If you miss having a warm, chewy bagel while following a keto lifestyle, these Easy Keto Bagels – Soft and Cheesy are worth making. They’re made with a simple fathead-style dough featuring melted mozzarella, cream cheese, and almond flour, creating a tender center with a lightly golden, cheesy crust.
These homemade keto bagels are especially good for breakfast or a quick lunch. Slice one open and add cream cheese, eggs, avocado, smoked salmon, or your favorite low-carb toppings. They’re satisfying, easy to prepare, and much more enjoyable than many packaged low-carb alternatives.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Easy Keto Bagels – Soft and Cheesy
- Soft & Chewy Center: These bagels have a wonderfully tender, slightly chewy texture that makes them feel like a real breakfast treat.
- Loaded With Cheesy Flavor: Mozzarella and cream cheese give the dough a rich, savory flavor without making the bagels complicated.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Almond flour replaces traditional wheat flour, making these bagels a convenient option for a keto-style breakfast.
- Easy to Customize: Add everything bagel seasoning, garlic, herbs, sesame seeds, or shredded cheese to create your favorite variation.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and keep them ready for quick breakfasts, snacks, or sandwiches throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These keto bagels swap out traditional wheat flour for a handful of simple low-carb ingredients, but you’d never know it — they still come out soft, chewy, and loaded with cheesy flavor. Whether you’re making breakfast, brunch, lunch, or just need a quick snack or sandwich base, these bagels have you covered.
A quick tip: finely ground almond flour and freshly shredded mozzarella make all the difference here, so it’s worth using those instead of the pre-shredded or coarser alternatives.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – The main ingredient that gives the bagels their stretchy, cheesy texture and helps bind the dough together.
- Cream Cheese – Adds moisture, richness, and a softer texture to the finished bagels.
- Almond Flour – A low-carb alternative to regular flour that provides structure without adding traditional wheat-based carbohydrates.
- Egg – Helps bind the dough while contributing to the golden color and tender texture.
- Baking Powder – Gives the bagels a little lift so they don’t turn out overly dense.
- Salt – Enhances the savory cheese flavor and balances the richness of the dough.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning – Optional, but it adds a delicious combination of sesame, garlic, onion, and seasoning to the top.
- Butter or Melted Cheese – Optional for brushing or finishing the bagels for an extra flavorful crust.
Step-By-Step Direction
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Add shredded mozzarella and cream cheese to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each one, until the cheese is melted and smooth.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
Stir the almond flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add the dry ingredients to the warm cheese mixture and mix until a soft dough begins to form.
If the mixture becomes difficult to stir, allow it to cool slightly and knead it gently with your hands.
Step 3: Add the Egg
Beat the egg separately, then work it into the dough. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and the dough becomes smooth.
If the dough feels sticky, let it rest for a few minutes so the almond flour can absorb some of the moisture.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into portions and roll each portion into a ball. Press your finger through the center of each ball and gently stretch the opening to create a classic bagel shape.
Keep the holes slightly larger than you think they need to be because they may shrink during baking.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Place the shaped bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg if desired, then sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
You can also use sesame seeds, shredded Parmesan, dried herbs, or garlic seasoning.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until the bagels are puffed and beautifully golden brown.
Let them cool for several minutes before slicing. The texture will continue to set as they cool.
Serving Suggestions
These soft keto bagels are delicious straight from the oven, but there are plenty of ways to turn them into a complete meal.
- Spread with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a classic breakfast.
- Add scrambled eggs, cheddar, and avocado for a filling morning sandwich.
- Top with cream cheese, cucumber, and everything seasoning for a fresh lunch.
- Use them for a turkey and cheese low-carb sandwich.
- Serve warm with butter and herbs for a simple savory snack.
- Add avocado, bacon, and a fried egg for a hearty keto breakfast.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella contains more moisture and can make the dough difficult to handle. Shredded low-moisture mozzarella gives you a better texture.
- Work While the Cheese Is Warm: Warm cheese is much easier to combine with the almond flour and egg. If it becomes too firm, gently warm it again.
- Don’t Overbake the Bagels: Bake just until golden and set. Overbaking can make the outside dry and the center less tender.
- Make the Center Hole Generous: The dough naturally expands as it bakes, so a slightly larger opening helps preserve the classic bagel shape.
- Let Them Cool Before Slicing: Give the bagels a few minutes to cool after baking. This allows the cheese-based dough to firm up and creates a better slice.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Allow the bagels to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Keep them refrigerated for up to 5 days.
For the best texture, warm them briefly before serving.
Freezer
Slice the cooled bagels before freezing so you can easily take out only what you need. Wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2–3 months for the best quality.
Reheating
For a quick breakfast, warm a refrigerated bagel in the microwave for about 15–30 seconds. For a crispier outside, use a toaster oven or air fryer until warmed through and lightly toasted.
Easy Keto Bagels – Soft and Cheesy
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best texture.
- 2 oz cream cheese – Adds moisture richness, and a soft texture.
- 1 ½ cups finely ground almond flour – Provides structure while keeping the bagels low-carb.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the dough and gives the bagels a golden finish.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the bagels rise slightly while baking.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances the cheesy flavor.
- 1 tbsp everything bagel seasoning – Optional for a savory and flavorful topping.
Instructions
- Add the shredded mozzarella and cream cheese to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each interval, until the cheeses are melted and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the warm cheese mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Beat the egg separately, then add it to the dough. Mix until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth. If the dough is sticky, let it rest for a few minutes.
- Divide the dough into 6 portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then press your finger through the center and gently stretch it to form a bagel shape.
- :Place the bagels on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, brush the tops with a little beaten egg and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the bagels are puffed and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the bagels cool for several minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Total Sugars: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Net Carbs: 6 g
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