Description
These Spinach and Cottage Cheese Rings are a delightful combination of soft, chewy bread and a creamy, flavorful filling. Perfect as a snack or an impressive addition to any meal, they are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup cottage cheese, drained
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust according to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (110°F or 43°C) with 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active. Avoid using water that’s too hot, as it can kill the yeast.
- Add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. You might want to use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine everything thoroughly.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. You’ll know it’s ready when it springs back slightly when pressed. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can lead to tough bread.
- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size. This is a crucial step for fluffy bread rings.
- While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach), 1 cup of drained cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles, then divide it into 8 equal portions.
- Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it slightly with your hands. Use your fingers to create a hole in the center, shaping it into a ring. Make sure the hole is large enough, as it will close up slightly during baking.
- Place the formed rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon an equal amount of the spinach and cottage cheese filling into the center of each ring.
- Brush the tops of the rings with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color as they bake. This step is often overlooked, but it makes a significant difference in the final appearance.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the rings are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking, as this can dry them out.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ring
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: To prevent the dough from sticking, always work on a well-floured surface. If it feels too sticky while kneading, add a bit more flour, but be cautious not to overdo it.