Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe is a delightful twist on the traditional bagel that brings a fresh, wholesome vibe to your table. These flagels are wonderfully soft on the inside with a golden crust outside, bursting with spinach’s vibrant flavor and creamy cottage cheese. They’re perfect for a cozy breakfast, a light lunch, or a snack that will have everyone reaching for seconds. If you love savory breads that are easy to whip up and pleasing to the whole family, this recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to.
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What Makes This So Good
This Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe blends simple ingredients into a flaky, flavorful bread that’s both hearty and light. The creamy cottage cheese keeps the texture tender, while spinach adds freshness and a pop of green that’s inviting and healthy.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: You get the taste of fresh spinach and cheese baked into a soft, golden bread without complex steps or long rising times.
- Family-Friendly: These flagels are so approachable — kids love the cheesy softness, and adults appreciate the wholesome ingredients.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most on hand already: cottage cheese, spinach, flour, and a few pantry staples.
- Works Any Night: Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a unique brunch item, these flagels hit the spot every time.
Ingredient Guide
Picking the right ingredients here really makes a difference in the final flavor and texture of your Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe. Here’s how to make thoughtful choices and some swaps if needed.
- Cottage Cheese: Use small-curd if you can—smooth and creamy is best. I find it helps to pulse it before mixing to avoid lumps.
- All-Purpose Flour: The classic option keeps the crumb soft yet sturdy. For a slight twist, try a blend with whole wheat for nuttiness.
- Baking Powder: Freshness matters here—it’s what gives your flagels their lovely lift and tender crumb.
- Baby Spinach: Finely chopped for even distribution. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The melty shredded mozzarella adds a gentle cheesiness that complements the cottage cheese beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil for depth and subtle fruity notes.
- Egg: For the wash, a simple beaten egg gives the flagels that irresistible glossy, golden top.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper — this step helps the flagels bake evenly and prevents sticking, which saves you cleanup time later. While the oven warms up, pulse your cottage cheese in a mini food processor until it's smooth and creamy. This little trick ensures your dough will be silky without unexpected lumps, giving you that beautiful soft crumb inside.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
In a large bowl, gather your processed cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, olive oil, finely chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined — you'll notice the dough comes together, slightly sticky but pliable. Using your hands, shape the dough into a thick 6-inch log. Don’t worry if it feels soft; the cottage cheese keeps it moist. Divide this log into six equal portions, then flatten each piece gently and press a hole in the center with your finger to form that classic bagel shape. Place them on your parchment-lined sheet and brush each with the beaten egg wash. This step will give you those crusty, shiny tops that feel so welcoming fresh from the oven.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Bake your flagels for 22 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye for the golden-brown color and slight crispness at the edges. The kitchen will fill with a cozy aroma of melted cheese and olive oil — my favorite moment! Once done, transfer the flagels to a wire rack to cool completely. This step keeps the bottoms from getting soggy and helps the texture to set just right. Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a smear of cream cheese or a dab of your favorite jam for a fun contrast. You’ll find these flagels so satisfying and comforting, perfect for any time you crave something homemade but fuss-free.
Extra Helpful Tips
When making this Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe, a few tricks will make your baking journey smoother and your results even better.
- Watch for This Sign: When the tops are a deep golden brown with crispy edges, your flagels are perfectly baked.
- Temperature Trick: Let the flagels cool on a rack fully before storing to preserve their crisp crust and avoid moisture buildup.
- Prep-Ahead Option: You can shape and refrigerate the flagels overnight; just brush with egg wash and bake fresh the next day.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t over-flour your hands when shaping—too much flour might make the dough dry rather than soft and tender.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
If you want to jazz up your Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe, try topping them with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning before baking for a savory crunch. Fresh herbs like dill or chives folded into the dough or sprinkled on top after baking add a bright, fresh note. A side dollop of herbed cream cheese or savory pesto makes for a luscious dip that’s just irresistible.
Tasty Pairings
These flagels pair wonderfully with a fresh garden salad for lunch, comforting tomato soup on cooler days, or alongside a platter of smoked salmon and sliced tomatoes to build an elegant brunch spread. A cup of herbal tea or a mild coffee rounds out the experience perfectly.
Quick Plating Tips
Arrange your flagels stacked slightly askew on a simple white plate, garnished lightly with fresh spinach leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for color. A small bowl of olive oil with herbs on the side makes it inviting for dipping and elevates the rustic feel. Simple, approachable plating goes a long way.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
Your leftover flagels keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll soften a bit but retain their delicious flavor. Just avoid stacking wet or warm flagels together to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes, these flagels freeze beautifully! Wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat to refresh the texture.
Reheat Like New
To warm your flagels, I recommend the oven: pop them into a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to regain that fresh-baked crispness. The microwave works in a pinch—heat for about 20 seconds but know it won’t be as crunchy. A skillet on medium-low heat with a quick flip works beautifully too, reviving that golden crust and soft interior.
Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the spinach fully and squeeze out all excess liquid before mixing it into the dough. This helps avoid sogginess and keeps your flagels perfectly soft but not wet.
While not mandatory, pulsing the cottage cheese smooths the texture and improves how the dough holds together. If you don’t have one, try whisking it vigorously with a fork to break up curds.
You can try substituting the cottage cheese and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives, but texture and rise might differ. Using a vegan egg wash or brushing with olive oil helps achieve a nice crust without eggs.
Store cooled flagels in an airtight container at room temperature up to two days or refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze as described above, then reheat gently when ready to enjoy.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I love how this Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe turns simple ingredients into an irresistible bread packed with flavor and texture. Once you bake your first batch, you'll see how incredibly versatile these are, ready for any meal or snack time. If you try adding different herbs or cheeses, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your twists! Don’t forget to rate this recipe if it becomes a favorite in your home. Happy baking!
Print📖 Recipe
Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels Recipe
Delightfully soft and savory Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels, these bagel-shaped treats combine creamy cottage cheese, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella for a deliciously wholesome snack or breakfast option. Lightly baked to golden perfection and brushed with egg wash for a shiny crust, these flagels offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make them an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 flagels
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Flagel Dough
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ounces baby spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Process Cottage Cheese: In a mini food processor, pulse the cottage cheese until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. This step ensures the cheese blends evenly into the dough.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the processed cottage cheese, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, olive oil, finely chopped spinach, and shredded mozzarella. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly incorporated and form a cohesive dough.
- Shape the Flagels: Using clean hands, form the dough into a thick log approximately 6 inches long. Cut the log into 6 equal pieces. Take each piece and shape it into a flattened circle. Create a hole in the center of each circle with your finger to form the characteristic bagel shape.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Place the shaped flagels onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the lightly beaten egg wash to give them a golden and glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the flagels are golden brown.
- Cool: Once baked, transfer the flagels to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before serving to achieve the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- To make the dough easier to handle, keep your hands lightly floured while shaping.
- Using fresh baby spinach adds a mild flavor, but you can substitute with frozen spinach after thoroughly draining excess moisture.
- For a richer crust, you can double brush the egg wash halfway through baking.
- These flagels are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to experiment with different shredded cheeses like cheddar or feta for varied flavors.
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