Easy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels

This spinach cottage cheese flagel recipe has become my absolute favorite for weekend brunches. These flat bagels deliver incredible flavor with minimal effort, making them perfect for busy mornings when you still want something homemade and impressive.

I discovered this recipe last winter when craving bagels but lacking time for traditional recipes. Since then these flagels have become my go to solution when hosting family for breakfast gatherings where everyone always asks for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Cottage Cheese: 1 cup processed until smooth gives these bagels moisture and protein
• Flour: 1 cup + 2 tbs provides the structure without making them heavy
• Baking Powder: 3 tsp essential for giving rise without using yeast
• Salt: 1/2 tsp enhances all the flavors without making them salty
• Olive Oil: 1 tbs adds richness and helps with texture
• Baby Spinach: 2 oz micro chopped adds beautiful color and nutrition
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1/2 cup creates pockets of melty goodness
• Egg Wash: 1 beaten egg creates that classic shiny bagel exterior

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is perfect for baking these flagels evenly without burning the bottoms before the centers cook through.

Process The Cottage Cheese:

Add cottage cheese to a mini food processor and pulse until completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This step is crucial as lumpy cottage cheese will create uneven texture in your final flagels.

Mix The Dough:

Combine processed cottage cheese flour baking powder salt olive oil spinach and mozzarella in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The dough will seem slightly wet but still workable this moisture is what gives these flagels their tender interior.

Shape The Flagels:

Use your hands to form the dough into a thick 6 inch log. With a dough cutter divide into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a flatter circle approximately 4 inches wide and use your finger to poke a hole in the center creating that classic bagel shape. The hole should be about 1 inch wide as it will shrink during baking.

Bake To Perfection:

Place shaped flagels on your prepared baking sheet keeping about 2 inches between each. Brush generously with egg wash which will create that beautiful golden brown exterior. Bake for 22 25 minutes until the tops are golden and the flagels feel firm to touch. Transfer immediately to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms.

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The spinach is my favorite addition to this recipe. While you might think it would make them taste too vegetable forward the mozzarella and cottage cheese balance it perfectly creating a subtle earthy flavor that even my vegetable averse nephew devours without complaint.

Freezer Friendly Storage

These flagels freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then toast before serving for that fresh baked texture. For short term storage keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days just be sure to toast them before eating as they tend to soften slightly when stored.

Versatile Variations

The basic cottage cheese dough serves as an excellent canvas for countless flavor combinations. Try replacing spinach with fresh herbs like dill and parsley for a bright herbaceous version. Sun dried tomatoes and basil create a Mediterranean inspired flagel thats delicious with cream cheese. For a sweeter option omit the spinach and add cinnamon with a tablespoon of honey then top with a light cream cheese glaze after baking.

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Serving Suggestions

While delicious on their own these flagels truly shine when paired thoughtfully. Split and toasted they make excellent sandwich bases try smoked salmon with cream cheese capers and red onion for a classic combination. For a hearty breakfast sandwich add a fried egg avocado and turkey bacon. They also pair wonderfully with soups especially tomato or roasted red pepper varieties where their slight cheese flavor complements the acidity.

Make Ahead Strategy

Prepare these flagels up to the shaping stage then place them on a parchment lined tray cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In the morning simply brush with egg wash and bake adding an extra 2 3 minutes to the baking time since theyll be starting cold. This makes them perfect for holiday breakfasts when morning time is limited but you still want something freshly baked.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is a flagel?

A flagel is a flatter version of a bagel, offering a delicious crispy exterior and soft interior.

→ Can I use gluten-free flour for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour to make these flagels gluten-free.

→ How can I store leftover flagels?

Store leftover flagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

→ Do I need a food processor to make the dough?

While a food processor helps achieve smooth cottage cheese, you can mix it by hand if desired.

→ What can I pair with these flagels?

These flagels pair well with spreads like cream cheese, avocado, or tomato slices for a balanced meal.