If you’re looking to whip up something uniquely satisfying and packed with wholesome flavors, you are going to adore this Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe. These delightful, soft bagel-like breads are bursting with fresh spinach and creamy cottage cheese, making them a perfect savory snack or a lovely addition to any meal. With a golden crust and a tender interior, each bite offers a pleasant balance of cheesy richness and vibrant greens that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just in the mood to try something different, this recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of texture, subtle flavor, and beautiful color that make these flagels stand out.
- Cottage cheese: Provides creamy moisture and protein, giving the dough a tender crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone that offers structure and the perfect chewiness you want in a flagel.
- Baking powder: Adds just the right lift, helping these flagels puff up lightly without heaviness.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the mildness of the cheese and spinach.
- Olive oil: Contributes richness and a slight fruitiness that complements the greens beautifully.
- Baby spinach: Finely chopped for vibrant color and a fresh, subtle earthiness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully inside, adding gooey texture and mild cheesy notes.
- Egg: Used as a wash to give the flagels a shiny, golden finish that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your flagels will bake evenly and come off the sheet without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Pop the cottage cheese into a mini food processor and blend until smooth. This step is key to incorporating the creaminess into the dough so it bakes up with that lovely soft texture and no lumps.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the blended cottage cheese with flour, baking powder, salt, olive oil, finely chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir thoroughly until you have a homogenous dough where every bit is evenly coated and filled with green, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Shape the Flagels
Form the dough into a single log, then divide it evenly into six pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and carefully poke a hole through the center to create a ring shape, just like a small bagel. The hole is what makes these “flagels” unique and helps them bake uniformly.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the shaped flagels on the prepared sheet, then brush the tops with the beaten egg to get that shiny, golden crust. Bake in your preheated oven for about 22 to 25 minutes or until the flagels turn a beautiful golden brown. The kitchen will start smelling fantastic, and your taste buds will be eagerly awaiting!
How to Serve Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these spinach cottage cheese flagels, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika on top after baking. You can also brush them lightly with garlic butter for a savory twist. Fresh herbs like dill or chives make a beautiful, fresh garnish that adds another layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
These flagels pair wonderfully with a bowl of warm tomato soup or a fresh garden salad. A creamy dip, like hummus or tzatziki, can complement the cheesy, spinach flavors perfectly, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser at any table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the flagels horizontally and using them as sandwich bases for smoked salmon and cream cheese or roasted vegetables and pesto. They also make fantastic mini “pizza” bases—top with marinara, more mozzarella, and your favorite toppings then give them a quick broil. These flagels are as adaptable as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the flagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for snacking or making sandwiches the next day without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
To enjoy these wonderful flagels anytime, freeze them in a zipped bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap for best results so they won’t freeze together and can be thawed one at a time.
Reheating
Reheat frozen flagels by either toasting them lightly or warming in an oven set at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. They regain much of their fresh-baked goodness, soft on the inside with a nice crust outside.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture so your dough doesn’t get too wet. The frozen spinach will still deliver great flavor and color.
What makes this different from regular bagels?
Unlike traditional bagels that are boiled before baking, these flagels skip the boiling step, resulting in a softer texture that is lighter and tender, more like a savory bread ring.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The current recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends if you require a gluten-free version, but the texture may vary slightly.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
Yes! Feel free to swap mozzarella with other melty cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or even a bit of feta for a tangier twist. Each cheese will change the flavor profile subtly but deliciously.
How long do these flagels stay fresh?
They are best enjoyed within two days of baking for optimal softness and flavor, but storing them properly can stretch their shelf-life as mentioned earlier.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe is a true delight to make and share. The combination of fresh spinach and cottage cheese wrapped in tender dough offers a unique twist on your usual bread treats that’s perfect anytime. Whether you’re serving them up for a cozy brunch, a snack, or as part of an elegant appetizer platter, they never fail to impress. Trust me, once you try making these, they might just become one of your all-time favorite go-to recipes in the kitchen.
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Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are soft, cheesy bagel-like breads packed with nutritious baby spinach and creamy cottage cheese. Perfect as a savory snack or breakfast option, these flagels combine the goodness of fresh spinach and mozzarella cheese in a fluffy, golden baked dough.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet and Cheese Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ounces baby spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: Using a mini food processor, blend the cottage cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy to create a better dough texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the smooth cottage cheese with all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, olive oil, finely chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a cohesive dough.
- Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a log shape, then divide it into six equal pieces. Shape each piece into a circle with a hole in the center, resembling a bagel or flagel.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Place the shaped flagels on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with the beaten egg to promote browning and a glossy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes until they turn golden brown on top.
Notes
- You can substitute baby spinach with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard, finely chopped.
- Be sure to blend the cottage cheese thoroughly to avoid lumps in the dough.
- For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cheese and yogurt alternative, although texture may vary.
- Allow the baked flagels to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- These flagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
