This Cottage Cheese Bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with protein! The cottage cheese gives it a unique texture and a lovely flavor that makes each bite delightful.
Baking this bread is so much fun, and it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. I love to spread a bit of butter on warm slices—yum! It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the show! You can use full-fat for a richer taste or low-fat for a lighter version. If your cottage cheese is too watery, just drain it a bit to avoid a soggy bread.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best here for a nice structure. If you want a gluten-free option, try a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but the texture may change slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of your bread. You can swap it with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the flavor will be different.
Sugar: The sugar is optional; add 1-2 tablespoons if you like a hint of sweetness. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, use honey or maple syrup but adjust your wet ingredients accordingly.
Cheese: Shredded cheese adds flavor and crust texture. Cheddar is great, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or even feta for a unique taste!
How Do I Make Sure My Bread Is Moist and Tender?
The key to a moist and tender bread lies in how you mix the ingredients. It’s crucial not to overmix the dough once you add the cottage cheese. Here are some tips to keep it light:
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
- When folding in the cottage cheese, use a gentle touch. You want to keep the curds intact for that lovely texture.
- Ensure your oven is preheated properly, as baking at the right temperature is essential for a good rise.
Letting the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes is also important; this helps maintain moisture before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, drained if very wet)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice (to react with baking soda)
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or similar) for extra flavor and crust texture
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 45-55 minutes for baking. After that, you should cool the bread for about 10 minutes in the pan and then let it cool completely on a wire rack. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 20 minutes before you can indulge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First thing’s first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a loaf pan and lightly grease it with butter, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal later. Both are great options!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if you’re using it). Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly and ensure that the leavening agents are well distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, milk, and vinegar (or lemon juice). This mixture will create a nice rise in your bread when combined with the dry ingredients.
4. Combine Mixtures:
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir them together until just combined. It’s okay if it’s a little lumpy; don’t overmix it!
5. Add Cottage Cheese:
Gently fold in the cottage cheese, being careful not to overmix. You want it evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking up the curds too much. If you’re using shredded cheese, this is the time to add it too!
6. Fill the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
7. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it—when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, it’s ready!
8. Cool Down:
Once it’s done, take the loaf out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help it set a bit more. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and Serve:
Once the bread is cool, slice it up! It’s delicious on its own or toasted. Perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack! Enjoy the deliciously moist, tender crumb and that lovely crust!
This Cottage Cheese Bread is sure to be a hit in your kitchen. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cottage cheese is the key ingredient, you can experiment with different types of shredded cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta can add unique flavors and textures to your bread.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want a dairy-free version, swap the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative, like tofu or dairy-free yogurt. For the butter, use coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine, and opt for almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
What If My Bread Turns Out Dense?
A dense bread can happen if the batter is overmixed. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Also, ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh to achieve a good rise!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from the freezer!
