Simple Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels for Breakfast (Print Version)

Whip up easy spinach cottage cheese flagels! Fluffy, savory, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick, wholesome breakfast or snack. Get the recipe now!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
03 - 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
04 - 1 cup (225g) full-fat cottage cheese
05 - 1 cup (30g) fresh spinach, finely chopped

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

06 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
07 - 1 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/2 tsp onion powder

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
11 - 2 tbsp everything bagel seasoning

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that yeast bubbly! In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You want to see it get foamy and smell a little yeasty – that means it's alive and ready to work its magic. If nothing happens, your yeast might be expired, or your water was too hot or cold, and you'll need to start fresh. I've definitely had to toss a batch or two in my day, it happens!
02 - Once your yeast is happy, add the cottage cheese, finely chopped spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the bowl. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Then, gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing with a spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms. This is where I sometimes get a bit impatient and add all the flour at once, leading to a much harder mix. Take your time, feel the dough come together, it’s part of the process!
03 - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. It should feel less sticky now. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat, then cover it with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it's doubled in size. This is the hardest part for me – waiting! The smell of the rising dough is just wonderful, though, a hint of what's to come.
04 - Gently punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten it into an oval or round shape, about 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly. I'm not going to lie, my flagels are rarely perfectly shaped; some are more 'rustic' than others, but that's part of their homemade charm, right? Don't stress about perfection here.
05 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop 2-3 flagels into the boiling water at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Boil for 30 seconds on each side. This quick boil is crucial for that classic chewy bagel-like texture. I once skipped this step thinking it wouldn't make a difference, and they came out more like bread rolls. Lesson learned!
06 - Using a slotted spoon, remove the boiled easy spinach cottage cheese flagels and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until they're beautifully golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point? Pure bliss! Let them cool on a wire rack for a bit before diving in.

# Notes:

01 - Personal cooking tip: Don't skip the boiling step; it's key for that chewy texture you want.
02 - Storage advice: These easy spinach cottage cheese flagels freeze beautifully, just thaw and toast for a fresh taste.
03 - Substitution suggestion: Feta cheese can be a fun, tangy swap for cottage cheese if you're feeling bold.
04 - Serving tip: A generous schmear of cream cheese and a fried egg makes these extra special.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowls
02 - whisk
03 - measuring cups & spoons
04 - cutting board
05 - sharp knife
06 - kitchen towel
07 - plastic wrap
08 - large pot
09 - slotted spoon
10 - baking sheet
11 - parchment paper
12 - pastry brush
13 - wire rack

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250-300
Total Fat: 5-8g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-45g
Protein: 10-12g

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