Craving a classic bagel but sticking to a low-carb, gluten-free lifestyle? Your search ends here! These Easy Keto Low-Carb Everything Bagels are a revelation, crafted with simple almond flour fathead dough and boasting only 2 net carbs per serving. Each delicious, chewy bagel is generously coated with the beloved Everything, But the Bagel Seasoning, delivering an explosion of flavor that will make you forget traditional bagels ever existed.
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Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Trust me, you’re not alone. Bacon and eggs, while delicious, can become monotonous after a while. But what if you could elevate your breakfast by piling your crispy bacon and fluffy eggs onto a warm, freshly baked bagel? A KETO BAGEL! That’s precisely what we’re going to achieve today. Imagine that perfect bite, perhaps with some fresh spinach added for extra nutrition and flavor.
Discover the Best Keto Low-Carb Everything Bagels
Embark on a culinary journey to create the most satisfying keto bagels you’ve ever tasted. This recipe utilizes the magic of fathead dough, making it incredibly straightforward and quick to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned keto veteran or just starting your low-carb adventure, these bagels will become a staple in your kitchen. They are not just a breakfast item; these versatile bagels can transform into delicious sandwiches, healthy snacks, or even a base for savory spreads, fitting perfectly into any meal plan without compromising on taste or your dietary goals.
How to Make Keto Low Carb Bagels with Fathead Dough
Crafting these delectable keto bagels is simpler than you might think. The core of this recipe lies in the “fathead dough,” a brilliant low-carb alternative that mimics the texture and versatility of traditional dough. You’ll be amazed at how easily this dough comes together and how satisfying the final product is.
The Simple Steps to Perfect Keto Bagels
The process begins with just a few key ingredients and minimal effort. For detailed measurements and comprehensive instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this post. However, here’s a breakdown of the essential steps:
- **Prepare the Base:** Combine mozzarella cheese and cream cheese, then microwave them until perfectly melted and smooth. This creates the foundational elasticity of your fathead dough.
- **Incorporate Dry Ingredients:** Gently stir in high-quality almond flour and baking powder into the melted cheese mixture. The baking powder will give your bagels a nice lift and a lighter texture.
- **Add the Binder:** Mix in beaten eggs, which act as a crucial binder, bringing all the ingredients together to form a cohesive, workable dough. Keep stirring until you achieve a uniform consistency. If the mixture becomes too thick, a quick zap in the microwave for another 30 seconds can help it loosen up for easier mixing. Ensure the cheese is fully melted and incorporated to prevent hard pieces in your finished bagels.
- **Form the Bagels:** Once your dough is ready, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Knead the dough into a large ball, then divide it into eight equal portions. Roll each portion into a smaller ball and create a hole in the center with your finger or the handle of a wooden spoon. Make sure the holes are generous, as the bagels will expand during baking.
- **Season and Bake:** Lightly brush the tops of the formed bagels with water or an egg wash to help the seasoning adhere. Sprinkle generously with Everything But the Bagel Seasoning. Bake until golden brown and firm to the touch.
Unlocking the Low-Carb Secret: How Many Carbs Are in These Keto Bagels?
One of the most compelling reasons to fall in love with these bagels is their incredibly low carbohydrate count. Each of these delicious keto fathead bagels contains a mere 2 net carbs. This is a staggering difference when compared to the average traditional bagel, which can pack in as much as 44 net carbs. This significant reduction in carbs makes them an ideal choice for anyone strictly adhering to a ketogenic diet or simply looking to minimize their carbohydrate intake without sacrificing the joy of a good bagel.
Understanding “net carbs” is crucial for a keto diet. Net carbs are calculated by taking the total carbohydrates and subtracting fiber and any sugar alcohols that don’t impact blood sugar. In these bagels, the almond flour provides healthy fats and protein while keeping the carb count exceptionally low, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal while staying in ketosis.
Exploring Low-Carbohydrate Bread Alternatives
When embarking on a low-carb journey, one of the biggest challenges is often finding satisfying bread substitutes. While many options exist, not all are created equal in terms of flavor, texture, and carb count.
Which Bread Has the Least Amount of Carbohydrates?
While many commercial breads market themselves as “low-carb,” few truly fit the strict criteria for a ketogenic diet. For instance, brands like Ezekial Flax bread are often cited for their lower carb content compared to conventional white bread. However, with approximately 14-15 net carbs per slice, even Ezekial bread may not be low enough for some individuals to maintain ketosis effectively. It’s always essential to check nutrition labels carefully. You can explore more about Ezekial Bread and Sugar Free Staples to understand these differences.
For those committed to very low-carb eating, options like cloud bread, oopsie bread (made primarily from eggs and cream cheese), or various flaxseed-based breads can be excellent choices. However, these often have a distinct texture that doesn’t quite replicate the chewy heartiness of a traditional bagel. This is where our almond flour fathead bagels truly shine – they offer that familiar bagel experience with an impressively low carb count, making them a superior choice for many.
