This cottage cheese bread is soft, fluffy, and super easy to make! It combines creamy cottage cheese with simple ingredients, giving you a tasty loaf perfect for toasting or sandwiches.
I love making this bread because it always comes out great, and my kitchen smells amazing! Plus, it’s a nice way to sneak in some protein for breakfast or snacks. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: The star of this recipe! Make sure to get well-drained cottage cheese for the best texture. If you want a smoother bread, you could blend the cottage cheese to eliminate lumps. Cream cheese or ricotta are great substitutes if you’re in a pinch.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the bread structure. If you want a healthier bread, you can blend whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio. Just remember, whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid!
Active Dry Yeast: Essential for that lovely rise! If you have instant yeast, feel free to use it. You’ll skip the frothy step—just mix it in with the dry ingredients. If you’re out of yeast, baking powder won’t work here, but sourdough starter could be an interesting alternative.
Milk: Warm milk helps activate the yeast. You can substitute it with any non-dairy milk or even yogurt mixed with water for a tangy twist. Just make sure it’s warm, not hot!
How Do You Knead Dough for Perfect Bread?
Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives bread its chewy texture. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
- Push the dough away from you with the heel of your hand.
- Fold it back over itself, give it a quarter turn, and repeat this process.
- If the dough is sticky, dust with a little flour, but avoid adding too much—too much flour can make the bread dense.
- Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. To test, poke it; it should spring back gently.
Trust me, this hand-on approach is worth it for that perfect texture!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cottage cheese, well drained
- 1 cup warm milk (around 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish. You’ll need around 15-20 minutes to prepare and mix the ingredients, plus 2 rising periods totaling about 2 hours. Then baking takes around 30-35 minutes. The wait is totally worth it for that soft and flavorful bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Activate the Yeast:
In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top of the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it gets nice and frothy, which means the yeast is alive and kicking!
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and salt. Stir to mix the two together evenly, so the salt distributes well and interacts with the yeast later on.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the cottage cheese and melted butter into the yeast mixture, and stir it all together until well combined. Then, gradually pour this wet mixture into your bowl of dry ingredients. Keep stirring until a dough begins to form.
4. Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 8-10 minutes. You want the dough to become smooth and elastic. If it feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little more flour as you knead.
5. Let It Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. This step is crucial for that light and fluffy bread!
6. Shape the Loaf:
After the first rise, punch down the dough to remove any air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover it again and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it’s slightly above the edge of the pan.
7. Preheat and Prepare for Baking:
While your dough is doing its second rise, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is ready when the dough is done rising.
8. Egg Wash and Bake:
Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it gently over the top of the loaf. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor. Now it’s time to bake! Place the loaf in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Patience is key, but it’ll be so rewarding when you take that first bite!
Enjoy your soft, moist, and flavorful cottage cheese bread with a slightly crisp crust! It’s perfect on its own or as a base for sandwiches.
Can I Use Low-Fat or Non-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or non-fat cottage cheese! Just note that the bread may be slightly less rich and moist, but it should still turn out delicious.
What Happens If My Yeast Doesn’t Foam?
If your yeast doesn’t foam after 10 minutes, it may be dead or inactive. This could happen if the milk was too hot or cold. In this case, it’s best to start over with fresh yeast to ensure your bread rises properly.
Can I Make This Bread Without Eggs?
Absolutely! If you’d like to make it egg-free, simply skip the egg wash. You can achieve a similar shine on the crust by brushing the loaf with a little melted butter before baking, or you can use a non-dairy milk for a vegan option.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer. It should last for up to 3 months.
