If you’re looking for a fresh and delightful way to brighten your mornings, the Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels (Flat Bagels) Recipe is an absolute must-try. These soft, savory flat bagels combine the creaminess of cottage cheese with nutrient-packed spinach, resulting in a light yet satisfyingly flavorful treat. The best part? They are incredibly easy to whip up and perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a wholesome breakfast that feels homemade but doesn’t take hours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in bringing the texture and taste to life. From the tender baby spinach adding vibrant color and freshness to the creamy cottage cheese providing richness, every component counts.
- 1 cup (210 g) cottage cheese: This gives the flagels their moist, creamy base, ensuring they stay soft and tender inside.
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp (125 g) flour: The flour provides structure and allows the dough to hold together perfectly without being dense.
- 3 tsp baking powder: This ingredient brings just the right lift and lightness to the flagels.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering the spinach’s freshness.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture and a subtle richness while keeping the flagels tender.
- 2 oz (56.7 g) baby spinach, micro chopped: The tiny spinach bits impart a fresh, green burst of flavor and a lovely natural color.
- 1/2 cup (56 g) shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully inside, bringing gooey, comforting cheesiness.
- Egg wash (1 egg, lightly beaten): This helps create that beautiful golden sheen on the outside once baked.
How to Make Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels (Flat Bagels) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 375℉ (190℃) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your flagels bake evenly and won’t stick—making cleanup a breeze too.
Step 2: Smooth the Cottage Cheese
Pop the cottage cheese into a mini food processor and pulse until it becomes a smooth, creamy mixture. This little trick creates a delicate texture in the dough, avoiding lumps and guaranteeing every bite is silky soft.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine your smoothed cottage cheese with the flour, baking powder, salt, olive oil, chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella. Stir everything together until just mixed—don’t worry if it looks a bit sticky, that’s perfect for shaping later.
Step 4: Shape the Flagels
Using your hands, form the dough into a thick log about 6 inches long. Slice this log into six equal portions. Take each piece and shape it into a flatter circle, then gently poke a hole through the center with your finger to mimic a classic bagel shape with a flat twist.
Step 5: Egg Wash and Bake
Place your shaped flagels on the lined baking sheet and brush each one with the lightly beaten egg wash. This step is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden-brown, glossy top. Bake for 22-25 minutes until they are puffed and beautifully golden. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, locking in their softness.
How to Serve Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels (Flat Bagels) Recipe
Garnishes
These flagels are fantastic on their own but topping them makes breakfast feel extra special. Think a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, or a light drizzle of olive oil. Adding a handful of fresh herbs like chopped dill or parsley complements the spinach wonderfully.
Side Dishes
To create a balanced meal, serve your flagels alongside a vibrant tomato and cucumber salad, a smooth avocado spread, or even some tangy yogurt with lemon zest. These sides add contrast in texture and brightness to the richness of the flagels.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by slicing the flagels open and stuffing them with smoked salmon and cream cheese for an elevated brunch treat. For a warm comfort option, serve them with warm eggs and sautéed mushrooms on the side. They’re versatile enough to pair beautifully with almost anything!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have some flagels left, don’t worry! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps preserve their freshness while keeping the texture soft and enjoyable.
Freezing
You can freeze these flagels too! Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen flagels will keep for up to one month and are perfect if you want to prep ahead and enjoy them later without losing any flavor or quality.
Reheating
Reheat by toasting or warming in the oven at 350℉ (175℃) for 5-7 minutes. This brings back their lovely soft inside and crisp, golden crust just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of baby spinach?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach will work just fine, but be sure to finely chop it and squeeze out any excess water before mixing. This prevents the dough from becoming too wet.
Is it possible to make these flagels gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular flour for a gluten-free baking mix of your choice. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I substitute mozzarella cheese with another cheese?
Definitely. Mild cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack can be good alternatives, giving a different but equally enjoyable flavor profile.
How long do these flagels stay fresh when stored in the fridge?
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container, but they taste best when eaten fresh or within two days.
Are these flagels suitable for breakfast only?
Not at all! While they’re perfect for breakfast, these flagels also make excellent snacks, light lunches, or even dinner sides paired with soups or salads.
Final Thoughts
You simply cannot go wrong with the Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels (Flat Bagels) Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of wholesome ingredients that come together quickly to create a comforting, elegant, and nutritious dish. Once you try it, these flagels will become a cherished staple in your kitchen, brightening any meal and impressing every taste bud. Give it a go — your breakfast table will thank you!
PrintSpinach Cottage Cheese Flagels (Flat Bagels) Recipe
These Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are a delightful and simple flat bagel alternative that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. Made with just a handful of ingredients including cottage cheese, spinach, and mozzarella, they come together quickly and bake into golden, flavorful flagels that are soft on the inside with a lovely texture. Serve warm for a savory, nutritious start to your day.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 flagels
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (210 g) cottage cheese
- 1 cup + 2 tbs (125 g) flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 2 oz (56.7 g) baby spinach, micro chopped
- 1/2 cup (56 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375℉ (190℃) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Process Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese into a mini food processor and pulse until smooth, creating a creamy base for the dough.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the smooth cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, olive oil, micro chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly incorporated.
- Form Dough and Shape: Use your hands to form the dough into a thick log about 6 inches long. Divide this log into 6 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a circle and create a hole in the middle with your finger to mimic a bagel shape.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the shaped flagels onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the lightly beaten egg wash to promote a golden, glossy finish during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the oven for 22-25 minutes or until the flagels are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and transfer the flagels to a wire rack to cool completely before serving, allowing them to set and develop their full texture.
Notes
- Using a mini food processor to smooth the cottage cheese ensures a soft, uniform texture in the dough.
- Make sure to micro chop the baby spinach finely to blend evenly without large leafy bits.
- The egg wash gives the flagels a beautiful golden color and slight shine but can be omitted for a vegan or egg-free version.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed, but texture may vary slightly.
- Store leftover flagels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.