Low Carb Bagels Ready in Just 42 Minutes

Low carb bagels are about to become your new breakfast obsession, and I’m here to show you exactly how to make them perfectly chewy with just 4 net carbs each. These aren’t your typical dense, cardboard-tasting substitutes – they’re genuinely delicious bagels that happen to be grain-free and gluten-free.

It was a rainy Saturday morning when I first decided to tackle the low carb bagel challenge in my own kitchen. My husband had been missing his weekend bagel routine since we started eating healthier, and I was determined to create something that would satisfy that craving without the carb overload. After several attempts and tweaks, these Easy Low Carb Bagels were born – made with simple ingredients like mozzarella, cream cheese, and almond flour, similar to my Cottage Cheese Bagels with Almond Flour. The result? A perfectly chewy, golden bagel that toasts beautifully and holds up to all your favorite toppings. My family can’t tell the difference, and honestly, neither can I. You’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Low Carb Bagels Recipe

I’ve been perfecting this low carb bagel recipe in my kitchen for months, drawing inspiration from traditional bagel-making techniques while keeping things simple for busy home cooks. What started as a weekend experiment has become our go-to breakfast staple that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health.

• Only 4 net carbs per bagel – perfect for keto and low-carb lifestyles. Learn more about bagel nutrition
• Made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen
• Ready in just 42 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cook time
• Incredibly versatile – works perfectly toasted, as sandwiches, or eaten fresh
• Freezer-friendly for meal prep and busy mornings
• Gluten-free and grain-free without compromising on that classic bagel texture

Ingredient Note List

Mozzarella Cheese: I always recommend using freshly shredded mozzarella because it melts more smoothly and creates the perfect chewy base that makes these low carb bagels so satisfying.

Cream Cheese: This adds richness and helps bind the dough while keeping it moist, creating that tender interior texture we all love in a great bagel.

Large Eggs: The egg in the dough provides structure and binding, while the extra egg for washing gives these bagels their beautiful golden-brown finish.

Almond Flour: Make sure to pick finely ground almond flour rather than almond meal – the finer texture creates a smoother dough that’s easier to work with.

Baking Powder: This gives the bagels just enough lift to create that perfect dense-yet-tender texture without making them too cake-like.

Everything Bagel Seasoning: In my kitchen, I prefer using store-bought everything seasoning, but you can mix your own with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and sea salt.

How to Cook Easy Low Carb Bagels

Step 1. I usually start by preheating my oven to 400°F to ensure it’s perfectly hot for that golden-brown finish these bagels are known for.

Step 2. In a medium bowl, I combine the mozzarella and cream cheese, then microwave for 45 seconds – my grandma always said to watch cheese carefully when melting to avoid overcooking it.

Step 3. I’ve found that if the cheese isn’t fully melted after 45 seconds, adding 10-second intervals works better than trying to rush it with longer heating times.

Step 4. When the cheeses are perfectly melted and smooth, I mix in one egg until fully incorporated – this step creates the foundation for our low carb bagel dough.

Step 5. Next, I add the almond flour and baking powder, stirring well until everything comes together into a workable dough that holds its shape.

Step 6. My husband prefers when I divide the dough into exactly 6 equal pieces using a kitchen scale – this ensures all the bagels bake evenly and look professional, just like the Fresh Baked Bagels we used to buy.

Step 7. I roll each piece into thick ropes and pinch the ends together firmly to create that classic bagel shape, then place them on a parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Step 8. For the egg wash, I beat the remaining egg with a tablespoon of water and brush it generously over each bagel – just like I do when making Air Fryer Everything Bagel Bites for a crispy finish.

Step 9. I always sprinkle my favorite toppings while the egg wash is still wet so they stick perfectly during baking.

Step 10. After baking until the bagels are beautifully browned on the outside, I remove them from the oven and let them sit on the cookie sheet until completely cool – they’ll be soft at first, but this cooling step is crucial for the perfect texture.

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy.

In my experience, these low carb bagels freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. I recommend slicing them in half before freezing and wrapping each bagel individually in plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer bag for easy grab-and-go breakfasts.

For best results, I like to reheat refrigerated bagels by toasting them lightly or warming them in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Frozen bagels can go straight into the toaster or thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating.

What to Serve with Easy Low Carb Bagels

Cream Cheese and Lox: The classic combination works beautifully with these low carb bagels – the rich, salty flavors complement the cheesy base perfectly while keeping the meal keto-friendly.

Avocado and Everything Seasoning: In my kitchen, I often serve these bagels topped with mashed avocado and a sprinkle of everything seasoning, or enjoy them alongside Chive Cream Cheese for an herby twist.

Sugar-Free Jam: A dollop of your favorite sugar-free jam transforms these bagels into a sweet treat, especially with a toasted Gluten-Free Blueberry Bagel on the side.

Scrambled Eggs and Bacon: My family loves turning these into breakfast sandwiches with fluffy scrambled eggs and crispy bacon – or pairing them with Protein Bread when we want extra fuel.nough to fuel your entire morning.

Almond Butter and Cinnamon: For a quick snack, I spread natural almond butter and dust with cinnamon, a combo that also works well with my Cinnamon Sugar Bagels.

Tuna Salad: These bagels hold up beautifully to tuna salad made with mayonnaise – just like my go-to lunch with High Protein Bagel Recipe for added nutrition.

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