These Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are a tasty twist on bagels! Made with fresh spinach and creamy cottage cheese, they’re perfect for a light breakfast or snack.
I love how easy they are to whip up. Just mix the ingredients, shape them, and bake! Enjoy them warm with a bit of cream cheese or your favorite spread—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for this recipe, but you can also use frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water. I love the bright green color it adds!
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best creaminess, but you can swap it for low-fat or even ricotta if you prefer. Ricotta has a slightly sweeter taste, giving a nice twist.
All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just note that texture might vary slightly; experiment to see what you like best!
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan adds a nice depth, it’s optional. You could replace it with nutritional yeast for a great cheesy flavor without dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Handle Fresh Spinach?
Handling spinach can be tricky due to its moisture. Here’s a simple way to prep it:
- Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt.
- Chop it finely to mix evenly into the batter.
- If it feels too wet, grab a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out the extra moisture. This ensures the flagels won’t be soggy!
This method keeps your flagels light and fluffy while still being packed with flavor!
Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing molds)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20-25 minutes to bake. So, you can have warm Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels ready in about 35-40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, take a muffin tin or some small round molds and lightly grease them with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps the flagels come out easily after baking!
2. Chop the Spinach:
Next, finely chop the fresh spinach. If your spinach feels too wet, give it a gentle squeeze in a clean kitchen towel to remove some moisture. This keeps your flagels from being soggy and helps them bake nicely!
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, and baking powder. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This is where the creamy texture comes from!
4. Combine the Batter:
Now, add in the chopped spinach, flour, optional Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are mixed well into a thick batter. Make sure there are no dry spots!
5. Fill the Molds:
Spoon the mixture evenly into your prepared muffin tin or molds, filling each one about three-quarters full. You can smooth the tops with the back of a spoon for a neat finish.
6. Bake:
Place the tin in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. They’re done when they’re set, lightly golden on the top, and a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, carefully remove the flagels from the molds. They’re a bit delicate when warm, so handle them gently!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These flagels are best served warm or at room temperature. You can enjoy them on their own or with a spread like cream cheese or butter. They make a fantastic snack or a light, savory breakfast!
Enjoy your delicious Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels—healthy, tasty, and oh so easy to make!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This will prevent your flagels from becoming soggy.
Is There a Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese if you prefer a different flavor or texture. Just note that ricotta may make the flagels a bit sweeter, while Greek yogurt adds a tangy element.
How Should I Store Leftover Flagels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or warm them in the oven to bring back their original flavor and texture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Herbs?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped onions, bell peppers, or even herbs like dill or basil for additional flavor. Just make sure to finely chop them and remove excess moisture if necessary.
