These Spinach Cottage Cheese Flat Bagels are a tasty twist on a classic! Packed with nutritious spinach and creamy cottage cheese, they’re both healthy and filling.
Making these is a breeze! I love whipping them up for breakfast or a snack, and they pair perfectly with cream cheese or your favorite spread. Yum! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives a creamy texture and richness. You could substitute with low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version but expect less flavor. Greek yogurt is another tasty alternative if you’re looking for something different.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the dough and provide moisture. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let it sit until gel-like) for a vegan option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds nutrition and flavor. If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach; just be sure to drain it well after cooking. Kale also works as another green option.
Flour: Self-rising flour ensures your bagels rise perfectly with less effort. If you don’t have it, all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt works too. Just remember to mix them in well.
Parmesan Cheese: For added flavor, Parmesan is great, but you can omit it or substitute with grated cheddar or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Shape the Flat Bagels Perfectly?
Shaping your flat bagels is key to getting them right! Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Dust your hands with flour to avoid sticking as you work with the dough.
- Take a portion of dough (about the size of a large lemon) and press it into a disc about 5-6 inches wide.
- Carefully make a hole in the center using your fingers, then gently stretch it to form a bagel shape. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect – they’ll still taste great!
Remember, the holes should be a bit larger than you think because they may shrink during baking. This allows for the right texture and promotes even cooking. Happy baking!
How to Make Spinach Cottage Cheese Flat Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bagels:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ½ tsp salt)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking tray)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, so you can have your delicious spinach cottage cheese flat bagels ready in about 35-40 minutes. Perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important so your bagels bake evenly. While the oven heats up, you can prepare the baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with olive oil.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, take the cottage cheese and crack in the eggs. Mix them together well until the mixture is smooth. This is the creamy base for your bagels.
3. Add Flavor:
Add the finely chopped spinach, grated Parmesan (if you’re using it), and minced garlic (if desired) into the bowl. Stir everything together until the ingredients are nicely combined. This mixture will be flavorful and nutritious!
4. Create the Dough:
Now, gradually fold in the self-rising flour (or the mixture of all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt) into the cottage cheese mixture. Keep mixing until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but still manageable. If needed, you can sprinkle a bit more flour to make it easier to handle.
5. Shape the Bagels:
Dust your hands lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Take portions of the dough and shape them into flat, round bagels, about 5-6 inches in diameter. Be sure to press a hole in the center of each to create that classic bagel shape.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Arrange the shaped bagels on your prepared baking tray. For a nice touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra flavor and crunch.
7. Bake the Bagels:
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bagels are golden brown on top and cooked through. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they are done, take the bagels out of the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps them maintain their shape and texture. Then, you’re ready to enjoy your soft, savory spinach and cottage cheese flat bagels!
Enjoy them as a healthy breakfast or snack!
Can I Use Different Greens Besides Spinach?
Absolutely! You can use other greens such as kale or Swiss chard. Just make sure to chop them finely and, if using frozen greens, thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Self-Rising Flour?
No problem! You can easily make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix them together before adding to your dough.
How Should I Store the Leftover Bagels?
Store any leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they will keep for about a month.
Can I Replace the Cottage Cheese with Yogurt?
Yes! Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese. This will give your bagels a slightly different flavor and a creamier texture. Just use the same amount for best results.
