These healthy paleo bagels are boiled then baked - giving them an authentic, chewy bagel texture. They are made with cassava flour and flavored with a little honey. In addition, this healthy bagel recipe is grain free, gluten free, dairy free, yeast free and nut free.
I tested this paleo bagel recipe more times than I can count and I finally found the perfect combination of ingredients! And since then, I've made these bagels again and again, as they are a family favorite.
These easy paleo bagels are made with cassava flour and completely yeast free. They are sweetened with just a bit of honey for flavor purposes and have a chewy bagel texture, just like what you would expect from a conventional bagel.
The BEST Paleo Bagel Recipe
Not to toot my own horn, but these are the best paleo bagels. They are:
- crisp on the outside
- chewy on the inside
- grain free, gluten free, dairy free, nut free
- made without yeast
- made without yogurt
- taste great plain or with toppings
Furthermore, since this is a plain bagel recipe, it can be customized to include other flavors. For instance, you could use add-ins such as: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, cinnamon and raisins, everything bagel seasoning, etc. This is a great baseline paleo bagel recipe.
Ingredients
My grain free bagel recipe contains less than 10 ingredients. Here's a list of what you need:
- tapioca flour/starch
- cassava flour
- baking powder
- xanthan gum (optional, but recommended for texture purposes)
- salt
- eggs (or flax/chia eggs)
- non-hydrogenated shortening (or butter)
- honey (or maple syrup)
- water
Ingredient Substitutions
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a controversial ingredient in the Paleo realm. Some sources with say it's not paleo, some say it is and others say it's okay to have every now and then.
Now, I don't consume a lot of products with xanthan gum, nor do I do a lot of baking with it. This ingredient is just SO important to get the desired texture for these bagels.
Xanthan gum provides elasticity to the dough, making it easier to work with and making the result more bread-like. If you choose not to use it, that is fine. Just note, the texture won't be quite like the bagels in these photos.
Eggs
These Paleo bagels contain eggs, which help bind the ingredients together. BUT, the eggs may be replaced with flax or chia eggs, making this an egg-free paleo bagel recipe.
Make one flax/chia egg by combining one tablespoon of ground flax/chia seed with three tablespoons of water. Note: if you are making this substitution, you will need additional water (a few more tablespoons) to get the right dough consistency.
Non-Hydrogenated Shortening
I use Nutiva shortening in a lot of my baking because it is a great dairy-free alternative to butter. If you tolerate dairy, butter would be a good replacement. However, I have not tried this substitution myself.
Honey
These bagels are sweetened with just one tablespoon of honey. I tested them without any sweetener, but felt that they lacked flavor. However, the honey can be substituted with any liquid sweeter - maple syrup is a great paleo vegan option.
How to Make Paleo Bagels
The batter for these cassava flour bagels is made in one bowl. The bagels are easily shaped by hand, boiled in a large pot of water and then baked in the oven. I know boiling them can seem intimidating...but trust me, it's actually a really simple process!
So, let's get to it! Here's the step by step process on how to make Paleo bagels using cassava flour.
First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Then, grab a large pot and fill it with water so that the water level is 3-4 inches deep. Set the pot on your stove top and bring to a boil.
While the oven is preheating and the water is starting to boil, make the dough.
In a large mixing bowl, combine tapioca flour, cassava flour, baking powder, xanthan gum and salt.
Then, add in shortening, eggs and honey. First, mix with a fork, then use your hands to knead the dough. It will start off quite crumbly, but keep working with it and the dough will begin to take shape. Add the water one tablespoon at a time, until the dough can be formed into a ball.
Separate the dough into four balls. Mold each ball into a bagel shape by pressing your finger through the middle of the ball and then slightly flattening it.
Once the water has started to boil, add the bagels. Boil the bagels for about 30 seconds on each side.
