Craving a bagel but trying to stick to your keto diet? You’re not alone. Keto bagels are becoming a popular choice for those looking to enjoy their favorite breakfast without the carb overload.
“Almond flour is a fantastic low-carb alternative that provides the texture and flavor reminiscent of traditional baked goods.”
Maya Krampf
These low-carb alternatives offer a similar chewy texture and satisfying taste compared to a traditional bagel, but with a fraction of the carbs. They make following an easy keto lifestyle much more manageable.
In this recipe guide, we’ll show you how to make delicious keto bagels at home. We’ll cover everything from ingredients to baking tips, helping you achieve perfect keto bagels. Let’s get started on this simple bagels recipe.
What You’ll Need for Keto Bagels
Before starting this keto bagels recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Preparing everything in advance makes the baking process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to make these fantastic low-carb bagels:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour (superfine almond flour or blanched almond flour preferred)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (make sure it’s fresh for best results)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim works well)
- 2 ounces cream cheese (use full-fat cream cheese for best texture)
- 2 large eggs (bring to room temperature if possible)
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, but recommended for improved chewy texture)
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning (optional, for topping)
- Sea salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon, adjust as needed)
- Optional: Garlic powder or onion powder (1/2 teaspoon each for flavor boost)
These ingredients form the foundation of our keto bagels. The specific combination of blanched almond flour and cheese creates a unique dough often called “fathead dough,” popular in keto recipes.
This dough is naturally low in net carbs but rich in protein and healthy fats, making these protein keto bagels a great keto breakfast option. Using superfine almond flour helps achieve a smoother texture, closer to traditional flour bread, while almond meal can result in a grainier texture.
Always use softened cream cheese (let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes) and softened cream cheese for easier mixing into the cheese mixture1. Full-fat cream cheese provides richness and helps bind the ingredients effectively.
Step-by-Step Keto Bagels Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients organized, let’s make some keto bagels. This recipe easy process yields satisfying results. Follow these steps carefully for the best outcome.
Prepare Your Workspace
First, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Proper oven temperature is crucial for getting that golden brown exterior. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
This lined baking step prevents the cheese bagels from sticking and makes cleanup much easier. Having your baking sheet ready avoids delays once the dough is mixed.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, one tablespoon baking powder, sea salt, and xanthan gum (if using). You can also add garlic powder or onion powder here for extra flavor. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly2.
Ensuring the baking powder is evenly distributed is important for the rise and texture of the bagels. A quick whisk breaks up any clumps in the almond flour as well.
Melt the Cheese
Grab a microwave-safe bowl. Combine the 2 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded mozzarella cheese works best for even melting) and the softened cream cheese. Place the safe bowl in the microwave.
Heat the cheese mixture on high in 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval until the mozzarella cheese and cream cheese are completely melted, smooth, and easily stirrable. Be careful not to overheat or scorch the cheese.
Alternatively, you can melt the cheese mixture in a double boiler on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring constantly. This method gives you more control but takes slightly longer3.
Combine Ingredients
Pour the hot, melted cheese mixture into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the large eggs (slightly beaten beforehand is helpful). Now, bowl combine everything using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon.
Initially, the mixture will be sticky and seem resistant. Keep mixing vigorously until all ingredients are fully incorporated and a uniform dough starts to form dough. This may require some effort, but it’s essential for the right texture.
If the dough becomes too difficult to stir, you can use your hands (grease them lightly with oil) to knead it briefly in the bowl until it comes together. Work quickly while the cheese is still warm and pliable4.
Shape the Bagels
Divide the warm dough into 6 equal portions. A kitchen scale can help achieve perfectly sized bagels, but eyeballing works too. Roll each portion between your palms into a smooth ball.
To form bagels, gently poke a finger through the center of each ball. Carefully stretch the hole to about 1-1.5 inches wide, creating the classic bagel shape. Aim for a consistent thickness around the ring.
Alternatively, you could try using a donut pan lightly greased for perfectly uniform shapes, though the texture might be slightly different than free-form bagels. If the dough is sticky, lightly wetting your hands can help form bagel shapes smoothly.
Add Toppings
Prepare your toppings in a small bowl or plate for easy application. If using an egg wash for a shiny, golden brown finish, whisk one egg in a small bowl and brush it lightly over the tops and sides of each bagel.
While the egg wash is still wet (or if skipping the egg wash, the dough is still slightly tacky), sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. You can also use sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coarse sea salt, or leave them plain.
Press the toppings gently into the dough to help them adhere during baking. This is where you can customize your cheese bagels with different flavors.
Bake
Carefully place the shaped and topped bagels onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Bake bagels in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). The baking time is typically 12-15 minutes.
Bake until the bagels are puffed up and achieve a beautiful golden brown color. Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes. They should feel firm to the touch.
Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the keto bagels cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy.
These bagels are delicious served warm or at room temperature. Slice them horizontally and enjoy with full-fat cream cheese, butter, avocado, or use them to make amazing keto breakfast sandwiches.
