Introduction: A Savory Twist on Classic Bagels

Garlic Herb Zucchini Cottage Bagels are a flavorful, healthy twist on traditional bagels. Using almond flour as the base, they are naturally gluten-free while offering the delicious chewiness you expect from a great bagel. The addition of cottage cheese brings a creamy texture, while the zucchini provides moisture and a subtle, fresh flavor. Finally, the combination of garlic, herbs, and a light egg wash creates a golden, savory crust that elevates these bagels to a whole new level.

These bagels are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a savory snack. Plus, they’re great for meal prep, as they store well in the fridge and can be easily reheated. The use of almond flour and cottage cheese makes them a high-protein, low-carb alternative to traditional bagels, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.

Let’s dive into how to make these Garlic Herb Zucchini Cottage Bagels and enjoy a healthier, delicious bagel experience!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Garlic Herb Zucchini Cottage Bagels:

For the Bagels:

  • 2 cups almond flour (for the base, making these bagels gluten-free)
  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth (provides moisture and creaminess)
  • ½ cup finely shredded zucchini, with all excess water squeezed out (adds moisture and a subtle vegetable flavor)
  • 2 large eggs (for binding and structure)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for the savory garlic flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for the herby flavor)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavors)
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda (to help with leavening and give the bagels that perfect rise)

For the Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg (for brushing on top to get a golden-brown, shiny finish)

For the Topping:

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning (for sprinkling on top for a classic bagel finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your oven is ready to bake the bagels.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the bagels from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

  1. Shred the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. You want to use about ½ cup of finely shredded zucchini for this recipe.
  2. Squeeze out the excess moisture from the shredded zucchini. You can do this by placing the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and pressing out as much liquid as possible. This is important because too much moisture can affect the texture of the bagels.

Step 3: Make the Dough

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of almond flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon baking soda. Mix well to ensure the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
  2. Add the 1 cup of full-fat cottage cheese (blended until smooth) and 2 large eggs into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until you form a dough. The dough will be slightly sticky.
  3. Fold in the ½ cup of shredded zucchini. The zucchini will add moisture and create a nice, soft texture for the bagels.

Step 4: Shape the Bagels

  1. Divide the dough into about 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently press a hole in the center of each ball to form a bagel shape.
  2. Place each bagel on the prepared baking sheet, making sure there is enough space between each bagel to allow for expansion during baking.

Step 5: Brush with Egg Wash

  1. In a small bowl, beat the 1 egg to create the egg wash.
  2. Brush the top of each bagel with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color once baked.
  3. Optionally, sprinkle each bagel with dried thyme or sesame seeds or use everything bagel seasoning for a classic bagel topping.

Step 6: Bake the Bagels

  1. Place the bagels in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  2. Keep an eye on the bagels towards the end of the baking time to ensure they don’t get too dark. The perfect bagels should have a crisp, golden crust and a soft interior.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

  1. Once the bagels are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
  2. Slice and serve the bagels warm, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. These bagels are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a savory side to soups and salads.

Nutritional Breakdown (per bagel)

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for each Garlic Herb Zucchini Cottage Bagel, assuming the recipe makes 8 bagels:

  • Calories: ~180-200 kcal per bagel
  • Protein: ~8g
  • Carbohydrates: ~8g
  • Fat: ~14g
  • Fiber: ~2g
  • Sugar: ~2g
  • Sodium: ~300mg

The exact nutritional content will depend on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of cottage cheese and the size of the bagels.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Garlic Herb Zucchini Cottage Bagels turn out perfect every time:

  1. Squeeze Out Excess Moisture from Zucchini: This is crucial to get the right consistency for the dough. Too much moisture will make the dough too wet, affecting the texture of the bagels.
  2. Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to dense bagels.
  3. Use Full-Fat Cottage Cheese: For the best texture and flavor, use full-fat cottage cheese. It helps create a moist and creamy dough, but you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer.
  4. Shape Evenly: Make sure the dough is evenly divided into portions for uniform baking. This ensures all the bagels cook at the same rate.
  5. Add Extra Toppings: You can customize the bagels by adding cheese or even garlic butter on top before baking for extra flavor.

Variations

Here are some fun variations you can try with your Garlic Herb Zucchini Cottage Bagels:

  • Cheese-filled Bagels: Add shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella inside the dough before baking for a cheesy surprise in every bite.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Bagels: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Spicy Bagels: Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the dough for a spicy kick.
  • Vegan Bagels: Use non-dairy cottage cheese and a flax egg in place of the eggs for a vegan version of these bagels.

Storage and Reheating

These bagels store well for several days, making them great for meal prep:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat them in a toaster or oven to restore their texture.
  • Freezing: You can freeze these bagels for up to 2 months. Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply thaw and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Herb Zucchini Cottage Bagels are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes:

  • With Cream Cheese or Avocado: Spread on some cream cheese or mashed avocado for a simple but delicious snack.
  • With Eggs: Serve these bagels with scrambled eggs or poached eggs for a savory breakfast.
  • As a Sandwich: Use these bagels as the base for a chicken sandwich, turkey and cheese, or a veggie bagel sandwich.
  • With Soup: These bagels pair perfectly with a hearty bowl of tomato soup, chicken noodle, or any other comfort soup.

Final Thoughts

These Garlic Herb Zucchini Cottage Bagels are a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional bagels, with the added benefits of zucchini and cottage cheese. The almond flour base makes them gluten-free, and the combination of garlic and herbs creates a savory flavor that’s perfect for any time of the day.

Whether you’re enjoying them on their own or using them for sandwiches, these bagels are sure to be a hit. They’re easy to make, nutritious, and satisfy all your carb cravings without the guilt!