If you love bagels but want something a little lighter and packed with extra nutrition, Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are the perfect solution! These flattened bagels (hence the name “flagels”) have all the chewy goodness of a traditional bagel but with a crispier bite. Plus, they’re packed with protein-rich cottage cheese and vibrant spinach, making them a delicious and wholesome way to start your day. Trust me—once you try these, you might never go back to regular bagels!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein & Nutrients: Cottage cheese and spinach add extra nutrition.
- Crispy Yet Chewy: A unique texture that’s perfect for toasting.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch and enjoy them all week.
- Great for Sandwiches: Use them as a base for breakfast or lunch sandwiches.
- Customizable: Add different toppings or mix-ins for endless variations.
Ingredients in Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in making these flagels both delicious and nutritious:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the classic bagel structure and chew.
- Whole Wheat Flour (Optional): Adds fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.
- Spinach: Gives the flagels a beautiful green color and a boost of nutrients.
- Cottage Cheese: Makes the dough extra soft while adding protein.
- Yeast: Helps the dough rise and develop flavor.
- Honey or Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the ingredients and deepens the flavor.
- Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the dough.
- Egg Wash: Gives the flagels a golden, shiny crust.
- Toppings (Optional): Sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or everything bagel seasoning.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy. Add flour, salt, cottage cheese, and chopped spinach. Mix until a rough dough forms.
Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little extra flour.
Let It Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Shape the Flagels: Punch down the dough and divide it into equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it slightly. Use your finger to poke a hole in the center, stretching it gently to create the signature flagel shape.
Boil for Chewiness: Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil. Drop the flagels in, one at a time, boiling for about 30 seconds on each side. Remove and place them on a lined baking sheet.
Egg Wash & Toppings: Brush each flagel with egg wash and sprinkle with your favorite toppings.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Serve & Enjoy: Toast them, top with cream cheese, or use them as a sandwich base!
How to Serve Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
- With Cream Cheese: A classic pairing, plain or flavored.
- Avocado & Egg: A perfect high-protein breakfast.
- Turkey & Cheese: Great for a light lunch sandwich.
- Hummus & Veggies: A delicious plant-based option.
- Smoked Salmon: For a gourmet-style treat.
Additional Tips
- Want Extra Flavor? Add garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to the dough.
- Make It Vegan: Swap cottage cheese for plant-based yogurt and use a flax egg wash.
- Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Reheat & Refresh: Toast for a crispy texture or warm in the oven for 5 minutes.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach?
A1: Yes! Just thaw, squeeze out excess water, and chop before adding.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.
Q3: Do I have to boil them?
A3: Boiling gives them their signature chew, but you can skip this step for a softer texture.
Q4: How do I prevent them from being too dense?
A4: Make sure your yeast is active and allow enough rising time.
Q5: Can I freeze these?
A5: Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight bag and reheat as needed.
Q6: What’s the difference between a flagel and a bagel?
A6: Flagels are thinner and crispier, while bagels are thicker and chewier.
Q7: Can I make mini flagels?
A7: Yes! Just divide the dough into smaller portions and adjust baking time.
Q8: What’s the best way to store them?
A8: Store at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Q9: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
A9: Yes! It will change the texture slightly but still be delicious.
Q10: How can I make them extra crispy?
A10: Bake for a couple of extra minutes or toast before serving.
Final Thoughts
Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are a fun, nutritious twist on traditional bagels, and they’re perfect for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven, toasted with your favorite toppings, or as a sandwich base, they’re sure to be a hit. Give them a try—you’ll be hooked!
Print
Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 flagels 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are a nutritious and protein-packed twist on traditional bagels! Made with just five main ingredients, these flat bagels are soft, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or a light snack. Packed with spinach, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, they make a healthy, easy recipe that’s both filling and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 oz baby spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mini food processor, blend cottage cheese until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, olive oil, spinach, and mozzarella. Mix until fully combined.
- Form the dough into a thick log (about 6 inches long), then divide it into 6 equal pieces.
- Shape each piece into a flattened circle and poke a hole in the center to form a bagel shape.
- Place the flagels onto the prepared baking sheet and brush with egg wash.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Serve with cream cheese, avocado, or smoked salmon for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flagel
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg