Cottage Cheese Bread

If you’re looking for a soft, fluffy homemade bread that’s high in protein and full of subtle tangy flavor, this Cottage Cheese Bread is just what you need. Made with simple ingredients and packed with creamy cottage cheese, it’s a nourishing and delicious loaf that works beautifully for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoyed warm with a pat of butter.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Protein-Packed – Cottage cheese adds a healthy dose of protein to every slice.
Moist & Tender – The curds melt into the dough, making each bite soft and fluffy.
No Special Tools Needed – Simple ingredients and easy steps make it beginner-friendly.
Versatile – Great for breakfast, sandwiches, or alongside soups and salads.
Freezer-Friendly – Make a double batch and save a loaf for later.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Dough:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for brushing)
• 3 cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)
• 1 tsp salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tbsp flaxseed or chia seeds
• 2 tbsp rolled oats (for topping)
• 1 tbsp chopped herbs (like rosemary or chives)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stand mixer with dough hook (or mix by hand)
• Loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5 inch)
• Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water and honey.
2. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5–10 minutes, or until it becomes foamy.

Step 2: Warm the Cottage Cheese
3. Gently warm the cottage cheese in the microwave for 30–45 seconds until just lukewarm (not hot).
This prevents shocking the yeast when added to the dough.

Step 3: Mix the Dough
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, melted butter, and the yeast mixture.
5. Stir in salt and 2 cups of flour.
6. Begin mixing, adding more flour ¼ cup at a time until a soft, sticky dough forms.
7. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for 6–8 minutes. If mixing by hand, knead on a floured surface for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4: First Rise
8. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.
9. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 5: Shape and Second Rise
10. Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface.
11. Shape into a loaf and place into a greased loaf pan.
12. Cover loosely and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes, or until puffy and about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.

Step 6: Bake the Bread
13. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
14. Brush the top of the dough with melted butter and sprinkle with oats or seeds, if using.
15. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
16. If the top is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Cool & Slice
17. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Bread
Don’t Overheat the Cottage Cheese – Just warm slightly so it blends well without killing the yeast.
Use Fresh Yeast – Ensure your yeast is active to get the best rise and texture.
Knead Until Smooth – Proper kneading helps develop gluten for structure and fluffiness.
Avoid Over-Flouring – Add flour gradually; too much can make the bread dense.
Let It Cool Before Slicing – This preserves texture and keeps slices from crumbling.

Serving Suggestions
Toast with Jam or Honey – A simple and nourishing breakfast.
Sandwich Bread – Perfect for turkey, egg salad, or veggie sandwiches.
Grilled Cheese – Melts beautifully with cheddar or mozzarella.
With Soup – Pair with tomato soup, chili, or creamy chowder.
French Toast – Makes an ultra-rich and tender version.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Room Temperature: Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Can extend freshness up to 5 days, but may dry slightly.

Freezing:

• Whole Loaf: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil; freeze up to 2 months.
• Slices: Freeze individually wrapped slices for quick toast-on-demand.
• Thaw at room temperature and reheat as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes! Start with 1 cup whole wheat and 2 cups all-purpose. You may need a bit more water and kneading time.

2. Is this bread gluten-free?
Not as written. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your yeast is certified gluten-free.

3. Can I use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese?
Yes, though full-fat yields the best texture and flavor. Lower-fat versions work but may be slightly less rich.

4. Why didn’t my bread rise well?
Check that your yeast is fresh, and ensure your ingredients weren’t too cold or too hot when mixed.

5. Can I make it in a bread machine?
Absolutely. Add ingredients in the order recommended by your machine, and use the basic white or sandwich bread cycle.

Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese Bread is soft, slightly chewy, and packed with flavor from the creamy cheese. It’s a versatile loaf that works just as well for everyday toast as it does for elevated sandwiches or dinner sides. Once you bake it, you’ll want to keep a loaf around all week long.

Bake it today and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your feedback and see your photos—tag me in your homemade creations.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, yields ~12 slices):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 7g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 190mg

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