These gluten-free cottage cheese bagels are soft, chewy, and super easy to make! With creamy cottage cheese mixed in, they’re a tasty treat you can enjoy any time of day.
Making bagels at home is fun! No boiling needed here; just mix, shape, and bake. I love having them fresh out of the oven with cream cheese—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bagels. There are many blends available, so pick one that works best for you. If you don’t have gluten-free flour, you can use regular all-purpose flour if gluten isn’t a concern.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese adds creaminess and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat or non-fat varieties also work well, though they may yield slightly denser bagels.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient helps lift the dough slightly and adds a subtle tang. You can substitute it with lemon juice, which gives a fresh kick too.
Eggs: Eggs contribute to the texture and binding of the dough. For an egg-free option, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
Seeds: Sesame and nigella (black cumin) seeds not only add flavor but also a nice texture. If you don’t have these, poppy seeds are a great substitute. You can mix and match based on your taste!
How Do I Get the Dough to the Right Consistency?
The dough for these bagels should be a bit sticky but still workable. If it’s too wet, add a little more gluten-free flour, but do it gradually—start with a tablespoon at a time. Remember, gluten-free dough often behaves differently than traditional dough.
- Mix wet ingredients well until smooth; this helps with the dough consistency.
- Incorporate dry ingredients slowly to gauge how the mix is forming.
- Use flour to prevent sticking when shaping the bagels—don’t be shy with the extra flour, but ensure you keep a balance to maintain moisture.
How to Make Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (plus extra for shaping)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full fat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (ensure gluten-free)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Optional Toppings:
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (white or black)
- 1 tbsp nigella seeds or poppy seeds
- 1 egg white (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, let your bagels cool for a bit before you dig in. Total time: about 45 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your bagels will bake evenly. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and apple cider vinegar. Use a fork or a whisk to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. If it looks a bit clumpy, that’s okay—it’ll all come together!
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps to ensure that your bagels will be fluffy and flavorful.
4. Make the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring as you go. Keep mixing until you get a soft dough that is slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too sticky, don’t worry—you can always use a little extra flour while shaping!
5. Shape the Bagels:
Lightly sprinkle a clean surface with some gluten-free flour. Divide the dough into 4-5 equal portions. Take each portion and roll it into a ball. Then, poke a hole in the center with your finger and gently stretch the dough to form a bagel shape, about 3-4 inches in diameter. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect, they’ll be delicious no matter what!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk the egg white until it’s frothy. Brush this egg wash over the tops of your bagels to give them a nice sheen, which will also help the seeds stick.
7. Add Seeds:
If you like, sprinkle the sesame seeds and nigella (or poppy) seeds evenly over the top of each bagel. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor!
8. Bake the Bagels:
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the bagels bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove your bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Now you’re ready to enjoy them fresh or toasted, topped with your favorite spreads. Yum!
Enjoy your delicious homemade gluten-free cottage cheese bagels!
Can I Substitute the Cottage Cheese?
Yes, if you’re looking for alternatives, you can use ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but both will work well in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are fully cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They can be reheated straight from frozen in a toaster or oven.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg) and use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative. Follow the same mixing instructions for a delicious vegan version!
What If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If the dough feels overly sticky and hard to manage, gradually add more gluten-free flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a workable consistency. Remember, it’s fine for it to remain slightly sticky but manageable for shaping.
