Meet your new favorite breakfast or snack: Easy Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Flagels.
If you’ve never heard of a flagel before, think of it as a bagel’s cooler, flatter cousin chewy, golden, and perfect for layering with your favorite spreads or toppings.
This Mediterranean twist adds tangy Kalamata olives, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and melty mozzarella for that sunny, coastal flavor we all love. Plus, the secret ingredient cottage cheese makes them lighter, higher in protein, and incredibly tender inside.
Ready in under 30 minutes, these baked flagels are the ultimate healthy breakfast or lunch option that feels gourmet without the effort.
Table of Contents
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Easy Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Flagels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add cottage cheese to a mini food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olives. Stir until a dough forms. Shape into a thick log about 6 inches long.
- Use a dough cutter or knife to divide the log into 6 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a disc, flatten slightly, and poke a small hole in the center to form a flagel shape.
- Place flagels on baking sheet and brush each with egg wash for a shiny golden crust.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden on top and firm to the touch.
- Transfer baked flagels to a wire rack and cool completely. Serve warm with tzatziki, hummus, whipped feta, or avocado.
Notes
Why You’ll Love These Mediterranean Flagels
- High in Protein Thanks to cottage cheese and mozzarella.
- No Yeast Needed Quick and easy to make in one bowl.
- Mediterranean-Inspired Flavor Packed with olives, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Versatile & Customizable Great with hummus, eggs, or smoked salmon.
- Perfect for Meal Prep Store and reheat for a quick grab-and-go meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini food processor To blend the cottage cheese smooth.
- Large mixing bowl For combining your dough.
- Large rimmed baking sheet For baking the flagels evenly.
- Dough cutter To portion out the dough.
- Wire rack For cooling and maintaining texture.
Ingredients for Easy Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Flagels
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 tbsp chopped basil
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
How to make cottage cheese bread Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Add the cottage cheese to your mini food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy. This helps the dough come together perfectly and ensures a soft texture.
Step 3: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and olives. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and a dough begins to form.
Use your hands to shape the dough into a thick log, about 6 inches long.
Step 4: Shape the Flagels
Use a dough cutter or knife to divide the log into 6 equal pieces.
Shape each piece into a round disc, gently flattening it. Then poke a small hole in the center with your finger to form the signature flagel shape.
Step 5: Brush & Bake
Place the flagels on your prepared baking sheet. Brush each one with the egg wash for a shiny, golden crust.
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until beautifully golden on top and firm to the touch.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Transfer baked flagels to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
Serve warm, sliced, or topped with your favorite spreads like tzatziki, hummus, whipped feta, or avocado.
Nutrition Benefits (Per Flagel – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~190 kcal | A balanced and satisfying snack |
| Protein | 11 g | Boosts satiety and supports muscle health |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g | Energy from whole grains and flour |
| Fat | 6 g | Healthy fats from olives and cheese |
| Fiber | 2 g | Added from olives and sun-dried tomatoes |
| Calcium | High | From cottage cheese and mozzarella |
Flavor Variations
- Herb Lovers: Add oregano, rosemary, or thyme for extra aroma.
- Cheesy Twist: Swap mozzarella for feta or parmesan for a tangier bite.
- Spicy Flagels: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Vegan Version: Replace cottage cheese with vegan ricotta and use plant-based cheese alternatives.
- Sweet Option: Skip the savory mix-ins and add honey, cinnamon, and raisins for a sweet breakfast flagel.
How to Serve Your healthy flagel recipe
- Breakfast: Top with avocado, a poached egg, and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Lunch: Layer with turkey, lettuce, and a drizzle of Greek yogurt sauce.
- Snack: Enjoy with hummus or olive tapenade.
- Dinner Side: Serve warm alongside soups, stews, or grilled chicken.
- Party Appetizer: Cut into wedges and serve with dipping sauces.
Storage & Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw and reheat in a toaster or oven.
- To Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or pop in a toaster until slightly crisp.
Pro Tip: For meal prep, make a double batch and freeze half they taste freshly baked every time!
Pro Baker Tips
1. Blend the Cottage Cheese Well
Smooth cottage cheese ensures even texture and easy mixing — no lumps, just creamy goodness.
2. Use Fresh Basil and Olives
High-quality ingredients make all the difference in Mediterranean recipes. Choose briny Kalamata olives for the best flavor contrast.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once the dough comes together, stop stirring. Overmixing can make your flagels tough instead of tender.
4. Make Them Crispier
For extra crunch, brush the tops with a little olive oil before baking.
5. Let Them Cool on a Wire Rack
Cooling helps keep the crust firm while preventing sogginess underneath.
FAQs: savory cheese bagels
What are flagels?
Flagels are a flattened version of bagels chewy, crisp, and perfect for sandwiches or snacking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Is cottage cheese necessary?
Yes, it adds protein and moisture, giving these flagels their soft, tender crumb.
Can I air fry them instead of baking?
Absolutely. Air fry at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
How do I serve Mediterranean flagels?
Enjoy with spreads like hummus, tzatziki, or whipped feta they’re also delicious on their own!
Conclusion
These Easy Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Flagels are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With a chewy texture, savory Mediterranean flavors, and a boost of protein from cottage cheese, they’re the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition.
Whether you’re meal prepping, entertaining, or just craving something new for breakfast, these homemade flagels deliver freshness and flavor in every bite.
Looking for more easy high-protein bakes? Check out our Healthy Date and Walnut Cake or Cottage Cheese Flatbread.
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