These keto bagels are fluffy and grain-free, made with almond flour and cream cheese. Perfect for those on a low-carb diet, they’re a tasty twist on a breakfast classic!
I love how easy they are to whip up! Just mix, shape, and bake. They’re great with cream cheese or your favorite toppings. Who knew being healthy could be this delicious? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella is essential for creating that stretchy, chewy bagel texture. If you don’t have mozzarella, you can use an equal amount of shredded provolone or a blend of low-moisture cheeses.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dough. Neufchâtel cheese can be a healthier substitute as it has less fat. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Almond Flour: It’s a key ingredient for keeping these bagels keto-friendly. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed flour is a good alternative, though it can sometimes have a slightly green hue when baked.
Xanthan Gum: Optional but recommended for better texture. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or try using ground chia seeds as a thickener.
Seasonings: The addition of garlic and onion powder enhances flavors, but feel free to skip these or switch for your favorite spices like Italian herbs or smoked paprika if you prefer.
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Keto Bagels?
Texture is key in any bagel recipe. To achieve the best results, focus on the melting process of the cheese. Melt the mozzarella and cream cheese together until smooth; this helps create a dough that’s both stretchy and pliable.
- Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well to avoid overheating—burnt cheese won’t stretch well!
- Once melted, mix quickly with dry ingredients and knead lightly. If the dough feels too sticky, oil your hands or add a touch more almond flour, but aim for balance.
- Shape gently; don’t overwork, or you’ll lose that lovely chewy texture.
Follow these tips to bake perfect bagels that are fluffy inside and crispy outside!
How to Make Delicious Keto Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Bagel Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for texture)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional for flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Topping:
- Everything bagel seasoning or a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for baking. So, in total, you can have your yummy keto bagels ready in about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent your bagels from sticking!
2. Melt the Cheeses:
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese together. Microwave this mixture in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it’s melted and smooth. Be careful not to overcook it!
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, xanthan gum, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. This ensures all your dry ingredients are well combined before adding the wet ingredients.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the melted cheese mixture and 1 large egg into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix everything together quickly. Once mixed, use your hands to knead the dough a little. It will feel sticky, but that’s okay!
5. Shape the Bagels:
Divide the dough into 4-5 equal parts. Roll each part into a ball. Then, poke a hole in the center of each ball with your finger and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape. Make sure the hole is big enough since it will shrink a bit while baking!
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place your shaped bagels on the lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between them so they have room to expand while baking.
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
Take the second large egg, beat it well, and brush it over the tops of each bagel. This will give them a nice golden color when baked!
8. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle the everything bagel seasoning evenly over each bagel. Be generous—this adds a ton of flavor!
9. Bake the Bagels:
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once cool, slice them in half and serve! Enjoy your fluffy, low-carb keto bagels!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella is ideal for that chewy texture, you can substitute with shredded provolone or a blend of low-moisture cheeses. Just ensure they melt well!
What if I Don’t Have Almond Flour?
No worries! You can use sunflower seed flour as a nut-free alternative. However, be mindful that it may affect the color slightly once baked.
Can I Make These Bagels in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the bagels ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before baking for even cooking!
How Should I Store Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and then pop them in the toaster for a quick warm-up when you’re ready to enjoy!
