This cottage cheese bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with protein! With cottage cheese mixed right into the dough, it adds a lovely, creamy texture and a hint of flavor.
It’s super easy to whip up—just mix, knead, and bake! I love to enjoy a slice warm with butter. Trust me, it disappears fast! Who can resist a fresh slice of homemade bread? 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the bread, giving it structure. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Just watch for any additional binding agents listed in the mix.
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat is best for moisture and richness, but low-fat cottage cheese can work too. If you’re dairy-free, you could experiment with silken tofu blended until smooth, though the texture might differ slightly.
Active Dry Yeast: If you can’t find active dry yeast, instant yeast can be used instead. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients without activating it in water first.
Sugar: This adds a hint of sweetness and helps the yeast activate. If you’re avoiding sugar, honey or maple syrup can serve as natural alternatives, but be sure to adjust the liquid amount accordingly.
Garlic Powder: This optional ingredient adds flavor. You can substitute with fresh garlic, or skip it entirely if you prefer a plain loaf.
How Do I Knead Dough to Get the Right Texture?
Kneading is crucial for developing gluten, which gives bread its chewy texture. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start with lightly floured hands and a clean surface. Take the dough and fold it over onto itself.
- Push the dough away using the heel of your hand, then fold the dough back over.
- Turn the dough a quarter turn and repeat the process for about 8-10 minutes.
- If the dough sticks too much, sprinkle small amounts of flour as needed, but avoid over-flouring. The dough should be smooth and elastic when done.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat, well-drained)
- 1/2 cup warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
For Topping:
- Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation, plus 1 to 1.5 hours for rising, and another 30-35 minutes for baking. Altogether, plan for about 2 hours to enjoy fresh, delicious cottage cheese bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Yeast Mixture:
Start by pouring the warm water into a small bowl. Stir in the sugar until it’s dissolved, then gently sprinkle the yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it looks bubbly and frothy. This means the yeast is active and ready to use!
2. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. If you’re using garlic powder, add that in too! Then, toss in the well-drained cottage cheese. Mix everything together until evenly distributed.
3. Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the frothy yeast mixture, the egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Mix them together until a sticky dough forms.
4. Kneading the Dough:
Lightly flour your work surface and turn out the dough. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a tiny bit more flour, but try not to add too much!
5. First Rise:
Place the dough into a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 to 1.5 hours until it’s doubled in size. This is when the magic happens!
6. Prepping for Baking:
Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). After that, punch down the dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf. You can place it in a greased loaf pan or shape it into a round loaf on a baking tray if you like that style.
7. Egg Wash & Second Rise:
Brush the top of your loaf with the egg wash (the egg yolk mixed with water). If you’re using sesame seeds, now’s the time to sprinkle them on top! Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes until it puffs up slightly.
8. Baking the Bread:
Pop the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on it—it’s ready when the crust is golden brown and it sounds hollow when you tap on the bottom.
9. Cooling and Slicing:
Once your bread is out of the oven, let it cool on a wire rack for a bit. It’s hard to resist, but allowing it to cool properly will make slicing easier. Then, slice and enjoy your soft, moist, and flavorful Cottage Cheese Bread!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese! While it may result in a slightly less moist bread, it will still work well. Just ensure it is well-drained to avoid extra moisture in the dough.
What Can I Use Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
If you don’t have active dry yeast, you can substitute it with instant yeast. Just add instant yeast directly to the dry ingredients without needing to activate it in water first!
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving!
Can I Add Other Flavors or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your bread by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even cheese, nuts, or seeds for added flavor and texture.
