Cottage cheese bread is a soft, fluffy loaf that’s easy to make! This bread is packed with protein from the cottage cheese, making it tasty and nutritious.
I love how this bread makes awesome sandwiches or can be toasted for breakfast. Plus, it’s simple enough that even I can whip it up without a fuss! 🍞😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese is the best for this recipe. Its texture contributes to the soft bread. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using a dairy-free ricotta or silken tofu for a different twist.
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives the bread its structure. You can swap half of it with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Gluten-free flour blends are also great, but make sure to add a little xanthan gum for texture!
Active Dry Yeast: This is what helps your dough rise! If you have instant yeast, you can use it without needing to activate it first. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients.
Granulated Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and helps the yeast grow. For a natural alternative, you can use honey or maple syrup; just reduce the liquid slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. You can replace it with olive oil or coconut oil if you want a dairy-free option.
How Do You Achieve The Perfect Dough Consistency?
Getting the right dough consistency is key! Start by following the flour measurements closely, then adjust as needed during kneading. The dough should feel slightly sticky when you touch it but shouldn’t cling to your hands. Here’s how to check:
- After mixing, if the dough is too wet, add more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Knead for 8-10 minutes. This develops gluten, making your bread chewy.
- Dust your surface with flour while kneading, but avoid using too much to keep it soft.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Each time you bake, you’ll get better at recognizing the right texture.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese (small curd preferred)
- 2 1/4 cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup (120ml) warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
- 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparations, plus around 2 hours for the dough to rise (1 to 1.5 hours for the first rise and 30-45 minutes for the second rise). You’ll spend a total of about 1 hour baking time, including cooling. So, all together, plan for about 3 hours to make, rise, bake, and cool your delicious cottage cheese bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This means the yeast is activated and ready to help your bread rise!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, melted butter, and egg until you have a smooth mixture. This creamy combination will help keep your bread moist and flavorful.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
Add the salt and roughly 2 cups of the flour to the wet mixture. Stir it together until it all comes together. This will form a sticky dough.
4. Add the Yeast:
Pour the foamy yeast mixture into the bowl with the dough and mix until everything is well combined.
5. Knead the Dough:
Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour as needed. Knead the dough inside the bowl or on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be smooth, elastic, and a little sticky but not too wet.
6. First Rise:
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours until it has doubled in size. This is the magic of yeast at work!
7. Shape the Dough:
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release any air. Shape it into a loaf by folding it, then place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. If you’d like a braided look, divide the dough into portions and braid them together before placing in the pan.
8. Second Rise:
Cover the shaped loaf again and let it rise for about 30-45 minutes until it puffs up nicely. This will give your bread a light, airy texture.
9. Preheat the Oven:
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake as soon as the dough is done rising!
10. Egg Wash and Seeds:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of water. Brush this mixture over the top of the loaf to give it a shiny, golden finish. If you’re using sesame seeds, sprinkle them on top before baking.
11. Bake:
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You want it to be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped.
12. Cool:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps improve the texture and flavor!
Your cottage cheese bread is now soft, moist, and has a delightful creamy flavor perfect for sandwiches or toast! Enjoy every slice!
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Cottage Cheese?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for cottage cheese, but it will slightly change the texture and flavor. Use an equal amount, and consider smoothing it out a bit with a whisk to mimic the cottage cheese consistency.
What If My Dough Won’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to inactive yeast. Try checking the yeast’s expiration date, or activate it again by dissolving it in warm milk with sugar before proceeding. Also, ensure the rising environment is warm, as yeast thrives best in temperatures between 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
Can I Freeze This Bread?
Absolutely! Once cooled completely, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or toaster for a few minutes.
How Do I Know When the Bread is Fully Baked?
Your bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should be around 190°F (88°C) when fully baked.
