Irresistibly Easy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels for Any Meal
Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are a delightful twist on a classic bagel that you can enjoy at any meal. These flagels are not only easy to make, but they also pack a healthy punch while being irresistibly tasty. Whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels. For one, they’re an excellent way to incorporate greens into your diet without compromising on taste. With nutritious ingredients like cottage cheese and baby spinach, these flagels are perfect for health-conscious eaters. Furthermore, the addition of mozzarella cheese gives them a delightful gooeyness that makes them hard to resist!
In addition to their health benefits, they are incredibly versatile. Serve them plain, with cream cheese, or as a side for soups and salads. Plus, they are straightforward to make, involving only a few steps and ingredients. Let’s dive into how to make these delectable flagels!
How to Make Irresistibly Easy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
Making these Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels is as easy as 1-2-3! With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a batch ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Baby Spinach
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Finely chop the baby spinach and squeeze out any excess moisture before setting it aside.
- In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, olive oil, and the egg. Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth in texture.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, continuing to pulse until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl, and gently fold in the chopped spinach and shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
- Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions, and shape each portion into long ropes. Join the ends of each rope to form rings.
- Place the formed flagels onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-16 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown.
- Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. These are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Pro Tips for Success with Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
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Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh baby spinach will enhance the flavor of your flagels. Look for spinach with bright green leaves.
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Don’t Skimp on Squeezing: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the spinach as possible; otherwise, your dough can become too wet, affecting the texture of the flagels.
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Pulse for Texture: When pulsing the cottage cheese, don’t overdo it. You want it to be somewhat chunky to add texture to your flagels.
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Uniform Size: When shaping the flagels, try to keep them all the same size. This ensures even cooking, so the smaller ones don’t burn while waiting for the larger ones to bake through.
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Experiment with Spices: Adding some garlic powder or onion powder to the dough can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
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Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even browning.
Flavor Variations for Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
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Herbed Flagels: Add dried or fresh herbs like dill, basil, or thyme to the dough for an aromatic touch.
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Cheesy Flagels: Incorporate different cheeses, such as feta or cheddar, to provide a unique flavor twist.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a spicy version of these flagels.
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Nutty Texture: Add some sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts to the dough for a delightful crunch.
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Sweet Touch: For a sweet version, incorporate minced garlic and drizzle some honey over the top before baking.
Serving Suggestions for Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
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Breakfast Treat: Serve your warm flagels with a spread of cream cheese and smoked salmon for a luxurious breakfast option.
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Light Lunch: Slice the flagels in half and fill with turkey, spinach, and a smear of hummus for a nutritious lunch on the go.
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Hearty Snack: Enjoy them by themselves or with a bowl of soup for a comforting snack.
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Picnic Delight: These flagels can be packed in a cooler and enjoyed during outings. Pair them with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
These flagels can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, allow them to cool completely before storing. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Just place them in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy a flagel, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a quick warm-up.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
FAQ About Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese will work just fine and still provide creaminess to the dough. It’s a great option if you’re looking to cut back on calories without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make these flagels gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure to check the other ingredients for gluten content if you have a gluten allergy.
How do I know when the flagels are done baking?
The flagels are done when they are golden brown on the outside and when you can easily tap them, and they sound hollow. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so it’s good to keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking process.
Can I add variations to this recipe?
Certainly! Feel free to customize the flagels to your liking. You can mix in various herbs, spices, or other cheese types to create your unique version.
How should I enjoy these flagels?
Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels can be enjoyed warm or cold, with a spread of your favorite toppings such as cream cheese, avocado, or even nut butter for a sweet twist. They also pair beautifully with soups and salads.
Final Thoughts
Making Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels is not just a cooking task; it’s a way to infuse your meals with healthful goodness while ensuring they taste fantastic. This recipe proves that healthy eating can be delicious and fun! So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy a homemade treat that you can share with family and friends. Happy cooking!
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Irresistibly Easy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are a delightful twist on a classic bagel that you can enjoy at any meal. These flagels are easy to make and pack a healthy punch.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Baby Spinach
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Finely chop the baby spinach and squeeze out any excess moisture before setting it aside.
- In a food processor, combine the cottage cheese, olive oil, and the egg. Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth in texture.
- Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, continuing to pulse until a rough dough forms.
- Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl, and gently fold in the chopped spinach and shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
- Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions, and shape each portion into long ropes. Join the ends of each rope to form rings.
- Place the formed flagels onto the prepared baking sheet. If desired, brush them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-16 minutes or until they turn a golden brown.
- Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. These are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Try adding different herbs or spices to elevate the flavor profile. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 flagel
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
