Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delightful Keto Everything Bagels! If you’re navigating a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, or simply seeking delicious, gluten-free alternatives to your favorite carb-heavy foods, these bagels are a game-changer. Imagine a bagel with a perfectly crisp exterior and a wonderfully chewy, soft interior, just like a traditional New York-style bagel, but with a fraction of the carbs. This quick and easy recipe allows you to whip up a batch of these crave-worthy bagels in just around 30 minutes, offering an authentic taste experience without derailing your dietary goals. Spread generously with cream cheese, avocado, or your favorite toppings, these bagels promise a flavorful and satisfying breakfast or snack, all while keeping your net carb count to a mere 4 per serving.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its simplicity and efficiency. Utilizing a “fathead dough” base made from almond flour, these bagels come together with minimal fuss and don’t require any tedious boiling steps typically associated with traditional bagel making. From mixing the dough to pulling golden, aromatic bagels from the oven, you’ll be enjoying your homemade low-carb treat in under half an hour. While the iconic “Everything Bagel” seasoning offers an unparalleled flavor profile of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds, don’t hesitate to customize them with any seasoning blend you adore. These versatile almond flour bagels are not just for breakfast; they make an excellent foundation for a hearty sandwich, a savory side to scrambled eggs, or a perfect pairing for smoked salmon and avocado. Your keto journey just got a whole lot more delicious!
If you’re as obsessed with the everything bagel seasoning as we are, you might also love these Crispy Everything Bagel Potato Chips for another irresistible low-carb snack idea.
Why This Keto Bagel Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
Discovering a truly satisfying low-carb bread alternative can be a challenge, but these Keto Everything Bagels tick all the boxes. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen:
- Perfect for Any Diet (Keto, Low-Carb & Gluten-Free): This recipe is a culinary triumph for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. But the benefits don’t stop there – being entirely gluten-free, these bagels offer a fantastic option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. This means everyone at your table can indulge in these delightful, guilt-free treats without compromise.
- Incredibly Quick and Easy to Prepare: Forget long proofing times or complex baking techniques. The dough for these Keto Everything Bagels can be mixed and ready for shaping in about 10 minutes. Within another 15 minutes in the oven, you’ll have perfectly baked, golden-brown bagels. This makes them an ideal choice for busy mornings or when you need a fast, satisfying snack. No boiling required, simplifying the process even further!
- Effectively Satisfies Carb Cravings: One of the biggest hurdles on a keto or low-carb diet is the lingering craving for comforting, carb-rich foods like bread. These Low Carb Everything Bagels are designed to tackle those cravings head-on. Their authentic texture and rich flavor provide the satisfaction you crave from a traditional bagel, making it easier to stick to your dietary goals and stay energized throughout the day.
- Versatility in Serving: Beyond their incredible taste, these bagels offer unmatched versatility. Enjoy them simply toasted with butter, slathered with cream cheese, layered with smoked salmon and capers, or transformed into a hearty breakfast sandwich. They can also serve as a delicious bread substitute for lunch, offering endless possibilities for creative and healthy meals.
Essential Ingredients for Your Low Carb Bagels
Crafting the perfect batch of Keto Everything Bagels starts with a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. The magic lies in the “fathead dough,” a popular keto-friendly base that mimics the texture and chewiness of traditional bread without the carbs. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This is the cornerstone of fathead dough, providing the stretchy, pliable texture necessary for a bagel. Opt for low-moisture, whole-milk shredded mozzarella. Freshly grated is always best, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting and texture.
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Adding richness and a slightly tangy flavor, full-fat cream cheese is essential for the dough’s consistency and taste. It contributes to the soft interior of the bagel, balancing the mozzarella.
- Blanched Almond Flour: As the primary low-carb flour, blanched almond flour provides structure without the gluten and excessive carbohydrates of traditional wheat flour. Blanched almond flour is finely ground and made from almonds with their skins removed, resulting in a smoother texture and lighter color ideal for baking. Do not substitute with almond meal, which is coarser.
- Baking Powder: A crucial leavening agent, baking powder helps these bagels rise slightly and contributes to their airy yet chewy texture, preventing them from being too dense.