Recipe Tips for Perfect Keto Bagels
Want to make the absolute perfect keto bagels every time? Consistency comes from attention to detail. Here are some valuable recipe tips:
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Ensure your tablespoon baking powder is active. Test by adding a pinch to hot water; it should bubble vigorously.
- Cheese Matters: Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese generally melts best for fathead dough. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents; shredding your own block can yield better results.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Bringing eggs to room temperature helps them incorporate more easily into the dough.
- Don’t Overmix/Overwork: Mix until just combined to form dough. Overworking can make the bagels tough.
- Wet Hands for Shaping: If the dough is sticky, lightly dampen your hands with water or grease them with a little oil before you form bagels.
- Consistent Size: Use a scale to create equal portions for even baking. This helps all bagels finish cooking simultaneously.
- Egg Wash Boost: Applying an egg wash before baking gives that classic shiny, golden brown crust seen on traditional bagels.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the bagels cool completely on a wire rack. Slicing them while too hot can result in a gummy interior texture.
Incorporating these recipe tips can elevate your homemade keto bagels experience from good to great. Remember that practice helps refine your technique with fathead dough recipes. These adjustments help avoid common pitfalls encountered with keto bread recipes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Understanding the nutritional profile helps fit these bagels into your keto plan. Here’s an approximate breakdown per bagel (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Bagel |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~22g |
| Saturated Fat | ~9g |
| Protein | ~17g |
| Total Carbohydrates | ~7g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Net Carbs | ~5g |
Calculating net carbs is simple: Total Carbohydrates minus Fiber. These bagels have only 5g net carbs each, making them an excellent choice compared to traditional carb bagels, which often exceed 50g of carbs.
This makes them a suitable part of many low-carb diets, including easy keto plans. The high protein content also makes these protein bagels quite filling, ideal for a satisfying keto breakfast or lunch.
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. Using different flours like almond meal instead of superfine almond flour might slightly alter the fiber content.
Variations on Keto Bagels
Once you’ve mastered the basic keto bagel recipe, feel free to experiment. Customizing the flavor is easy and fun. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Cinnamon Raisin Style: Mix 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients. Carefully fold in 1/4 cup of sugar-free dried cranberries or chopped low-carb nuts after the dough forms (traditional raisins are too high in sugar for keto). Sweeten slightly with a keto-friendly sweetener if desired.
- Jalapeno Cheddar: Add 1/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 finely diced jalapeno (seeds removed for less heat) to the cheese mixture before melting, or fold into the dough. These make great savory cheese bagels.
- Garlic & Herb: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs (like oregano, basil, rosemary) to the dry ingredients. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder for more depth.
- Everything Bagel Dough: Instead of just topping, mix 1 tablespoon of everything bagel seasoning directly into the dough for flavor throughout.
- Sweet Onion: Add 1 teaspoon of onion powder and optionally 1-2 tablespoons of finely minced, rehydrated dried onions to the dry ingredients for a sweet and savory twist.
- Sesame or Poppy Seed: Mix 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds or poppy seeds directly into the dough in addition to topping them.
Think about flavors you enjoy in traditional bagels or carb bread and adapt them. Consider savory options for breakfast sandwiches or sweet variations like a keto-friendly cinnamon raisin bagel. The possibilities are vast when working with this versatile keto bagel recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Keto Bagels
These keto bagels are incredibly versatile. Don’t just limit yourself to cream cheese. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Classic Spread: Toasted with butter, ghee, or your favorite full-fat cream cheese (plain, scallion, or veggie).
- Keto Breakfast Sandwiches: Slice, toast, and fill with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, cheese, and maybe a slice of avocado. These make hearty breakfast sandwiches.
- Avocado Toast Style: Toasted and topped with mashed avocado, sea salt, pepper, and perhaps a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or everything bagel seasoning.
- Lox & Cream Cheese: A classic pairing. Top with softened cream cheese, smoked salmon, capers, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Mini Pizzas: Slice horizontally, top with low-carb marinara, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite keto pizza toppings, then bake until bubbly.
- Deli Sandwich Base: Use as a base for turkey, ham, roast beef, or tuna salad sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and keto-friendly mayo. A great alternative to carb bread.
- With Soup or Salad: Serve alongside a hearty soup or salad for a complete keto meal.
- Garlic Bread Style: Slice, brush with melted butter mixed with garlic powder, and toast until golden brown.
These bagels offer a fantastic vehicle for numerous keto-friendly toppings and fillings. They bring back the joy of bread-like items into a low-carb lifestyle, making meals like a keto breakfast more satisfying. Get creative and discover your favorite way to eat them.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes baking doesn’t go exactly as planned, especially with keto recipes. Here are solutions to common issues you might encounter:
- Dough Too Sticky: This often happens if the cheese mixture was very hot or if humidity is high. Try chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes. Wetting your hands slightly or using oiled hands when shaping also helps manage stickiness. You might need a tiny bit more almond flour, but add sparingly.
