These gluten-free cottage cheese bagels are fluffy and packed with protein! They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack and can be enjoyed with your favorite toppings.
They’re so simple to make—just mix, shape, and bake! I love adding cream cheese and fresh veggies on top for a tasty treat. You’ll be reaching for these again and again!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Make sure your flour has xanthan gum for proper texture. If you can’t find it, a mix of almond flour and coconut flour can work too but may slightly change the taste.
Cottage Cheese: If you prefer a smoother texture, choose ricotta cheese as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, use silken tofu blended until smooth.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds a nice tang. You can swap it for lemon juice if that’s more convenient. Both will help with rising!
Olive Oil: Brushing with olive oil adds flavor and helps get that golden crust. You can use melted butter or a vegan alternative if you’d like.
Toppings: Sesame seeds are fantastic, but feel free to use poppy seeds or even a sprinkle of sea salt for something different.
How Do You Get the Right Dough Consistency?
Getting the dough right is crucial for bagels. You want it to be sticky but manageable. Here’s how to tackle this:
- Start with the wet ingredients. If your cottage cheese is very watery, drain it well. The less moisture, the better.
- When combining, mix until just incorporated. If it’s too wet, you can gradually add more gluten-free flour a tablespoon at a time until it sticks together but isn’t too dry.
- Remember, every gluten-free flour blend is different, so adjust as needed!
Using your hands, dust with flour and avoid overworking the dough—this will keep your bagels nice and fluffy!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup cottage cheese (well drained)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
For Topping:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for brushing)
- Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for topping
- Extra gluten-free flour for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. All in all, you’ll have freshly baked gluten-free bagels ready in around 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps your bagels get that lovely golden color. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the bagels don’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them together well. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, and apple cider vinegar. Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth. If you’d like it even creamier, feel free to use a blender or food processor!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir it all together until a sticky dough forms. If it feels too wet, no worries! Just add extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s more manageable but still sticky.
5. Shape Your Bagels:
Dust your hands and your work surface with gluten-free flour to keep things from sticking. Take portions of the dough (about the size of a small fist) and roll each into a ball. Then, gently poke a hole through the center of each ball with your finger and widen it to form a bagel shape.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place your bagel shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. If you’d like, brush the tops lightly with olive oil for extra flavor and shine. Then, sprinkle them generously with sesame seeds or your favorite everything bagel seasoning for that extra crunch!
7. Bake Your Bagels:
Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the bagels bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and feel firm to the touch.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bagels out and let them cool slightly. After that, slice them open and enjoy! They are delicious served plain, with extra cottage cheese, cream cheese, or any of your favorite toppings!
Enjoy your yummy gluten-free cottage cheese bagels, with a lovely golden crust and a soft, tender inside!
Can I Use Regular Flour Instead of Gluten-Free Flour?
Unfortunately, this recipe is specifically designed for gluten-free flour, which behaves differently than regular wheat flour. Using regular flour will not yield the same texture. Stick to gluten-free all-purpose flour to ensure your bagels turn out great!
Can I Make These Bagels Vegan?
Absolutely! To make these bagels vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative or silken tofu blended until smooth. They will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
To store leftovers, keep the bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or toaster for a few minutes!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Dough?
Yes! Feel free to mix in chopped herbs, garlic powder, or even cheese for added flavor. Just be cautious not to overdo it—too many add-ins might affect the dough’s consistency.
