These gluten-free cottage cheese bagels are soft, tasty, and perfect for breakfast or a snack! Made with creamy cottage cheese and a few simple ingredients, they’re easy to whip up.
When I make these, I can’t resist adding some tasty toppings; cream cheese, herbs, or even smoked salmon! They can turn any morning into something special. 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bagels. Brand matters—look for one that includes xanthan gum for better texture. If you don’t have any, coconut flour and almond flour can work, but adjusting ratios may be needed.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese keeps the bagels moist. You can swap it with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor. The texture will differ, so keep that in mind!
Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and help with rising. If you’re vegan or allergic, try using 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg or a commercial egg replacer. Each swap affects texture, so experimentation is key!
Everything Bagel Seasoning: This adds a fantastic crunch and flavor. If you don’t have it, you can make your own mix with equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and salt. Get creative!
How Do I Knead Dough Gently Without Making It Tough?
Kneading is key to developing the right texture without overworking the gluten-free dough. Here’s how to do it just right:
- Dust your surface and your hands with a little gluten-free flour to prevent sticking.
- Use a gentle push and fold motion for 1-2 minutes. The goal is to combine the ingredients without overdoing it.
- Stop once it all comes together—if you feel resistance, you’re done! The dough should still be slightly sticky but cohesive.
Remember, everyone’s dough is a little different; trust your instincts!
How to Make Delicious Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon water
For Topping:
- 2-3 tablespoons “everything bagel” seasoning (mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion flakes, and salt)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 20-25 minutes for baking. You’ll be enjoying freshly baked bagels in about 40-45 minutes, including cooling time. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to keep the bagels from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is mixed together evenly.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
Add the cottage cheese, the whole eggs, and the vanilla extract (if you’re using it) to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until a thick dough forms. It might be a little sticky, but that’s OK—just make sure it’s manageable!
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about 1-2 minutes—just enough to bring it all together. You want it to be smooth and cohesive without overworking it.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, and then use your thumb to create a hole in the center, shaping it like a bagel. Make sure the hole is big enough because it will close up a bit while baking!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place your shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg white and water to create the egg wash. This will give your bagels a nice golden finish.
7. Egg Wash and Seasoning:
Brush the tops of the bagels with the egg wash, then sprinkle a generous amount of “everything bagel” seasoning over each one. This is where the flavor really comes in!
8. Bake the Bagels:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the bagels in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This will help them stay nice and fluffy!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm or room temperature bagels with your favorite spreads such as cream cheese or butter. They’re perfect for breakfast or a quick snack!
Happy eating! Enjoy your soft, flavorful, and gluten-free cottage cheese bagels!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour?
While this recipe is specifically designed for gluten-free all-purpose flour, you can experiment with other gluten-free flours like almond or coconut flour, but you’ll need to adjust the ratios as they absorb moisture differently.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them by wrapping each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg, and use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative if available. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly!
What Are Some Variations I Can Try?
Get creative! You can mix in ingredients like shredded cheese, herbs, or nutritional yeast for extra flavor. You could also try swapping the “everything bagel” seasoning for your favorite spices for a unique twist!