Delicious Keto Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe – Low-Carb
If you’re following a ketogenic lifestyle, you know how hard it can be to give up your favorite breakfast staples like bagels. But what if you didn’t have to? This Keto Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe is the perfect low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional bagels. Made with wholesome, high-fat ingredients and topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese, these bagels deliver the classic taste and texture without the carb overload. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a savory snack, these keto-friendly bagels satisfy your cravings while keeping you in ketosis.
🥯 Introduction
Bagels are a comfort food classic—chewy, hearty, and endlessly versatile. However, their high carbohydrate content makes them off-limits for anyone on a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Fortunately, keto-friendly baking techniques have come a long way, and you can now enjoy a delicious substitute without compromising your goals. This recipe uses almond flour and mozzarella cheese as its primary base, producing a texture that’s close to traditional bagels. They are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and pair perfectly with rich cream cheese for the ultimate low-carb breakfast experience.
🍽️ Cuisines:
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American
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Low-Carb / Keto
🍳 Course:
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Breakfast
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Snack
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Brunch
🧾 Servings:
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6 bagels
🔥 Calories per Serving:
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Approximately 290 kcal
⏱ Prep Time:
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15 minutes
⏱ Active Time:
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10 minutes
⏳ Resting Time:
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5 minutes
⏲ Total Time:
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30 minutes
🧰 Equipment Needed:
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Microwave-safe bowl
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Mixing bowls
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Baking sheet
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Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
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Hand mixer or wooden spoon
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Oven
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Bagels:
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 oz cream cheese (softened)
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1 cup almond flour
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1 large egg
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
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¼ tsp onion powder (optional)
For Topping:
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1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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1 tbsp sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or Everything Bagel seasoning (optional)
For Serving:
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6 tbsp full-fat cream cheese (1 tbsp per bagel)
🧑🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
Step 2: Melt Cheese
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and softened cream cheese. Microwave for 60–90 seconds in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until both are melted and fully combined. The texture should be smooth and stretchy.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the almond flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry mixture to the melted cheese and stir. Then, add one beaten egg and mix well using a hand mixer or wooden spoon. You may need to knead the dough with your hands once it cools slightly to fully incorporate all ingredients.
Step 5: Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a log about 6 inches long and then shape into a circle, pressing the ends together to seal and form a bagel shape. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Add Egg Wash and Toppings
Brush the tops of the bagels with the beaten egg. Sprinkle your choice of topping—sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or Everything Bagel seasoning.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 8: Rest
Remove from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to firm up further.
Step 9: Serve
Slice each bagel and spread with 1 tbsp of cream cheese. Serve warm or store for later.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Bagel with Cream Cheese):
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Calories: 290 kcal
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Fat: 23g
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Protein: 11g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fiber: 2g
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Net Carbs: 3g
Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly depending on specific brands used.
💡 Tips & Variations:
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Make It Savory: Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or a pinch of smoked paprika to the dough for an herbed bagel flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
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Storage: These bagels keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or oven before serving.
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Dairy-Free Option: Try using dairy-free mozzarella and cream cheese alternatives if you’re sensitive to dairy. Just note that textures may vary slightly.
🧠 Why This Recipe Works for Keto:
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Low Net Carbs: With only 3g net carbs per bagel, this recipe fits perfectly into daily keto macros.
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High in Healthy Fats: Mozzarella and cream cheese provide a fat-rich foundation to keep you satiated.
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Gluten-Free: No wheat flour here—just wholesome almond flour for a grain-free, gut-friendly base.
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Protein-Packed: Each bagel offers a good amount of protein to help with satiety and muscle maintenance.
🥯 Final Thoughts:
Following a keto diet doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort food. This Keto Bagels with Cream Cheese Recipe is not only easy to make but also delivers on flavor, texture, and satisfaction. It’s a go-to recipe for anyone craving the essence of a traditional bagel without sabotaging their low-carb goals.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.