Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are a fun twist on a classic bagel! Made with creamy cottage cheese and fresh spinach, these bagels are soft, tasty, and packed with nutrients. Yum!
They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack. Plus, they’re so easy to make, you can whip them up while half-asleep! I love adding a bit of cream cheese on top for an extra treat. 🥯✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a great texture and flavor. If you can only find frozen, it works just as well! Just remember to squeeze out the extra water after thawing it. Don’t like spinach? You could substitute with kale or Swiss chard.
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese gives flagels a fluffy texture. If you’re looking for a creamier option, try ricotta. You could also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, but adjust your salt since yogurt can be a bit saltier.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for that gooey stretch, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar or feta cheese can also add a different flavor profile. For dairy-free options, look for vegan cheeses that melt well.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or oat flour can work too. Just watch the liquid levels, as they absorb moisture differently.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture for My Flagels?
Getting the right texture in flagels is crucial for the best outcome! Here’s how to ensure they come out perfectly fluffy and slightly crispy:
- When mixing dry ingredients, make sure they’re well combined. This ensures an even rise when baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Gently fold until just combined to avoid tough flagels.
- For the best rise, let the batter rest for about 5 minutes before shaping. This allows the baking powder to activate, creating lighter flagels.
- Shape them about 1 inch thick so they bake evenly. If they’re too thick, the center might not cook through.
- Keep an eye on the oven and pull them out when they’re golden and firm to the touch, around 25-30 minutes.
Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Flagels:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or as needed for dough consistency)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy your delicious flagels!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, take a moment to grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Spinach:
If you’re using fresh spinach, blanch it in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This will brighten the color and soften it. Once blanched, drain and squeeze out any excess moisture, then chop it finely. If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure it’s thawed and well-drained.
3. Mix the Cheese Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, grated mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Use a fork or whisk to mix everything well until it’s smooth and well-blended.
4. Incorporate the Spinach:
Add the prepared spinach to the cheese mixture and gently stir until the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This will ensure even mixing of the dry ingredients.
6. Form the Dough:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cheese-spinach mixture, stirring gently until it forms a thick batter or dough. If it seems too wet and sticky to shape, sprinkle in a little more flour until you reach the desired consistency.
7. Shape the Flagels:
Using a spoon, scoop portions of the mixture onto your baking sheet. Shape them into small round flagels, about 3-4 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. It’s okay to flatten them slightly so they bake evenly.
8. Bake the Flagels:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should turn golden brown and feel firm to the touch when done.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the flagels from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’ll taste best warm!
10. Optional Garnish:
If you’re feeling fancy, you can garnish the flagels with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan for added flavor before enjoying!
Enjoy your warm, cheesy, spinach-packed flagels as a delicious snack or light meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are great choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or feta for a different flavor. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well for the best texture.
Can I Make These Flagels Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just shape and bake as instructed. They also freeze well—just store baked flagels in an airtight container for up to a month.
What Can I Serve with Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels?
These flagels are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of dips like hummus, tzatziki, or even a simple cream cheese spread. They can also be served with a light salad for a complete meal!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should keep well for about 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
