If you’re on the hunt for a gluten-free bagel that’s high in protein, low in carbs, and made with clean, simple ingredients — these Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels are your new go-to. Light, fluffy, and incredibly satisfying, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a wholesome addition to any meal. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make these delicious bagels, why they’re a great option for a variety of diets, and how to customize them to suit your taste. Whether you’re meal prepping or just baking for fun, you’re going to love this easy, family-friendly recipe.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels
A Family Favorite with Everyday Simplicity
In our house, Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels have earned “repeat recipe” status — which, if you’re a busy parent like me, you know is the gold standard. It started on a rainy Saturday morning when I wanted to bake something warm, simple, and gluten-free. I threw together a few ingredients from the pantry, shaped them into bagels, and crossed my fingers. To my surprise, they came out golden, tender, and rich with flavor. My kids didn’t just eat them — they devoured them.
Since that day, these bagels have become our quick-bake comfort food. Whether slathered with cream cheese or eaten plain on the go, they deliver every time. Plus, they’re made with just almond flour, cottage cheese, and an egg — all things I usually have on hand. That means no rising time, no yeast, no fuss.
The Magic Behind Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels
So, what makes Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels so good? First, the almond flour gives them that rich, nutty flavor and a soft but structured bite. Cottage cheese keeps them incredibly moist while adding a boost of protein. It’s the perfect blend for anyone who wants a gluten-free alternative without sacrificing satisfaction.
And the best part? They’re customizable. You can top them with everything bagel spice, sesame seeds, or even a little shredded cheddar.
Whether you’re gluten-free or just love a clean-ingredient breakfast, these Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels will quickly become a staple in your kitchen too.
How to Make the Best Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels at Home
Simple ingredients, big flavor
You don’t need anything fancy to make these Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels — just a few clean, pantry staples. In fact, one of the best parts about this recipe is how accessible and affordable it is. If you’ve got almond flour, cottage cheese, and an egg, you’re already halfway there.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Almond flour | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Cottage cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Topping (optional) | Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning |
If you’ve made my Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake, you’ll recognize how cottage cheese adds moisture and protein without overpowering the flavor.
Step-by-step instructions for fluffy, golden bagels
Making these bagels is fast, easy, and totally beginner-friendly. You don’t need yeast, kneading, or resting time. Just mix, shape, and bake.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, blend the cottage cheese and egg until smooth using a fork or small whisk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms. If the dough is sticky, let it sit for a minute or two.
- Divide the dough into four equal portions and shape each into a bagel by rolling and forming a ring or poking a hole through the center.
- Place the shaped bagels on your prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with your chosen topping.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.
If you’re a fan of creative breakfast recipes, these bagels pair beautifully with spreads like avocado, cream cheese, or even a sweet touch like the topping from these Cottage Cheese Apple Pie Bites.
Print
Fluffy and Easy Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels Recipe
These fluffy Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels are protein-packed, gluten-free, and made with simple pantry ingredients in under 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 bagels 1x
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 large egg
Sesame seeds or everything bagel spice (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, blend cottage cheese and egg until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir to form a dough.
5. Divide dough into 4 portions and shape into bagels.
6. Place on baking sheet and top with seeds or seasoning.
7. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
These bagels can be stored in the fridge for 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a toaster or oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bagel
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
How to Store, Serve, and Customize Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels
Make-Ahead Magic: How to Store or Freeze Your Bagels
One of the reasons Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels have become a staple in my kitchen is their freezer-friendliness. You can make a batch on Sunday and enjoy a high-protein, gluten-free breakfast all week long with zero stress.
Once baked, let the bagels cool completely on a wire rack. Then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply toast them or warm briefly in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze the bagels individually. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, pop one directly from the freezer into your toaster or oven — no thawing needed.
If you’ve already tried my freezer-friendly Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies, you know how handy it is to have protein-packed baked goods ready to go. These bagels are no different.
Topping Ideas and Fun Variations for Every Taste
These Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels are incredibly versatile, which makes them ideal for experimenting with flavors. Want something savory? Top with shredded cheddar and a pinch of garlic powder before baking. Craving a classic? Use everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds for that bakery-style crunch.
You can also play with mix-ins. Try adding chopped olives, diced jalapeños, or dried herbs to the dough for a twist. Prefer sweet? Sprinkle a little cinnamon and monk fruit on top, or serve with a slather of almond butter and berries — much like how we dress up our Cranberry Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls during brunch.
These bagels are also great sliced and used for mini sandwiches or open-faced snacks. Pair them with smoked salmon and capers, or make a protein-packed egg sandwich using leftover scrambled eggs from your morning batch.
Another reader favorite is to spread them with flavored cream cheese or cottage cheese whip — similar to what we do with our Cottage Cheese Frozen Yogurt Bites. The possibilities are endless, which is what makes these bagels a regular part of our meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels
Are cottage cheese almond bagels keto-friendly?
Yes! These bagels are a great choice for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Made with almond flour, cottage cheese, and egg, each bagel contains healthy fats and high-quality protein without any refined flour or added sugar. Just be sure to check the carb count on your cottage cheese if you’re strict keto.
Can I make these bagels dairy-free?
Absolutely. While cottage cheese is the star of the recipe, you can substitute it with a dairy-free version or use blended tofu or cashew cream cheese as an alternative. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but the result will still be a fluffy and satisfying almond flour bagel. If you’re exploring dairy-light baking, try the Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes with plant-based swaps too.
What toppings go best with cottage cheese almond bagels?
The possibilities are endless. For a savory option, try everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, or shredded cheese. Sweet toppings like cinnamon, almond butter, or even honey (if not strictly keto) are also delicious. For more inspiration, the spiced toppings from our Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Muffins can work beautifully here too.
How do I store almond flour bagels to keep them fresh?
Once cooled, keep the bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually, wrapped tightly. They reheat well straight from the freezer — just pop one in the toaster or oven and it’s ready in minutes.
Conclusion
These Cottage Cheese Almond Bagels are more than just a gluten-free baking win — they’re a quick, protein-packed recipe that fits into busy routines and clean eating goals. With just a handful of ingredients, you get fluffy, golden bagels perfect for meal prep, breakfast, or snacking. They freeze well, reheat beautifully, and offer endless customization from sweet to savory.
Whether you’re baking for your family or for yourself, these bagels offer both convenience and comfort — the best kind of kitchen magic. And if you’re on a roll with cottage cheese recipes, don’t miss the Cottage Cheese Apple Pie Bites — another quick favorite that’s just as wholesome and satisfying.
For more delicious recipes and updates, follow us on Facebook!