Remove the bagels from the water and place on a lined baking sheet. Add an egg white wash to the top of each bagel. This wash consists of: one egg white and one tablespoon water. If you're making these paleo bagels vegan, then skip the egg white wash.
Lastly, place the bagels in the oven and bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. When done, the bagels should be a golden brown. They have a crisp outer texture, but are soft on the inside.
How to Store Bagels
These bagels are best stored in an air-tight container at room temperature for 3-5 days.
They do harden after sitting out. To soften, place the bagels in a microwavable dish. Dampen a paper towel, napkin or small towel and place it over the bowl. Microwave the bagel (on high) for 20 seconds. Flip bagel and microwave an additional 20 seconds. Afterwards, it should be soft. You can also cut them and broil them in the oven to crisp the outside.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can these bagels be made vegan?
Yes! With a couple simple substitutions, this can be a Paleo Vegan bagel recipe. The texture will be slightly different, but the taste is just as great. Simply, swap the eggs for flax or chia eggs and add a couple extra tablespoons of water. Also, use maple syrup instead of honey.
Do you have to boil the bagels?
Boiling these homemade bagels is what gives them their chewy texture. You can make this recipe by just baking the bagels, but they won't hold together as well and have a drier, more crumbly texture.
Can I add toppings?
Yes! You can add any toppings or mix-ins to these bagels. Many of my readers have added fresh blueberries, cinnamon and raisins, spices and herbs and had great results.
More Healthy Cassava Recipes
I love baking with cassava flour and have many cassava recipes on my site. Here are some reader favorites:
Enjoy!
Print
Paleo Bagels (Yeast Free, Nut Free, Dairy Free)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 small bagels 1x
Description
Healthy grain free, gluten free, nut free, yeast free and dairy free bagels made with tapioca flour and cassava flour.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup tapioca flour (90g)
- ½ cup cassava flour (85g)
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp xanthan gum (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (or flax/chia eggs)*
- ¼ cup non-hydrogenated shortening
- 1 Tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1-3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. (Water should be around 3-4 inches deep.)
- In a large mixing bowl, combine tapioca flour, cassava flour, baking powder, xanthan gum and salt.
- Mix in eggs, shortening and honey first using a fork, then with your hands.
- Add water one tablespoon at a time** until dough holds together and can be rolled into a ball.
- Separate dough into four balls. Shape each ball into a bagel.
- Place bagels in boiling water and cook for about 30 seconds on each side.
- Remove bagels from water and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Coat the bagels with an egg white wash (optional)***
- Bake in preheated oven at 425 degrees for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from oven and cool on cooling rack.
Notes
*Flax or chia eggs may be used in place of the eggs. 1 flax/chia egg = 1 tablespoon ground flax/chia + 3 tablespoon water. If making this substitution, you will need additional water to reach the proper dough consistency.
**Add water as needed. Start with one tablespoon and add more if necessary.
***To make an egg white wash, whisk together one egg white and 1 tablespoon water.
Keywords: paleo bagel recipe, cassava flour bagels, healthy paleo bagels, easy paleo bagels, yeast free paleo bagels, paleo bagels no yeast, gluten free bagel recipe, nut free paleo bagels
Halle says
Do you think I could add mix ins like raisins or blueberries and still have the right consistency? These look awesome.
Also your pumpkin pancakes are my FAVORITE! I fed them to my gluten eating boyfriend and he couldn’t tell the difference, we have them almost every weekend.
Katie says
First off...YAY! I'm so happy to hear you like that pancake recipe 🙂 As far as the bagels, I think raisins would be a great add-in (plus a little cinnamon would be delicious too). I don't know that blueberries would work. Dried ones for sure, but fresh may be too juicy. But if you try then let me know the results!
Liz says
These are SO GOOD! I laid them on a bed of cheddar cheese and topped with jalapeño everything bagel seasoning. I could eat all of them!!!
Mine did not rise though. I did substitute coconut oil, that’s all I had in the house. Any tips on that?