Elevate Your Bagels: Additional Toppings and Add-ins
The beauty of these keto bagels lies not just in their low-carb goodness, but also in their incredible versatility. They serve as the perfect canvas for an array of delightful toppings and creative add-ins, allowing you to customize each bite to your preference.
Savory Delights:
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning: The classic choice for a reason, this blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt provides an irresistible crunch and savory kick.
- Cream Cheese Varieties: Beyond plain cream cheese, try whipped cream cheese, chive & onion, or even a smoked salmon cream cheese spread for an indulgent treat.
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning: For a unique twist, sprinkle some of our Homemade Ranch Seasoning for a zesty, herbaceous flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar on a warm bagel offers a comforting, savory experience. Consider adding jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado provides healthy fats and a creamy texture, perfect with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Smoked Salmon & Capers: For a brunch-worthy bagel, pair it with smoked salmon, capers, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Breakfast Sandwich: Transform your bagel into a hearty breakfast sandwich with bacon, fried eggs, and fresh spinach.
Sweet Indulgences (Keto-Friendly):
- Cinnamon and Monkfruit/Erythritol: Mix cinnamon with your favorite keto-friendly sweetener for a sweet, warm topping. This can be sprinkled on top or even mixed into the dough itself before baking.
- Sugar-Free Jams or Preserves: Opt for low-carb fruit spreads for a touch of sweetness.
- Nut Butter: Almond butter or peanut butter (ensure low-sugar options) can be a satisfying and protein-rich topping.
Add-ins for the Dough:
Don’t limit yourself to just external toppings! You can also incorporate flavors directly into the fathead dough:
- Shredded Cheese: Mix in a quarter cup of shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried chives, dill, or oregano can add an aromatic depth.
- Garlic Powder: A pinch of garlic powder in the dough enhances the savory profile.
Beyond Bagels: The Versatility of Fathead Dough
The beauty of fathead dough extends far beyond just making bagels. This ingenious low-carb, gluten-free dough is incredibly versatile and can be adapted for a multitude of recipes, making it a true staple for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Its unique texture and malleability allow it to replace traditional flour-based doughs in many applications, opening up a world of possibilities for delicious, guilt-free meals.
What Can I Substitute for Bread?
When you’re trying to cut down on carbs, bread is often the first thing to go, but with fathead dough, you don’t have to miss out on those comforting, bready textures. I’ve successfully used fathead dough to create a variety of keto-friendly alternatives that are just as satisfying as their high-carb counterparts:
- Keto Biscuits: Fluffy and cheesy, perfect for a savory side or a breakfast sandwich base. Get the recipe for Keto Biscuits here.
- Keto Cinnamon Rolls: Indulge your sweet tooth with warm, gooey cinnamon rolls that are surprisingly low in carbs. Find the recipe for Keto Cinnamon Rolls here.
- Keto Pizza: Create a crispy, flavorful pizza crust that holds up to all your favorite toppings without the carb load. Check out the recipe for Keto Pizza here.
- Keto Crackers: Thinly rolled and baked, fathead dough makes excellent crispy crackers for dips and cheese.
- Keto Pretzels: Shape the dough into classic pretzel twists for a savory snack.
- Savory Rolls/Buns: Use it to make dinner rolls or hamburger buns for your favorite low-carb sandwiches.
These examples highlight just how adaptable fathead dough is. It’s a game-changer for anyone wanting to enjoy a wide range of “bready” foods while maintaining a low-carb lifestyle. Once you master the basic fathead dough, you’ll find countless ways to incorporate it into your cooking.
Almond Flour vs. Coconut Flour: Choosing the Right Ingredient
When baking low-carb, especially with fathead dough, the choice of flour is critical. The two most common keto-friendly flours are almond flour and coconut flour, but they behave very differently in recipes.
Do You Use Coconut or Almond Flour for this Recipe?
For these Keto Low-Carb Everything Bagels, I strongly recommend using almond flour. Here’s why:
- **Absorption Rates:** Coconut flour is incredibly absorbent, much more so than almond flour. A small amount of coconut flour can soak up a significant amount of liquid, leading to a very dry, dense, or crumbly dough if not used correctly. Almond flour, on the other hand, absorbs moisture at a much more moderate rate, which is ideal for achieving the desired chewy yet soft texture of a bagel.
- **Texture:** Almond flour (especially super-fine blanched almond flour) provides a tender crumb and a structure that closely resembles traditional baked goods. Coconut flour often results in a coarser, more fibrous texture and can have a distinct coconut flavor that might not be desirable for every recipe, especially savory ones like bagels.
- **Flavor Profile:** Almond flour has a very neutral, slightly nutty flavor that blends seamlessly with other ingredients without overpowering them. This allows the savory notes of the cheese and Everything Bagel Seasoning to shine through.
- **Substitution Challenges:** Due to their vastly different absorption properties, almond flour and coconut flour are not interchangeable in recipes on a 1:1 basis. Substituting coconut flour for almond flour (or vice versa) would require significant adjustments to the liquid content and other ingredient ratios, effectively creating an entirely new recipe. For consistent, delicious results with these bagels, stick with almond flour as specified.
