- Don’t worry if they look a bit rough! They’ll puff up nicely while baking.
Just remember not to make the hole too small as it can close up while baking. Enjoy the process!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese (full fat, well drained or blended smooth)
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum included)
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional, to help the rise)
For the Toppings:
- 1 egg white, beaten for egg wash
- Sesame seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Dried minced garlic or onion flakes
- Coarse salt (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and forming the bagels, then they’ll need about 20-25 minutes in the oven. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Tray:
First, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the bagels from sticking.
2. Prepare Cottage Cheese:
If your cottage cheese has a lumpy texture, no worries! Just blend it for a few seconds in a food processor or blender until it becomes creamy. This step will help create a smooth dough for your bagels.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that your bagels will rise nicely and have a good flavor throughout.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the smooth cottage cheese, egg, and apple cider vinegar (if using) to the dry mixture. Stir it with a spoon or spatula until a sticky dough forms. If the dough is too crumbly, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to make it more cohesive. You want it moist, but not too sticky!
5. Form Bagels:
Using damp hands (this helps with stickiness), divide the dough into 4-5 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. Then, poke a hole through the center with your thumb and gently stretch it to form the bagel shape. Don’t stress if they look a little rustic—they’ll puff up in the oven!
6. Apply Egg Wash and Toppings:
Place your beautifully shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg white to get a nice golden color, then sprinkle generously with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and a pinch of coarse salt for that “everything” bagel flavor.
7. Bake:
Pop your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re done when they’re golden brown on top. You can test if they’re cooked through by tapping them—they should sound hollow.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings or spreads, like cream cheese or butter. Enjoy your delicious, fluffy gluten-free bagels!
These bagels are a fantastic treat that everyone can enjoy—soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with flavor!
Can I Use Any Type of Cottage Cheese?
It’s best to use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer flavor and moisture. Make sure it’s well-drained or blended smooth to avoid a lumpy texture in your dough!
What Can I Substitute for Gluten-Free Flour?
If you don’t have gluten-free all-purpose flour on hand, you could create your own blend using a mix of almond flour, tapioca flour, and rice flour. However, keep in mind that the texture may vary from the original recipe.
How Can I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped in plastic wrap or a freezer bag. To serve, thaw and warm them in the oven for a freshly-baked feel!
Can I Omit the Egg in This Recipe?
Yes, if you’re looking for a vegan alternative, you can use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for 5 minutes) instead of a chicken egg. This will help bind the dough similarly.
