Spinach Cottage Cheese Patties
Soft and savory inside with beautifully golden, lightly crisp edges. These protein-rich patties are made with spinach, cottage cheese, eggs, and fresh green onion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup finely grated zucchini, squeezed very dry
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp oat flour or breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
1. Prepare the Spinach
- Finely chop the spinach.
- Place it in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until wilted.
- Let it cool slightly.
- Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
2. Prepare the Mixture
- Add cottage cheese and eggs to a large bowl.
- Add the spinach, squeezed zucchini, green onions, Parmesan, oat flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until combined.
- Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes so the flour can absorb some moisture.
3. Shape the Patties
- Divide the mixture into 8 portions.
- With slightly damp hands, shape each portion into a thick oval or round patty.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add another tablespoon of oat flour.
4. Cook
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Place the patties in the pan, leaving space between them.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Oven Method
Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per patty, based on 8 patties:
- Calories: ~100
- Protein: ~8 g
- Carbohydrates: ~4 g
- Fat: ~5 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Sugar: ~1 g
- Net Carbs: ~3 g
Nutrition varies depending on the cottage cheese, Parmesan, and oat flour used.
Nut Information
- Nuts: None required.
- Peanuts: None required.
- Dairy: Contains cottage cheese and Parmesan.
- Eggs: Contains eggs.
- Gluten: Use certified gluten-free oat flour if needed.
- Nut-free: Yes, provided all packaged ingredients are free from nut cross-contact.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw it completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it.
Q: Can I leave out the zucchini?
Yes. The patties will still work, but zucchini adds moisture and vegetables.
Q: Can I make these without flour?
Yes. You can omit the oat flour, but the mixture will be softer. Add a little extra Parmesan if needed.
Q: How do I stop the patties from falling apart?
The biggest trick is removing excess moisture from the spinach and zucchini. Also allow the mixture to rest before shaping.
Q: Can I make them higher in protein?
Use high-protein cottage cheese and add a little extra cottage cheese while keeping the mixture thick enough to shape.
Q: Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I prepare them ahead?
Yes. Cooked patties can be refrigerated for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Q: How should I reheat them?
Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until warmed through. The air fryer gives the edges the best texture.
Q: What can I serve with them?
Serve with Greek yogurt, tzatziki, a cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
