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Irresistibly Easy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels for Any Meal

Easy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels

These Easy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels are a savory, cheesy, and satisfying snack that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Packed with protein and spinach, the cottage cheese creates an unbelievably soft and tender dough. They are a versatile and delicious vegetarian treat perfect for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a light meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup Cottage Cheese (Use full-fat for the best, creamiest texture)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Avocado oil works well too)
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (You can use almond flour for a gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Make sure it's fresh for the best rise)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (Sea salt is a great choice)
  • 2 cups Baby Spinach (Finely chopped)
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Or try feta for a tangier flavor)

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Medium bowl
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Kitchen towel or cheesecloth
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat and Prep: First things first, get your oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent any sticking. This simple step makes cleanup so much easier later on.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cottage cheese, olive oil, and egg. Whisk them together until they are well-blended and relatively smooth. Don't worry if the cottage cheese leaves a few small curds; that's part of the charm.
  3. Prepare the Spinach: If you're using fresh baby spinach, you'll want to cook it down first. You can either sauté it in a pan for a few minutes until wilted or microwave it for about a minute. The most important step is to squeeze out as much water as possible. Place the wilted spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring it out completely. Excess water will make your dough sticky and wet.
  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which helps the flagels rise properly.
  5. Create the Dough: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—you don't want to overmix. Now, gently fold in the finely chopped, dry spinach and the shredded mozzarella cheese. The dough for these Easy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels will be soft and a little sticky.
  6. Shape the Flagels: Lightly flour your hands and a clean work surface. Scoop out about 1/4 cup of dough at a time and roll it into a ball. Gently flatten the ball into a disc, about 3-4 inches wide. Use your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon to poke a hole in the center, stretching it slightly to create that classic flagel shape. Place each one on your prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the flagels feel firm to the touch. The smell that fills your kitchen will be absolutely amazing!
  8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the flagels cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They are delicious warm from the oven but are also fantastic at room temperature, making them a perfect healthy snack anytime.

Notes

The most critical tip is to squeeze as much water as possible from the wilted spinach to prevent a soggy dough. Do not overwork the dough; mix only until the ingredients are just combined for a light, tender texture. The dough is naturally soft and sticky; chilling it for 15-20 minutes or lightly flouring your hands can make it easier to shape. For substitutions, almond flour can be used for a gluten-free option, and a flax egg with vegan cheeses can make the recipe vegan. The flagels can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and are freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.