What Makes Gluten Free Bagels So Special
One bite of gluten free bagels and you’ll understand the hype. These golden, chewy delights are everything you love about traditional bagels—crisp on the outside, soft on the inside—but crafted to fit a celiac diet or wheat free lifestyle. Made with a blend of gluten-free flour and a touch of honey, they’re perfect for toasting, slathering with cream cheese, or enjoying straight out of the oven. Whether you’re following a low carb plan or simply craving a comforting breakfast, these bagels are a game-changer.
Truth be told, I’ve been making these gluten free bagels for years, and they’ve become a staple in my kitchen. My family loves them toasted with a smear of butter or piled high with smoked salmon. I often whip up a batch on Sunday mornings, filling the house with that irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. If you’re new to gluten-free baking, don’t worry—this recipe is foolproof and forgiving. For more inspiration, check out my air fryer bagels for a quicker twist on this classic.
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Ingredients for Gluten Free Bagels
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious gluten free bagels:
- Warm water – Make sure it’s around 110°F to activate the yeast properly.
- Active dry yeast – This is key for that perfect bagel rise.
- Honey – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the dough.
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour blend – Look for one with xanthan gum for the best texture.
- Salt – Don’t skip it—it brings out all the flavors.
- Olive oil – A little bit for moisture and richness.
- Egg – Beaten, for that shiny, golden egg wash.
- Everything bagel seasoning – Generously sprinkled for that classic, savory flavor we all love.
Cook Time for Gluten Free Bagels
Y’all, these gluten free bagels are surprisingly quick to make. The prep time is about 45 minutes, which includes letting the dough rise, and the cook time is just 25 minutes. That means you’ll have fresh, warm bagels in just over an hour! Perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or a quick weekday breakfast. If you’re looking for more low carb options, try my cottage cheese bagels—they’re just as delicious and even lighter.
How to Make Gluten Free Bagels
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a small bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of warm water (about 110°F), 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy and slightly bubbly.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (with xanthan gum) and 1 teaspoon of salt. Pour the foamy yeast mixture and 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the flour mixture. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a sticky and cohesive dough forms.
Step 3: Let the Dough Rise
Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it becomes slightly puffed and increases in volume.
Step 4: Shape the Bagels
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions using a knife or bench scraper. Shape each portion into a smooth ball with your hands. Use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball, then gently stretch and shape the dough to form a bagel with an even thickness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the shaped bagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops and sides of each bagel with beaten egg using a pastry brush, then sprinkle generously with 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning, ensuring even coverage. Bake the bagels in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Transfer the baked bagels to a wire rack and let them cool for 10 minutes before serving. The bagels should have a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Here are a few of my favorite tips and tweaks to make these gluten free bagels even more special:
- Flavor Swap: Swap the everything bagel seasoning for cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist.
- Diet Tweak: For a low carb version, try using almond flour instead of gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Prep Fix: If the dough feels too sticky, lightly wet your hands to make shaping easier.
- Storage Tip: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the toaster for that fresh-baked taste. For more storage ideas, check out my cottage cheese bread recipe.
Gluten Free Bagels
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water about 110°F
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour and salt. Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the bowl, and stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 30 minutes, or until it is slightly puffed.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape each into a smooth ball. Use your finger to poke a hole through the center of each ball, then gently stretch the dough to form a bagel shape.
- Brush each bagel with the beaten egg and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning.
- Bake the bagels for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Let them cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Nutrition and Health Benefits
When I first started making gluten free bagels, I was curious about how they stacked up nutritionally compared to traditional ones. Turns out, they’re not just delicious—they’re also packed with benefits for those on a celiac diet or anyone looking for a wheat free option. Made with gluten-free all-purpose flour and a touch of honey, these bagels are lower in carbs and easier on the digestive system. Plus, they’re a great source of energy for those following a low carb lifestyle. For more healthy breakfast ideas, check out my protein bagels recipe or my gluten-free salmon cups for a savory twist.
Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown per serving (one bagel):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 3g |
For more detailed nutritional insights, you can explore this chewy gluten-free bagels recipe from King Arthur Baking.
A Lighter Version of Gluten Free Bagels
If you’re looking to lighten up this recipe, I’ve got you covered. Over the years, I’ve experimented with ways to make these gluten free bagels even healthier without sacrificing flavor. For a low carb version, try swapping the gluten-free all-purpose flour with almond flour—it’s a game-changer! You can also reduce the honey by half and use a natural sweetener like stevia for a sugar-free option. For more inspiration, check out my cottage cheese bagels or my buttery biscuits recipe for other light and fluffy ideas.
