These Spinach Cottage Cheese Flat Bagels are a tasty twist on your regular bagels. Soft yet filling, they combine fresh spinach and creamy cottage cheese for a yummy bite!
They’re perfect for breakfast or a snack, and you can even make mini ones for sharing. I always love a hint of garlic added in—just makes them even better! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: I prefer using low-fat cottage cheese for its creamy texture without the extra calories. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended until smooth.
Oat Flour: Oat flour gives these bagels a nice texture. If you don’t have it, you can easily make your own by blending rolled oats until fine. Alternatively, regular flour or almond flour will also work, keeping in mind they might change the final texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great for its moisture and flavor, but you can use frozen spinach too—just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding. You could also swap in other greens like kale or Swiss chard!
Feta Cheese: While optional, I love adding feta for its tangy flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, a vegan cheese alternative can be a great substitute, or you can leave it out altogether for a light version.
How Do You Get the Right Consistency for the Dough?
Achieving the right dough consistency is key for these bagels. Focus on these steps to get it just right:
- Ensure the cottage cheese is well mixed with the eggs to prevent lumps.
- Gradually add oat flour; you want a thick batter that can hold its shape but isn’t too dry.
- If the dough seems too wet, add a little more flour until it’s manageable for shaping.
- When folding in spinach and feta, gently mix to avoid overworking the dough.
With practice, you’ll find the perfect balance that leads to fluffy bagels every time! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
How to Make Spinach Cottage Cheese Flat Bagels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups (about 340g) low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (about 150g) oat flour or finely ground oats
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional, adds extra tanginess)
- Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll be enjoying delicious bagels in just around 35-40 minutes! Perfect if you’re looking for a quick and nutritious option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and give it a light spray of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Cottage Cheese and Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and eggs. Use a fork or a whisk to mix them together until the mixture is mostly smooth. Don’t worry about getting it completely creamy; a few lumps are okay!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Now, add in the oat flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if you’re using it). Stir everything gently until you have a thick dough—this step is important for the right texture!
4. Add Spinach and Feta:
With a spatula, fold in the chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Mix until the greens and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Shape Your Bagels:
Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it slightly to create a bagel shape. Don’t forget to poke a hole in the center of each one with your finger to form that classic bagel look!
6. Bake the Bagels:
Carefully place the bagels on your lined baking sheet, making sure to space them apart. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bagels out of the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. They are delicious enjoyed warm or toasted—you decide!
Now, you have a delightful batch of Spinach Cottage Cheese Flat Bagels that are soft, flavorful, and packed with goodness! Perfect for breakfast, a healthy snack, or even as part of your lunch. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thoroughly thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dough. This will help prevent your bagels from becoming too watery.
Can I Substitute the Oat Flour?
Yes, you can substitute oat flour with regular all-purpose flour, almond flour, or even whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that this may change the texture a bit, so adjust the amount if needed to achieve the right dough consistency.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them. Just thaw and lightly toast when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to add other ingredients like herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or even different cheeses to customize the flavors to your liking. Just be mindful of the moisture they might add to the dough.