These Keto Bagels are soft, chewy, and guilt-free! Made without traditional flour, they use almond flour and cheese for a tasty, low-carb option that’s perfect for breakfast.
They’re super easy to whip up, which is great for busy mornings. I love to add cream cheese on top, and sometimes I pretend I’m at a fancy bagel shop—big city vibes right at home! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is essential for that stretchy, chewy texture of bagels. If you want a dairy-free option, you can try using vegan mozzarella, though the texture may vary.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dough. You can replace it with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option, or a vegan cream cheese to keep it dairy-free.
Almond Flour: This flour gives the bagels a low-carb base. If you don’t have almond flour, consider using coconut flour, but use much less since it absorbs more liquid.
Baking Powder: It helps the bagels rise a bit. If you’re out, you can substitute with 1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 tsp vinegar as a replacement.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the dough. For a vegan alternative, try flax eggs—combine 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water and let it sit until thickened.
How Do I Make Sure My Bagels Hold Their Shape?
Shaping the bagels can be tricky, but here are some tips to achieve that perfect bagel shape:
- After dividing the dough into portions, roll each ball gently in your hands to ensure it’s smooth.
- Use your fingers to poke a hole in the center and then stretch it a bit—make sure the hole is large enough, as it will shrink during baking.
- Place the shaped bagels evenly on the baking sheet, allowing for some expansion in the oven.
Taking your time with the shaping will ensure they turn out nice and round, just like traditional bagels.
How to Make Keto Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagel Dough:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
For Topping (Optional):
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes for baking. Overall, you’ll spend about 30-35 minutes making these delicious keto bagels from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your bagels will bake evenly and get that lovely golden brown color. While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your bagels won’t stick.
2. Melt the Cheese:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and the cream cheese. Microwave them in 30-second intervals, making sure to stir between each interval, until they are fully melted and combined. Once melted, set the mixture aside to cool for a moment. We don’t want it too hot when we mix it with the other ingredients!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important for ensuring that everything is well blended and ready to combine with the wet ingredients.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, add the eggs and the apple cider vinegar to the dry ingredients. Mix well with a spoon or spatula until you have a uniform mixture. It might take a bit of mixing to get everything incorporated, but that’s okay!
5. Combine Cheese and Flour Mixtures:
Now, gradually pour the melted cheese mixture into the dough. Stir continuously to combine everything together. Once it gets too tough to stir, you can use your hands to knead it gently until you form a smooth dough.
6. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it slightly. Now, use your finger to poke a hole in the center of each ball to create the classic bagel shape. This is where you can be creative! Make sure the holes are big enough, as they will shrink during baking.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Place your shaped bagels on the lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. If you like, sprinkle the tops with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor and texture.
8. Bake Them Up:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake your bagels for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen during baking!
9. Cool Down!
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. This helps them firm up a bit before you dig in.
10. Time to Enjoy!
Once your bagels have cooled, you can serve them plain or with your favorite keto-friendly spread or toppings. Enjoy the chewy goodness of homemade keto bagels!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella and cream cheese create the perfect texture for keto bagels, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Almond Flour?
If you’re out of almond flour, you can substitute it with coconut flour, but use about 1/3 of the quantity called for because coconut flour is more absorbent. You may need to add an extra egg to compensate for the moisture difference.
How Do I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make These Bagels Without Eggs?
Yes, you can make these bagels without eggs by using flax eggs. To make one flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. Use this as a substitute for each egg needed in the recipe.