If you’re craving bagels but need to avoid gluten, these Gluten-Free Cottage Cheese Bagels are your new best friend! Made with simple ingredients, including creamy cottage cheese and gluten-free flour, these bagels are soft, chewy, and full of flavor without the gluten. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, and they come together quickly without the need for yeast or long rising times.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum; if not, add 1 tsp xanthan gum)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (well drained)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, coarse salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the drained cottage cheese and olive oil (or melted butter). Mix until smooth. Some small curds are fine; you don’t need perfectly smooth batter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until a sticky dough forms. It will be softer than traditional bagel dough but firm enough to shape.
- Lightly flour your hands with gluten-free flour. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then poke a hole through the center with your finger, gently stretching the dough to form a bagel shape. Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- If you want, brush the tops lightly with a little water or egg wash (1 beaten egg with 1 tablespoon water) to help toppings stick. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, everything bagel seasoning, or coarse salt as desired.
- Bake the bagels for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bagels from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Notes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes. Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes. Total Time: 35 minutes. Difficulty Level: Easy. Storage: At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 2 days. In the Refrigerator: Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or toast directly from frozen. Tips: Drain Cottage Cheese Well to avoid too wet dough. Use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Avoid Overmixing to keep bagels light and tender. Shape Carefully as gluten-free dough is delicate. Experiment with Flavors by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
