Irresistibly Easy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels for Any Meal
Discover the delightful simplicity of these Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels, a perfect blend of fluffy texture and savory flavor. These unique bagel-like creations are incredibly easy to make, offering a wholesome and satisfying option for breakfast, a quick snack, or a light lunch. They are a fantastic way to enjoy a boost of protein and vegetables in a wonderfully portable form.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
Makes 8-10 flagels
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Packed with protein from cottage cheese and fiber from spinach, making it a nutritious choice.
- Incredibly versatile – enjoy them plain, toasted, or with your favorite spreads.
- A healthier alternative to traditional bagels, with less guilt and more goodness.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
Ingredients
- 226 grams (1 cup) full-fat cottage cheese, for optimal creaminess
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil as an alternative
- 1 large egg, or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan option
- 120 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour, or almond flour for a gluten-free variation
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) baking powder, ensure it is fresh for proper leavening
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) sea salt, to enhance the flavors
- 60-70 grams (2 cups) fresh baby spinach, finely chopped (kale can be substituted)
- 113 grams (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, or crumbled feta for a tangier profile
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, olive oil, and egg. Use a whisk or a rubber spatula to blend these ingredients thoroughly until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy, and uniform consistency.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are well combined to distribute the leavening evenly throughout the dough.
- Gradually pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently, just until the flour is incorporated and a soft dough forms. Overmixing can lead to tough flagels, so stop once no dry streaks remain.
- Carefully fold in the finely chopped baby spinach and shredded mozzarella cheese into the dough. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Lightly flour your hands. Take portions of the dough, about 50-60 grams (2 ounces) each, and gently shape them into a traditional bagel form. You can also create a flat, oval shape if preferred. Place the shaped flagels onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each.
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Once heated, place the baking sheet with the flagels into the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through.
- Once baked, remove the flagels from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps them firm up and develop their best texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Wire cooling rack
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour; gentle stirring ensures a tender texture.
- Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise and a light, airy flagel.
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, lightly flour your hands, not the dough directly, to avoid adding too much extra flour.
- Adjust baking time slightly based on your oven; flagels should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder into the dry ingredients.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an exceptionally moist interior, use full-fat cottage cheese. The higher fat content contributes to a richer crumb and prevents dryness.
- To achieve a slightly crispier exterior, brush the flagels with a little olive oil or an egg wash before baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses; a blend of mozzarella and a hard, salty cheese like grated Parmesan can add another layer of umami.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled flagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw and reheat in a toaster or oven.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the filling with other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- For a richer color and slight sheen, you can brush the tops of the flagels with a beaten egg before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these flagels gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make these flagels gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of almond flour or your preferred gluten-free all-purpose blend. The texture might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
How do I store leftover flagels?
Once cooled, store leftover flagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a toaster, oven, or microwave.
Can I use different cheeses or vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. You can swap mozzarella for feta for a tangier flavor, or try shredded cheddar, Swiss, or a mix of cheeses. For vegetables, finely chopped kale, bell peppers, or even a small amount of roasted garlic would work wonderfully.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 200-220 per flagel, Protein: 12-15g, Fat: 10-12g, Carbs: 18-20g (values are approximate and vary based on exact ingredients and serving size).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cottage cheese, mozzarella) and gluten (all-purpose flour) and egg. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a certified gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan option, use a flax egg and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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