- Large Egg (Room Temperature): The egg acts as a binder, holding the dough together and adding moisture and structure. Bringing it to room temperature ensures it incorporates smoothly into the cheese mixture, creating a more uniform dough.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: This iconic blend typically includes white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and sea salt. It’s what gives these bagels their signature savory, aromatic crust. You can find this seasoning pre-mixed in most grocery stores, or easily make your own.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Keto Everything Bagels
Making Keto Everything Bagels is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple instructions to achieve perfectly textured and flavorful low-carb bagels every time. Remember, the key to fathead dough is proper melting and gentle handling.
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard baking tray with parchment paper. This non-stick surface is crucial for preventing the bagels from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking. Set the prepared tray aside.
- Step 2: Melt the Cheeses. In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. Microwave the cheese mixture for approximately one minute, then stir it thoroughly. Continue to microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the cheese is completely melted and forms a smooth, cohesive, and glossy mixture. It should be easily stirrable and uniform.
- Step 3: Form the Fathead Dough. Once the cheese mixture is perfectly melted, add in the blanched almond flour, baking powder, and the room-temperature egg. Using a sturdy spoon or a rubber spatula, mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Continue to mix until everything is well combined and forms a smooth, somewhat sticky, but manageable dough. The consistency should be uniform with no streaks of unmixed flour.
- Step 4: Shape the Bagels. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. For easier handling, you may lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking. Roll each portion of dough into an elongated log, about 6-8 inches long. Bring the ends of the log together to form a circular bagel shape, pressing the ends firmly to seal them. Ensure the hole in the center is clearly defined. Place each shaped bagel onto the prepared parchment-lined baking tray, leaving some space between them.
- Step 5: Season and Bake. Lightly brush the tops of the shaped bagels with a small amount of water. This helps the seasoning adhere. Generously sprinkle your Everything Bagel seasoning over each bagel. Transfer the baking tray to the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown, slightly puffed, and cooked through.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy. Once baked, carefully remove the bagels from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve your freshly baked Keto Everything Bagels warm, ideally sliced in half and slathered with your favorite cream cheese spread, or with any other desired toppings.
Expert Tips for Perfect Keto Everything Bagels
Achieving bakery-quality Keto Everything Bagels is simpler than you think, especially with these expert tips. Pay attention to these details, and you’ll be enjoying perfectly textured, flavorful bagels every time:
- Always Use Freshly Grated Mozzarella: This is arguably the most important tip for fathead dough. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches or cellulose to prevent clumping. While convenient, these additives can make the cheese less pliable and prevent it from melting smoothly, resulting in a grainy or tough dough. Take the extra minute to grate your own mozzarella for the best results.
- Ensure Complete Cheese Melting: Before incorporating the dry ingredients, verify that your mozzarella and cream cheese mixture is completely melted and smooth. Any lumps or un-melted cheese will lead to an uneven dough texture and potentially a crumbly bagel. Stir diligently during microwaving to achieve a uniform, glossy consistency.
- Avoid Overmixing the Dough: Once the almond flour, baking powder, and egg are added to the melted cheese, mix just until a smooth, cohesive dough forms. Overmixing can develop the gluten-like properties in the fathead dough too much, leading to a tougher bagel. Gentle folding and pressing are usually sufficient.
- Oil Your Hands for Easier Handling: Fathead dough can be quite sticky, making it challenging to work with. Lightly oiling your hands with a neutral cooking oil (like avocado or olive oil) before dividing and shaping the dough will prevent it from adhering to your fingers, making the process much smoother and less messy.
- Don’t Roll Them Too Flat: Unlike traditional yeast doughs, fathead dough doesn’t experience significant rising during baking. Therefore, when you’re shaping your logs and forming the circles, ensure they have a decent thickness. If rolled too thin, the bagels might come out crispier like crackers rather than having that desirable chewy interior. Aim for a thickness that you prefer in a regular bagel.
- DIY Everything Bagel Seasoning: If you can’t find pre-made Everything Bagel Seasoning, it’s incredibly easy to make your own. Combine equal parts white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. Then, add a smaller amount of dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and a pinch of flaky sea salt to taste. Store in an airtight container for future use.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If your dough feels too sticky or soft to handle, especially in a warm kitchen, you can briefly chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. This can make it firmer and easier to shape, but usually, oiling your hands is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Everything Bagels
Traditional bagels, made with refined flour and often sweetened with sugar, are unfortunately off-limits for those adhering to a strict ketogenic or low-carb diet due to their high carbohydrate content. However, these specially crafted almond flour bagels are designed to be keto-compliant. They utilize a clever combination of egg, various cheeses, and almond flour to create a delicious, satisfying, and gluten-free substitute that perfectly fits your dietary needs.
