These Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are a fun twist on bagels! Soft and chewy, they blend healthy spinach with creamy cottage cheese, making them tasty and nutritious.
I love enjoying them for breakfast with a bit of cream cheese or as a snack. And guess what? They’re super easy to whip up! Perfect for a quick meal that still makes you feel good! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the show! You’ll want to use regular or low-fat cottage cheese for the best texture. If you’re lactose intolerant, a plant-based cottage cheese or ricotta could work as a substitute.
Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. If you don’t have fresh, frozen spinach can be a quick swap. Just be sure to thaw it and drain excess water before using.
Shredded Mozzarella: Provides a lovely stretch and cheese flavor. If you want a sharper taste, you can replace it with shredded cheddar or a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds depth to the flavor. Grana Padano is a good alternative if you can’t find Parmesan. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast, which also gives a cheesy flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Spinach for Your Flagels?
Cooking and draining the spinach is essential for a great texture. Here are the steps:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped spinach.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once wilted, transfer to a fine-mesh strainer or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out excess moisture.
Removing the moisture helps your flagels stay fluffy instead of soggy! I always make sure to do this step thoroughly for the best results.
Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Flagels:
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. With this quick prep time, you’ll have delicious flagels ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to lightly grease a baking sheet or muffin pan, or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier.
2. Cook the Spinach:
In a medium pan over medium heat, add the chopped spinach. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess moisture using a strainer or squeezing in a clean kitchen towel, then let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined smoothly.
4. Add the Eggs:
Crack the eggs into the bowl and beat them into the cheese mixture until everything is smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Fold in the Spinach:
Next, add the chopped spinach and any optional fresh herbs you like. Stir until everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Shape the Flagels:
Using a spoon or small scoop, shape the mixture into oval or rounded flagel shapes, placing them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. They should be puffed and golden on top when done.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the flagels from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. They are best served warm! Enjoy them as a nutritious snack or a side alongside your favorite meal.
Feel free to get creative with toppings like cream cheese, avocado, or sliced tomatoes. Enjoy your tasty, cheesy, and healthy flagels!
Can I Replace the Cottage Cheese with Greek Yogurt?
Yes, you can! Greek yogurt will add a nice creaminess and slightly tangy flavor. Just make sure to use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for the best results.
How Can I Make These Flagels More Flavorful?
Adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can brighten the flavor. You could also mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or minced garlic for an extra savory kick!
Can I Freeze Leftover Flagels?
Absolutely! Once cooled, store the flagels in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for a quick fix.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Flagels?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through!