Using the correct type of almond flour also makes a difference. Opt for a finely ground, blanched almond flour for the best results, as it yields a smoother dough and a more refined texture in your baked goods.
Storage and Freezing Tips for Maximum Freshness
One of the many benefits of making a batch of these keto bagels is their excellent storability, allowing you to enjoy fresh-tasting bagels throughout the week or even for months to come. Proper storage ensures they retain their delightful texture and flavor.
How to Store the Bagels
For short-term storage, once your keto bagels have cooled completely, place them in sealable plastic bags or an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh and delicious for up to a week. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their texture and prevents spoilage. When you’re ready to enjoy one, a quick toast in a toaster or a few minutes in a warm oven will bring back their fresh-baked goodness.
Freezer Tips for Long-Term Enjoyment
These keto fathead bagels are fantastic for meal prepping and can be easily frozen for later consumption. This is perfect for ensuring you always have a low-carb breakfast or snack on hand without the need for constant baking.
- **Preparation for Freezing:** Allow the freshly baked bagels to cool completely to room temperature. This is a crucial step to prevent ice crystals from forming inside the packaging, which can lead to soggy bagels upon thawing.
- **Packaging:** Wrap each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped bagels into a large freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Removing as much air as possible from the bag helps prevent freezer burn.
- **Freezer Life:** Stored properly, your keto bagels will last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
- **Thawing and Reheating:** When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen bagel, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or directly reheat it from frozen. For reheating, a toaster oven or a conventional oven (preheated to 350°F or 175°C) works best. Bake for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp on the outside. You can also slice them and pop them into a regular toaster once partially thawed for a quick and crispy result.
Having a stash of these keto bagels in your freezer means you’re always prepared for a delicious, low-carb meal, making your keto journey even more convenient and enjoyable.
More Keto Breakfast Recipes to Explore
If you love these keto bagels, you’ll be thrilled to discover a wider world of delicious low-carb breakfast options designed to keep you satisfied and on track with your dietary goals. Expanding your breakfast repertoire means you’ll never get bored on your keto journey.
- Bacon Egg Spinach Breakfast Casserole: A hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for feeding a crowd or for meal prepping a week’s worth of delicious mornings.
- Keto Cinnamon Roll Chaffles: A creative and delicious twist on chaffles, offering the sweet, comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll without the carbs.
- Keto Blueberry Muffins: Soft, tender, and bursting with blueberry flavor, these muffins are a delightful grab-and-go option.
- Keto Pancakes: Enjoy a classic stack of fluffy pancakes, perfectly keto-friendly and delicious with sugar-free syrup.
- Keto Biscuits and Gravy: A comforting, savory southern favorite, reimagined for a low-carb diet without sacrificing flavor.
Popular Keto Recipes for Every Meal
Beyond breakfast, the keto diet offers an incredible array of flavorful and satisfying meals. Here are some of our most popular keto recipes that prove healthy eating can be incredibly delicious:
- Keto Cheeseburger Casserole: All the classic flavors of a cheeseburger packed into a convenient and satisfying casserole.
- Keto Philly Cheesesteak Casserole: Indulge in the savory goodness of a Philly cheesesteak without the carb-heavy bun, all in an easy casserole format.
- Keto Shrimp Alfredo: Creamy, garlicky, and utterly delicious, this dish uses zucchini noodles for a perfect low-carb pasta alternative.
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Keto Low-Carb Bagels
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- Everything But the Bagel Seasoning see below on how to make your own
Homemade Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons white sesame seeds
- 1 ½ teaspoons black sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon dried minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon poppyseeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- In a large bowl, combine the almond flour and baking powder. Stir them together until well mixed.
- In a separate, microwave-safe bowl, add the cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. Microwave on high for 60 seconds, or until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove the melted cheese from the microwave. Add the dry almond flour mixture to the cheese. Stir vigorously to combine. The mixture will become quite thick and might be difficult to stir. If it’s too stiff, return the bowl to the microwave for an additional 30 seconds to soften the cheese further.
Remove from the microwave again and stir thoroughly. Incorporate the beaten eggs into the mixture. Continue stirring until a uniform dough forms. It’s crucial that all cheese is fully melted and integrated; any large pieces of unmixed cheese will create an uneven texture on your baked bagels.
- Lightly wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Knead the dough with your hands to form one large, cohesive ball.
- Using a silicone spoon or your hands, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Wet your hands as needed between forming each ball to maintain a smooth process. Place these dough balls onto the prepared silicone baking mat, spaced evenly apart.
- Use your finger or a butter knife to create a distinct hole in the center of each dough ball. Make these holes larger than you think necessary, as the dough will expand and rise during baking, causing the holes to shrink. If you notice the holes closing up during baking, you can gently reopen them with a knife.
- Lightly moisten the tops of each bagel with a cooking brush or your wet fingertips. This crucial step helps the seasoning adhere beautifully.
- Generously sprinkle the Everything But the Bagel Seasoning over the top of each moistened bagel, ensuring good coverage.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bagels achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on them; mine were perfectly done right at the 20-minute mark.