Your low-carb everything bagels are ready when they have slightly puffed up and developed a beautiful golden-brown color on the surface. They should feel firm to the touch but still have a soft, chewy interior. This usually takes around 13-15 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven, but keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Fathead dough is a revolutionary, low-carb dough used extensively in keto and gluten-free baking. Its primary ingredients are melted cheese (typically mozzarella and cream cheese), almond flour, and an egg. This unique combination creates a versatile, pliable dough that can be shaped into various bread-like products, from pizza crusts to these delicious bagels. It’s renowned for its ability to mimic the texture of traditional dough without the carbs.
To maintain their freshness, store your baked keto bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For reheating, you have several options: simply pop them in a toaster for a crispy exterior, warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or microwave them for a quick 20-30 seconds until heated through. Microwaving tends to make them softer, while toasting or oven reheating restores their initial crispness.
Absolutely! These keto bagels freeze wonderfully, making them perfect for meal prepping. Once baked and completely cooled, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for an hour or two until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply defrost them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using your preferred method.
The serving possibilities for these almond flour bagels are endless! For a classic experience, smear them generously with full-fat cream cheese and perhaps a sprinkle of chives. Elevate your breakfast by adding smoked salmon, capers, and a slice of red onion. They make an excellent base for a keto-friendly breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs, bacon, and avocado. You can also replace traditional toast with these bagels in recipes like my Avocado Toast With Egg. For lunch, pile them high with your favorite low-carb sandwich fillings, such as turkey, cheese, and lettuce, or enjoy them alongside a fresh green salad.
More Delicious & Healthy Keto Recipes to Explore
If you’re enjoying the journey of healthy eating and discovering new keto-friendly delights, be sure to check out some of our other popular recipes. Each one is designed to be delicious, easy to make, and perfectly aligned with a low-carb lifestyle:
- Low Carb Keto Garlic Bread: The perfect savory companion for any meal.
- How to Make The Perfect Soft Boiled Egg: A fundamental skill for quick, protein-rich additions to your keto meals.
- Chocolate Overnight Oats: A delightful and convenient breakfast that tastes like a treat, adapted for keto.
- Keto Sandwich Bread: Another essential low-carb bread recipe for versatile meal prep.
- Fried Keto Chicken: Crispy, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying for a low-carb dinner.
We hope you thoroughly enjoy exploring these recipes, including this fantastic Keto Bagel recipe. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us! If you try this recipe and love it, please consider leaving a star rating and a comment below. Don’t forget to use our hashtag to share your delicious creations with us on Instagram – we’d love to see what you make! For all our latest social posts, kitchen tips, and new recipes, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST.
Keto Everything Low Carb Bagels
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- ¾ cup blanched almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 whole egg, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon bagel seasonings
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine shredded mozzarella cheese and cream cheese. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring often, until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
- Add in the almond flour, baking powder, and room-temperature egg to the melted cheese mixture. Mix well with a spoon or spatula until everything combines to form a smooth, uniform dough.
- Divide the dough into 6 equal parts. Lightly oil your hands to prevent sticking. Roll each portion of dough into an elongated log, then form a circle, pressing the ends firmly together to seal. Place each shaped bagel on the parchment-lined baking tray.
- Lightly brush the shaped bagels with some water and generously sprinkle the Everything Bagel seasoning on top. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly puffed.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve the bagels warm with your favorite cream cheese spread or toppings.
Notes
- For the best texture and melt, use freshly grated mozzarella cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
- Ensure the cheese mixture is completely melted and smooth before adding the almond flour and egg to achieve a consistent dough.
- Avoid overmixing the dough once the dry ingredients are added; mix just enough until combined.
- If the dough is sticky, lightly oil your hands before shaping to make it easier to work with.
- The dough does not rise significantly during cooking, so form your bagels with the desired thickness to avoid them becoming too flat.
- If you don’t have Everything Bagel Seasoning, you can easily make your own by combining sesame seeds (white and/or black), poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and sea salt.
Nutrition
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