If you’re curious about traditional methods, this guide on New York Style Bagels offers a fantastic boil-and-bake technique that works wonders for gluten-free versions too.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
When it comes to adapting recipes for special diets, I always think about my dear friend Marie, who’s been managing her blood sugar levels for years. She inspired me to create a diabetic-friendly version of these gluten free bagels. If you’re sugar conscious, try using xylitol or stevia instead of honey—they’re natural sweeteners that won’t spike your glucose levels. For a low glycemic index option, consider adding a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the dough—it adds fiber and helps with glycemic control. And if you’re watching your portions, simply make smaller bagels—they’re just as satisfying!
For more ideas on adapting recipes, take a look at my snickerdoodle banana bread or my matcha banana bread, both of which can be easily tweaked for special dietary needs.
How to Serve Gluten Free Bagels
One of my favorite memories of serving gluten free bagels was during a cozy Sunday brunch with my family. We toasted them to perfection, slathered them with cream cheese, and topped them with smoked salmon and a sprinkle of fresh dill. It was a moment of pure joy, and it reminded me how versatile these bagels can be. For a sweet twist, try them with a dollop of almond butter and a drizzle of honey. Or, for a savory option, pair them with my lemon rhubarb loaf for a delightful contrast of flavors.
For more serving ideas, check out this list of the best gluten-free bagels to pair with your favorite toppings.
Mistakes to Avoid
When I first started making gluten free bagels, I’ll admit, I made my fair share of mistakes. There’s something about the delicate balance of gluten-free flours and the unique texture they create that can trip up even the most experienced bakers. But don’t worry—I’ve learned a lot along the way, and I’m here to help you avoid the same pitfalls. Whether you’re new to gluten-free baking or just looking to perfect your technique, these tips will set you up for success.
1. Overmixing the Dough: Gluten-free dough is more delicate than traditional dough, and overmixing can make it tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and resist the urge to overwork it. For a foolproof guide, check out my air fryer bagels recipe for tips on handling dough gently.
2. Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the dough rest is crucial for gluten-free bagels. It allows the flours to hydrate fully, giving you a better texture. If you’re short on time, try my cottage cheese bread, which requires minimal resting.
3. Not Boiling the Bagels: Boiling is what gives bagels their signature chewiness. If you skip this step, you’ll end up with something more like bread. For a detailed guide on the boil-and-bake method, explore this New York Style Bagels tutorial.
Remember, baking is as much about the journey as it is about the result. Even if your first batch isn’t perfect, don’t give up—you’ll get there!
How to Store Gluten Free Bagels
One of my favorite things about making gluten free bagels is having a stash ready for busy mornings. I remember one particularly hectic week when these bagels saved the day—they were my go-to breakfast, lunch, and even a quick snack. To keep them fresh and delicious, here’s how I store them:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within 2–3 days, store your bagels in an airtight container at room temperature. For a longer shelf life, try my buttery biscuits recipe, which also stores well this way.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bagels in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply toast them straight from the freezer. For more freezing tips, check out this chewy gluten-free bagels recipe.
Reheating: To bring back that fresh-baked texture, toast or warm your bagels in the oven. It’s a simple step that makes all the difference!
Try This Gluten Free Bagels Yourself
There’s something truly special about making gluten free bagels from scratch. It’s a labor of love that fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with pride. I’ll never forget the first time I served these to my family—their smiles said it all. If you’ve been hesitant to try, I encourage you to take the leap. You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it can be.
For more inspiration, explore my protein bagels recipe, gluten-free salmon cups, or snickerdoodle banana bread. Each recipe is a testament to how delicious gluten-free baking can be. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
What brands of bagels are gluten-free?
Some popular gluten-free bagel brands include Canyon Bakehouse, Udi’s, and Schär. For a full list of recommendations, check out this guide on the best gluten-free bagels.
Do bagels have gluten-free options?
Yes, many brands and recipes offer gluten-free options. You can also make your own at home using gluten-free flours like almond or rice flour.
Do Dave’s Killer bread plain bagels have gluten?
Dave’s Killer Bread plain bagels are not gluten-free. They are made with whole grains, which contain gluten.
Does Walmart carry gluten free bagels?
Yes, Walmart carries several gluten-free bagel brands, including Udi’s and Canyon Bakehouse. Check the freezer or gluten-free section of your local store.
Don’t Miss This Fan Favorite
Gluten free bagels have become a staple in my kitchen, and I hope they’ll find a place in yours too. They’re versatile, delicious, and perfect for anyone on a celiac diet or looking for a wheat-free option. If you’re ready to explore more gluten-free recipes, here are a few of my favorites:
