Fluffy Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels for Brunch (Print Version)

Easy Vegetarian Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels: Whip up these savory, fluffy bagels for a quick, wholesome breakfast or lunch youll adore!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Dough Essentials

01 - 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
02 - 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
03 - 1 cup warm water (105-115°F / 40-46°C)
04 - 1 tbsp granulated sugar
05 - 1 tsp salt

→ Flagel Filling

06 - 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese (full-fat recommended)
07 - 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
08 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 - 1/2 tsp onion powder

→ Toppings & Finish

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

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that yeast bubbly. Grab a small bowl, pour in your warm water, and sprinkle in the sugar and yeast. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You want to see it get all foamy and active – that's how you know it's alive and ready to make some beautiful Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels. If it doesn't foam, your yeast might be old, or your water wasn't the right temp. Don't worry, it happens! Just grab fresh yeast and try again.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a little well in the center and pour in your activated yeast mixture. Now, get your hands in there or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then knead for about 5-7 minutes until it's smooth and elastic. It should feel soft and just a little tacky. I always forget how satisfying kneading dough is, honestly. Sometimes, I add a tiny bit more flour if it's too sticky, but just a tablespoon at a time!
03 - Lightly oil a clean bowl, place your dough ball in it, and turn it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean 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 where the magic happens! I usually put it near a sunny window or in a slightly warm oven (turned off, of course). The smell of the yeast working is just lovely, a promise of delicious Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels to come.
04 - While your dough is rising, get your filling ready. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, finely chopped fresh spinach, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix it all up until well combined. This is where the savory goodness for our Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels comes from, so make sure everything is evenly distributed. Taste it! Does it need a tiny pinch more salt? Go for it! This filling is so simple but so flavorful.
05 - Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Take one piece, flatten it into a rough circle, and spoon a generous amount of the spinach cottage cheese mixture into the center. Carefully fold the edges over the filling and pinch them closed to form a ball. Then, gently flatten each ball into a disc, about 4-5 inches wide and fairly flat – hence, 'flagel'! I usually try to make them as uniform as possible, but honestly, some end up a bit wonky, and that's okay!
06 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your shaped Spinach Cottage Cheese Flagels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with an egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they're beautifully golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. The smell filling your kitchen is just incredible at this point – warm, cheesy, and inviting. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before diving in, if you can resist!

# Notes:

01 - Always proof your yeast! If it doesn't foam, your dough won't rise, and you'll end up with dense flagels.
02 - Don't overfill the flagels; it makes them harder to seal and can cause the filling to leak out during baking.
03 - A warm spot for rising is key! A cold kitchen will make your dough rise super slowly, or not at all.
04 - For extra flavor, lightly toast your sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning before sprinkling.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - small bowl
03 - stand mixer (optional)
04 - dough hook (optional)
05 - plastic wrap
06 - baking sheet
07 - parchment paper
08 - pastry brush

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 250-300
Total Fat: 8-12g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-40g
Protein: 12-15g

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