Cottage Cheese Bread

Soft, hearty, and subtly tangy, this Cottage Cheese Bread is a protein-rich twist on classic homemade bread. With cottage cheese baked right into the dough, it delivers extra moisture, a tender crumb, and mild cheesy flavor without overpowering sweetness or saltiness. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with a pat of butter, this loaf is easy to make and always satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Protein-Packed – Thanks to cottage cheese and eggs, it’s a nourishing loaf.
Soft & Moist – Cottage cheese adds tenderness and rich texture.
Simple to Make – No special equipment or techniques needed.
Versatile – Great for both sweet and savory toppings.
Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for batch baking and storage.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

2½ cups all-purpose flour (or half whole wheat for extra fiber)
2¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
1½ tsp salt
1 tbsp honey or sugar
1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
1 cup cottage cheese (room temperature)
2 tbsp melted butter or oil
1 egg (room temperature)

Optional Toppings:
Oats, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or stand mixer with dough hook
Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
Oven and cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy. If the mixture doesn’t foam, your yeast may be expired.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Stir in the cottage cheese, egg, and melted butter until well combined.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and salt gradually, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
Knead by hand for 8–10 minutes (or 5–6 minutes with a stand mixer) until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 to 1½ hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
Punch down the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cover and let rise again for 30–45 minutes, until puffy and just above the rim of the pan.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Let cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Bread
Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps the yeast activate and the dough rise evenly.
Don’t Overflour – The dough should be slightly tacky but not wet.
Blending Cottage Cheese – Optional, but makes for a smoother texture.
Make it Savory or Sweet – Add herbs and garlic or a touch of cinnamon and raisins.
Store Properly – Keep wrapped tightly to maintain moisture.

Serving Suggestions
With Butter and Jam – A perfect morning toast option.
Savory Sandwiches – Great with turkey, cheese, or grilled vegetables.
French Toast – High protein and extra soft for soaking up batter.
Avocado Toast – A hearty base for your favorite toppings.
Soup Sidekick – Perfect with tomato soup or hearty stews.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temp: Store in an airtight container or bread bag for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps up to 5 days, but texture may firm slightly.

Freezing:
Wrap the cooled loaf (or slices) in plastic and foil. Freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature or toast straight from frozen.

Reheating:
Toaster: For crispy edges and warm center.
Microwave: 10–15 seconds per slice if you prefer soft texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this gluten-free?
   You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary.
2. Can I use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese?
   Yes, but full-fat yields the best flavor and moisture.
3. Can I use instant yeast?
   Absolutely—just mix it directly with the flour and skip the activation step.
4. Why is my dough too sticky?
   Add flour a tablespoon at a time while kneading until it’s just tacky, not wet.
5. Can I make this in a bread machine?
   Yes—use the “basic” setting and add ingredients in the order recommended by your machine.

Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese Bread is the perfect way to add a nutritional boost to your baking without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re using it for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying a warm slice fresh from the oven, it’s a versatile and satisfying loaf you’ll come back to again and again.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 90 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American / High-Protein Baking

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 1 of 12):
Calories: 190 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Sodium: 230mg

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