★★★★★
Katie says
Hi! I'm so glad you liked them 🙂 The bagels should puff up after boiling, but they don't rise much when baking. I suppose the coconut oil could make a small difference, but not much.
Eric says
Breakfast bagel, savory deliciousness
★★★★★
VeronicaVelazquez says
Do you know the nutritional information
Ashley says
Loved these! They had a mild sweetness similar to cornbread. Will make again!
★★★★★
Katie says
Yay! So glad you like them 🙂 Thank you for the review!
Sarah says
I am on AIP right now and wondering if I can do a gelatin egg substitute? Thanks 😊
Katie says
I've actually never tried baking with gelatin eggs so I'm not sure how the substitution would work. But if you give it a try I'd love to know the results 🙂
Gina says
They tasted great but I can’t figure out how you could get 4 bagels out of the dough. I got 2 normal size bagels. If I had done 4 they would have been like mini donuts. In any case they were a nice treat - I haven’t had a bagel in years.
★★★★
Desiree says
I've made these at least twice (with a couple modifications) using flax eggs, and they turned out so yummy! The people I've shared them with have loved them, too!! So happy for a reliable gluten-free, vegan bagel recipe!
★★★★★
Katie says
That's fantastic! So glad you enjoy the recipe 🙂 Thank you for the review.
Fatimah says
If I put everything bagel season on it, at what point do I add it? On top of the egg wash before the oven?
Katie says
Yes
Yvonne says
Just made them with flax eggs- I think I used too much water, but still delious.
Are they freezer friendly ?
★★★★★
Katie says
Glad you liked them! I imagine the texture won't be as great if you keep them in the freezer.
Doreen says
All I can say is wow these are the best bagels ever I even like them better than regular bagels and they’re healthy thank you so much for the recipe keep them coming!!
★★★★★
Katie says
Yay! So glad to hear that 🙂 We love them too! I appreciate the review.
GK says
Any natural substitutes for xanthan gum? It makes my toddler throw up. He has so many food sensitivities 🙁
Katie says
Hi! You may omit the xanthan gum - it's included for texture purposes but not required.
Louise says
If it's for texture purposes, could you use psyllium husk instead of xanthan gum or am I off base?
Katie says
Possibly, but I haven't had much experience baking with psyllium husk so I can't say for sure. I would just omit the xanthan gum.
Natalie says
These are ridiculous🤤
★★★★★
Katie says
I'm so glad you like them 🙂 Thank you for the review!
Tina says
Thank you for this yummy recipe. I used a little psyllium husk with flax eggs and it turned out great. Definitely a keeper.
★★★★★
Katie says
Thank YOU! I'm so glad your substitutions worked 🙂
Jessica Hitch says
I substituted Paleo flour for tapioca flour, and the bagels turned out well. Thank you for this delicious recipe!
★★★★★
Katie says
So glad you liked the recipe! Thank you for the review 🙂
Kristina says
Looks delicious! Any substitute for shortening?
Katie says
You may use room temperature butter instead.
MP says
What about coconut oil instead of shortening?
Thanks!
Katie says
Hi! I'm not sure they bagels would hold together as well. I haven't tested them with anything other than shortening. If you try, let me know how they turn out!
Mary Beth Ramos says
I tried these bagels and after I boiled them they were very soggy. I did then bake them but they didn’t seem to get done in the middle so then I air fried them but they do not taste that great. I will eat them because I hate to waste food but the boiling them was very tricky for me.
Beverly says
These look great - I'm wondering, has anyone tried cutting the cassava flour with some coconut flour to make them a bit lower-carb?
★★★★
Jody says
I am curious if you have tried pixie dust to replace xanthan gum?
I do want to try these and am thinking of trying it if you have not.
Thanx
Katie says
I've never heard of pixie dust. You can make the bagels without xanthan gum though! It just slightly changes the texture of the dough (making it easier to work with), but they're still great without it.