Almond Flour and Cottage Cheese Bagel: Low-Carb & Easy
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Combining almond flour and cottage cheese creates a simple, low-carb bagel that’s nutritious and satisfying. Almond flour offers healthy fats and fiber, while cottage cheese adds high-quality protein with minimal carbs. Together, they create a soft, slightly chewy texture that mimics traditional bagels without gluten, yeast, or refined flour.
These bagels are perfect for keto or low-carb diets, containing under 5g net carbs per serving. With just three basic ingredients almond flour, cottage cheese, and an egg you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. The dough is easy to handle, and the result is a golden, tender bagel that holds up well to toasting or toppings.
Flavor variations are easy: add garlic powder, onion flakes, or sesame seeds for a savory twist, or cinnamon and a touch of stevia for sweet versions. These bagels are versatile, freezer-friendly, and make an excellent base for sandwiches or breakfast spreads.
Whether you’re cutting carbs or just looking for a healthier homemade bread option, almond flour and cottage cheese bagels offer a delicious, protein-rich alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
How to Make Almond Flour and Cottage Cheese Bagels (3-Ingredients Keto Style)
Simple Ingredients, Huge Flavor
Making these bagels couldn’t be easier. You’ll need just three ingredients: almond flour, cottage cheese, and one egg. That’s it. No yeast, no kneading, and no complicated proofing required.
The almond flour provides the structure, the cottage cheese brings moisture and richness, and the egg binds it all together into a cohesive, dough-like consistency. For best results, use full-fat cottage cheese and finely ground almond flour. You can even use a blender to smooth the cheese if you want a uniform texture just like in this 3-ingredient naan bread we shared earlier.
Mix, Shape, Bake – That’s It
To prepare, mix 1 cup almond flour, 1 cup cottage cheese, and 1 large egg in a bowl until you get a sticky dough. Scoop it out and shape into rounds or traditional bagel rings. For extra flavor, sprinkle sesame or everything-bagel seasoning before baking. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–28 minutes, or until golden and slightly firm to the touch. Let them cool a few minutes before slicing. These bake beautifully in a standard oven or even in an air fryer for a crispier finish.
They’re soft inside, lightly crisp outside, and ready to be topped with anything from butter to avocado
Tips for Baking with Almond Flour (Get It Right Every Time)
Why It’s Tricky and How to Fix It
Baking with almond flour isn’t the same as using all-purpose flour. It’s denser, higher in fat, and absorbs moisture differently. That’s why your bagels might turn out too soft or crumbly if you don’t balance things right. The key is combining almond flour with ingredients like cottage cheese and eggs, which bind well and create structure. Avoid overmixing almond flour has no gluten, so you don’t need to worry about tough dough, but overworking it can still make it greasy.
Texture, Moisture & Getting That Chew
If your bagels are too wet, try reducing the cottage cheese slightly or increasing the bake time by 3–5 minutes.
Want more chew? Chill the dough before shaping it firms up and bakes more evenly. Adding a tablespoon of psyllium husk or ground flax can also improve elasticity without adding carbs. That’s a trick we used in our popular 3-ingredient low-carb bread. Lastly, let your bagels rest after baking.
Almond flour goods firm up as they cool, giving you that bakery-style bite without the wheat.
Beyond the Basics – Customizing Your Keto Bagels
Savory or Sweet: Add-Ins That Work
Once you’ve mastered the basic almond flour and cottage cheese bagel, the fun begins. You can easily transform the flavor to match your cravings. For a savory version, try mixing in garlic powder, chopped herbs, shredded cheddar, or jalapeños before baking. Everything-bagel seasoning is always a hit. Prefer something sweet? Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of monk fruit or erythritol. Just be sure to keep the base ingredients the same so the texture holds. These tips also work well in other easy recipes like our keto banana pancakes that balance flavor without sugar overload.
Storage, Toasting & Serving Tips
These bagels store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer shelf life. To reheat, slice and toast in a pan or toaster oven on’t microwave, as that can make them soggy. Whether you enjoy them fresh or meal-prepped, they’re a flavorful, low-carb staple that’s always ready when you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use almond flour in cottage cheese bagels?
Yes, almond flour works perfectly in cottage cheese bagels. It provides a low-carb, gluten-free base that pairs well with the moisture and protein from cottage cheese. Together, they form a dough that bakes into soft, chewy bagels with great texture and flavor.
Is cottage cheese good for bagels?
Cottage cheese adds moisture, protein, and creaminess without overpowering the taste. It helps create a tender, fluffy texture in baked goods, making it a smart and nutritious ingredient for low-carb bagels.
How do you make 3 ingredient keto bagels with almond flour?
Mix 1 cup almond flour, 1 cup cottage cheese, and 1 large egg. Shape into bagels, top with optional seasonings, and bake at 375°F for 25–28 minutes. That’s all you need for a delicious, keto-friendly result.
What type of flour is best for bagels?
Traditional bagels use high-gluten flour for chewiness. For low-carb versions, almond flour is a top choice thanks to its healthy fats, nutty flavor, and ability to mimic dense bread textures when combined with protein-rich binders like cottage cheese.
What is the secret to baking with almond flour?
Use moisture-balancing ingredients, avoid overmixing, and allow cooling time after baking. Almond flour lacks gluten, so binding and structure must come from eggs, cheese, or fiber-based add-ins like psyllium husk.
Why does almond flour have no carbs?
Technically, almond flour contains carbs, but it’s very low in net carbs due to its high fiber content. That’s why it’s popular in keto and diabetic-friendly baking it doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes like wheat flour.
Almond Flour and Cottage Cheese Bagel Low-Carb – 3 Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- Optional Sesame seeds, garlic powder, or everything-bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, cottage cheese, and the egg until a sticky dough forms.
- Divide the dough into 4–5 portions and shape each into a bagel.
- Place on the tray and sprinkle with your favorite toppings if desired.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
– You can chill the dough for 15 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
– Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
– Toast before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition
Conclusion
Almond flour and cottage cheese bagels prove you don’t need wheat, yeast, or a dozen ingredients to enjoy real bread texture on a low-carb lifestyle. With just three core ingredients, you can create something that’s satisfying, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re baking a batch for breakfast meal prep or craving a cozy weekend treat, these bagels are ready to deliver. Be sure to explore other quick ideas like our 3-ingredient low-carb flatbread for more inspiration in your keto kitchen.