- Dough Too Dry/Crumbly: This could mean too much almond flour or the cheese mixture wasn’t hot/melted enough. Ensure the mozzarella cheese and cream cheese are fully melted and smooth. You can try adding another teaspoon of melted butter or a splash of water if needed, mixing gently.
- Bagels Spread Too Much: Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Also, make sure the dough isn’t too warm when shaping. Chilling the shaped bagels for 10 minutes before baking can sometimes help them hold their shape better. Using xanthan gum also improves structure.
- Bagels Didn’t Rise Much: Check the freshness of your baking powder (one tablespoon baking powder needs to be active.). Also, avoid overmixing the dough, which can deflate air pockets.
- Keto Bagels Browned Too Quickly: If the tops are getting too dark before the inside is cooked, tent the bagels loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time. Every oven is different, so monitor closely.
- Texture is Gummy/Dense: This can result from slicing while too hot – allow them to cool completely. Using superfine almond flour or blanched almond flour instead of almond meal generally yields a lighter texture. Overmixing can also contribute to density.
Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect. Keto baking often involves a slight learning curve. Adjusting techniques based on these tips should help you achieve that perfect keto bagels consistently. For more guidance on low-carb living, check out our complete guide to the Paleo Keto diet.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage keeps your keto bagels fresh and delicious. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container.
They will keep well at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is the best option. Place cooled keto bagels in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper if needed.
Frozen keto bagels can last for 2-3 months. To reheat, you can toast them directly from frozen in a toaster oven or conventional toaster (watch carefully). Alternatively, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or gently warm them in a microwave or oven at a low temperature5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use coconut flour instead of almond flour?
It’s generally not a direct substitute in this specific recipe. Coconut flour is much more absorbent than almond flour (including blanched almond flour or superfine almond) and requires different liquid ratios. Using coconut flour would necessitate significant recipe adjustments and likely change the final texture, possibly making it drier.
Are these bagels gluten-free?
Yes. This keto bagels recipe uses almond flour and cheese as the base, with no gluten-containing grains. All standard ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making these suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
Can I make these dairy-free?
The shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese are fundamental to the structure and texture of this “fathead dough” recipe. While dairy-free cheese and cream cheese alternatives exist, their melting properties and composition vary widely. Substituting them might significantly alter the dough consistency and final result, potentially leading to keto bagels that don’t hold together or have an undesirable texture.
How do these compare to regular bagels?
Keto bagels mimic the chewy texture and round shape of a traditional bagel surprisingly well. However, the flavor profile is different due to the almond flour and cheese base – expect a milder, slightly nutty, and savory taste rather than the distinct flavor of wheat flour. They provide an excellent low-carb alternative that effectively satisfies carb bagel cravings without the high carb count.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cottage cheese is sometimes used in other low-carb bread recipes for moisture and protein, it’s not a standard substitute for cream cheese in this fathead dough. Cream cheese provides richness and helps bind the melted mozzarella smoothly. Using cottage cheese might change the dough’s consistency and final texture significantly.
What’s the difference between almond flour, superfine almond flour, and almond meal?
Almond meal is coarser and often contains the skins, resulting in a heavier, grainier texture. Blanched almond flour has the skins removed and is ground finer than meal. Superfine almond flour (often also blanched almond flour) is the most finely ground, producing the smoothest texture, closest to traditional flour in baked goods like these keto bagels.
Using almond meal will work but expect a heartier, denser bagel. For the best results mimicking traditional bagels, use superfine or blanched almond flour.
Conclusion
Keto bagels offer a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved breakfast staple without compromising your low-carb or keto lifestyle. This recipe easy approach uses simple ingredients like almond flour, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese to create satisfyingly chewy bagels. They are perfect for a quick keto breakfast, making breakfast sandwiches, or enjoying as a snack.
With clear steps and helpful recipe tips, you can confidently bake a batch of homemade keto bagels whenever the craving strikes. Whether you stick to the classic plain or everything bagel seasoning, or experiment with variations like cheese bagels or cinnamon raisin style, these keto bagels fit beautifully into keto recipes.
So preheat oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy delicious, golden brown keto bagels straight from your own kitchen. Toast one up, add your favorite toppings, and savor a guilt-free bread experience.#
Small Step, Big Impact
Experiment with different toppings and fillings to make these keto bagels a versatile staple in your low-carb diet. Whether for breakfast sandwiches or midday snacks, they can be tailored to suit your cravings.
- https://bacillusbulgaricus.com/cream-cheese-making-instructions/[↩]
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- https://www.bonappetit.com/story/double-boiler?srsltid=AfmBOoofwqiKvOjD3PXHk_DNqMluYdSBk5K72krL90BRQUbLh4i_uQRp[↩]
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p009yx4m[↩]
- https://www.food.com/recipe/reheating-frozen-bagels-method-technique-498030[↩]
